COOT ransomware can be decrypted if files were locked with an offline keyDecryption informationThreat SummaryThe ransomware distribution methods are traditionalRemove COOT ransomware virus and learn what to do next
STOP/DJVU ransomware variants are distributed via malicious software cracks, keygens, and programs like KMSPico virus. Once run on the victimized machine, COOT ransomware uses a sturdy encryption algorithm (RSA-2048) to lock all files, then sends the private key out to the cybercriminals’ remote servers. It can’t be accessed from there. This is the key that can decrypt .coot file extension files, but unfortunately, it is in control of the ransomware developers. To inform the victim about Coot virus attack and encoded data, the malicious program creates _readme.txt ransom note and saves it in each of folder with affected data. The ransom note suggests contacting the attackers via two new emails: salesrestoresoftware@firemail.cc, salesrestoresoftware@gmail.com. The note also suggests sending one encrypted file to them, so that they could prove the decryption tool exists. Needless to say, security experts do not recommend paying the ransom to the criminals. This way, you would encourage them and potentially sponsor their future operations. Full contents of the ransom note are provided below. ATTENTION!Don’t worry, you can return all your files!All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.What guarantees you have?You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:[removed link]Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.To get this software you need write on our e-mail:salesrestoresoftware@firemail.cc Reserve e-mail address to contact us:salesrestoresoftware@gmail.comYour personal ID:[removed] In addition to data corruption, the virus installs Azorult, a password-stealing Trojan that can rip off all saved passwords from your browsers. It is extremely dangerous and we recommend taking actions to complete its and COOT virus removal as soon as possible.
Decryption information
The ransomware is part of the latest DJVU variants which started emerging at the end of August 2019. It is similar to NOOS, LETO, RECO, BOOT, BORA variants. Each of these viruses use an updated encryption method which can’t be broken by security specialists. Furthermore, you must learn how your files were encrypted – either with offline or online key. You can determine that by looking at the end of the personal ID in the ransom note. If the last two symbols in your ID are t1, it means your files were locked by an offline key. If encrypted with offline key, you can decrypt .coot files using STOP DJVU Decryptor by Emsisoft. See guidelines here. Unfortunately, for victims affected by the online keys which are generated in the attackers’ server, there are no ways to decrypt .coot files now. Before starting the data recovery process, victims of this ransomware should remove COOT ransomware virus using an up-to-date antivirus software. Please use the instructions provided at the end of this post and do it safely.
Threat Summary
The ransomware distribution methods are traditional
Ransomware viruses typically spread using the same ways throughout the years, but computer users still fail to protect their systems against such attacks. The most popular distribution methods used are listed below.
Malicious inserts into illegal software activators such as software cracks, key generators and similar;Vulnerabilities in outdated technologies such as Flash Player (typically applies to users of older Windows versions);Infected websites serving compromised files;Deceptive email spam containing links or attachments that lead to malicious payloads.
There are ways to prevent ransomware attacks, and we strongly recommend you to read about them to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Remove COOT ransomware virus and learn what to do next
You can easily remove COOT ransomware virus using instructions given below this article. Please keep in mind that you should only use a trustworthy antivirus software to do the system cleanup. You do not have to choose a paid product if you do not want to – there are free options available. After COOT ransomware removal, you need to do several things. Please check the recommendation list down below.
First of all, change all passwords used for online account. The Azorult Trojan installed by this ransomware could have stolen them. Such login credentials can be easily used to empty your bank account or be sold online, so please protect yourself by changing them. We strongly recommend overlooking which passwords you have previously saved in your browser.Backup encrypted data. You can never know when and how a decryption tool might appear. Also, follow the updates on how to decrypt STOP DJVU files here.Start creating data backups for your personal files. We recommend storing them on external storage devices for extra security. Some ransomware versions can encrypt online clouds, too.
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Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove COOT Ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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