Geek's Advice

COOT ransomware can be decrypted if files were locked with an offline key

COOT ransomware virus is the newest addition to STOP (DJVU) ransomware group. The virus encrypts all data on victim’s computer system or a whole network, adds .coot extensions to filenames and creates ransom notes (_readme.txt). The ransom notes contain a message from the malware developers who demand paying ransom of $490-$980 in Bitcoin in exchange for a private key required for data decryption. To make matters worse, the virus installs Azorult Trojan on the system.

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.com
Your 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.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7.. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

Read full review here.

STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.