Remove COPA Ransomware (Copa File Virus Removal Guide)
Copa is the latest extension used by Stop/Djvu ransomware virus
Contents
COPA ransomware is a malicious computer virus which uses RSA cipher to encrypt personal files on victim’s computer. During the attack, virus marks encrypted files with .copa file extension, then drops _readme.txt ransom notes demanding a ransom payment for data decryption. According to the note, the victim has to pay $490 in three days or twice the amount later. To learn how to transfer the money for the attackers, the victim is instructed to write to provided emails – helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@airmail.cc. The was first noticed on September 25th, 2020, and is recognized as the 253rd variant of STOP/DJVU ransomware family.
Data encryption isn’t the only damage that this ransomware does to the system. It also installs a password stealer known as AZORULT to gather all victim’s passwords.
This guide explains how the COPA ransomware virus operates, instructions to test official file decryption and recovery tools, and provides steps to remove the virus safely.
_readme.txt delivers criminals’ message
The message in the ransom note dropped by COPA file virus is not ambiguous, to say the least. The note tells the victim that all of his files have been encrypted, thus the ability to access the files is lost. It also states that the encryption itself is performed using an extremely strong cipher. Although it is not mentioned in the note, experts know that STOP/DJVU variants use RSA cipher.
The note also states that the only way to decrypt .copa extension files is to contact the cybercriminals via given email addresses and then follow their instructions regarding the ransom payment. The primary and secondary emails of the ransomware developers are provided (helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@airmail.cc), and the user is encouraged to follow further instructions.
The ransom note suggests testing the COPA decryptor – the victim can send one encrypted file to the cybercriminals and expect a decrypted version in return. However, remember that this might be a smart trick to convince you to transfer the funds to the crooks. It doesn’t 100% mean you will recover all your files after paying the demanded sum of money. The stated ransom size is 980$ in Bitcoin although, according to the criminals, a discount of 50% is available in the first 72 hours.
This extortion technique is used to cause panic and hurried decisions. Although it might seem like a viable option, you should never make a contact with cybercriminals, since you can never be sure that the hacker will keep his end of the bargain. There are countless cases when even after the payment was made, the user did not receive any decryption key. So, to avoid unnecessary financial loss, you should not meet the criminals’ demands.
Unfortunately, there is little you can do to regain access to your files. This is owing to the fact that COPA ransomware uses particularly high-grade military ciphers. To illustrate, trying to decrypt it manually might take years and a huge amount of computer resources.
Consequently, the only viable way to reach your personal files is to use a data backup (provided that you have it).
In addition, it is crucial to understand, that you should remove the virus before using any type of backup, no matter whether it is internal or external since the malware might infect it as well. Fortunately enough, a guide explaining how to remove COPA ransomware is provided down below. To clean up virus damage on Windows OS files, we recommend using RESTORO.
DO NOT PAY THE RANSOM. Try the provided tools first to repair virus damage and attempt to restore your files.
Matt Corey
Virus Summary
| Name | COPA ransomware |
| Type | File-encrypting virus, crypto-malware |
| Family | STOP/DJVU ransomware |
| Variant | 253rd |
| File executive | D5NX.exe, a53a.exe, A3C3.exe and similar |
| Other versions | VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (find full list here) |
| Extension used | .copa |
| Symptoms | The virus often hides in a form of a software crack or keygen, which, once opened, displays a fake Windows update screen. In the meantime, all personal files are being encrypted by the ransomware. During the attack, the virus drops _readme.txt files in every affected data folder to inform the victim about the cyber attack and the only way to recover his/hers files – pay a ransom. |
| Ransom note name | _readme.txt |
| Criminal contact | helpmanager@mail.ch; restoremanager@airmail.cc |
| Ransom price | $490 if the victim contacts the attackers within 3 days. $980 if later |
| Ransom must be paid in | Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency |
| Distribution | The ransomware mainly spreads via illegal downloads (software or game cracks, keygens), KMSPico. Can be downloaded from fake software update pop-ups in untrustworthy domains |
| Decryption | Recover encrypted data using backups or use file decryption instructions as well as tools provided at the end of this article. |
| Removal | Remove the virus using anti-malware software of your choice. We strongly recommend RESTORO for repairing virus damage on the system. |
Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.
Ransomware distribution tactics explained
In essence, there are a few main paths by which your system might get infected by a virus like COPA. Firstly, this kind of software is often found on illegal downloads that are transferred through popular file-sharing agents (like Torrent, zMule, etc.). These websites usually provide and an ordinary user with an opportunity to obtain some form of software or other digital data (which might be expensive) for free. Although it might seem really beneficial, in this case, the user might pay a bigger price than for the official product itself.
Downloading a crack, keygen, software activation tool or similar software might end up in your personal files’ encryption which, usually, is far more expensive. So, no matter how many temptations you feel to download something illegally, remember that this course of action might end up in a situation, in which the costs outweigh the benefits. The second way by which viruses like COPA tend to spread is malspam campaigns.
To illustrate it shortly, the hackers are using a simple scheme – a deceptive email that usually contains a file, or a link is sent to thousands of internet users. This is where hackers get really creative – the emails are disguised in various forms – job offers, resumes, business offers, invitations, etc. In addition, the file attached typically contains the virus. If you open it – chances are that your system might get infected if it does not have sufficient protection against this kind of software.
These files also might come in various formats, even such as .pdf or .docx. Other methods that are used by cybercriminals to proliferate the COPA ransomware virus might include malicious ad campaigns, fake updaters, etc.
If you want to avoid these kinds of headaches altogether, you must follow a certain set of rules (which, honestly, is quite simple) while you are using the internet. Firstly, do not download anything from unofficial distribution sites. Secondly, do not open any suspicious-looking emails and especially the files that are attached to them. Lastly, think twice before clicking on a random ad.
How to remove COPA ransomware virus
COPA ransomware removal process requires a high level of attention – even though our recommended method is as straightforward as possible, we still recommend you follow the steps attentively. To achieve this, you will need a trustworthy and robust anti-malware software. In order to terminate the virus damage completely, we recommend you use RESTORO since it also helps to optimize the system after the removal.
Post-removal steps
Once you remove COPA virus, you can safely restore your files by using a backup. It is highly recommended to change all of your passwords after deleting the ransomware since it might have triggered a chain infection – downloaded additional malware, such as Trojans like AZORULT and other viruses.
These viruses, amongst other dangerous capabilities, could steal your passwords. Lastly, you might notice that you are not able to access certain security-related websites after the attack – this is due to the fact that COPA ransomware might be able to modify your Windows HOSTS file. To revert the changes, follow this guide.
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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
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
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COPA ransomware virus Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove COPA ransomware virus 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, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus
Now, you can search for and remove COPA ransomware virus 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 security program such as INTEGO Antivirus, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.
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RESTORO is a unique PC Repair Tool which comes with an in-built Avira scan engine to detect and remove spyware/malware threats and uses a patented technology to repair virus damage. The software can repair damaged, missing or malfunctioning Windows OS files, corrupted DLLs, and more. The free version offers a scan that detects issues. To fix them, license key for the full software version must be purchased.
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
- This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
- Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.
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.
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.
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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.
Decrypt COPA files
Fix and open large COPA files easily:
It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.
- Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
- Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the COPA extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
- In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
- Try opening the file.
STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. COPA ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like VYIA, QBAA, FOPA, VTYM, KQGS, XCBG, BPQD (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.
Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.
In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt COPA files, follow the given tutorial.
- Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
- Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
- Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
- In UAC window, click Yes.
- Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
- The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work. - Click Decrypt to start restoring COPA files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.
Meanings of decryptor's messages
The COPA decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:
Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]
This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.
No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.
Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your COPA extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.
Report Internet crime to legal departments
Victims of COPA ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:
- In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
- In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
- In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
- In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
- In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
- In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
- In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
- In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.
If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.
Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can only open COPA files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official COPA decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).
We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.
Beware of fake COPA decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.
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.
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