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Remove MOOL Ransomware Virus (2022 Guide)

February 29, 2020 By Norbert Webb Leave a Comment

MOOL ransomware seeks to extort you by encrypting your files

Contents

  • MOOL ransomware seeks to extort you by encrypting your files
    • Online and Offline Encryption – what’s the difference?
    • Threat Summary
  • Distribution vectors that STOP/DJVU variants rely on
  • Remove MOOL file firus and related malware from your PC

MOOL ransomware is a file-encrypting malicious virus which infects victim’s computer to encrypt files stored on it. During the attack, the virus marks affected files with .mool extensions and leaves ransom-demanding notes called _readme.txt. The malware is the 209th version of STOP/DJVU ransomware group, and it is a new, undecryptable variant. The ransom note left by the malware informs that the victim can restore all files if he/she pays $490 or $980 in Bitcoin. The attackers leave two email addresses as the only channels of communication – helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch. The described virus also drops AZORULT password-stealing Trojan on the system.

MOOL file extension virus uses AES/RSA encryption methods to convert all files on victim’s computer useless. Once affected by such cryptography algorithm, the file cannot be opened without a private decryption key. Unfortunately, only the STOP/DJVU creators have encryption/decryption key pairs.

The aim of MOOL ransomware is to prevent the victim from accessing personal files anymore. It causes shock for the user, as personal computers are typically used to store important data such as memories (photos, videos) or work/study files such as documents, spreadsheets, etc. At this point, the only message left for the victim is stored in _readme.txt files, which suggest paying a hefty ransom as soon as possible. If paid within 3 days, the price of MOOL decryption software is lower and costs $490. Later, it goes up to $980.

remove MOOL ransomware virus
Screenshot of computer screen post MOOL ransomware attack.

Online and Offline Encryption – what’s the difference?

The majority of victims are subject to online encryption, which describes a process when the virus connects to its Command&Control server to obtain online encryption key. If the malware fails to connect, it uses an offline encryption key, which is one and only for all computers on which the virus fails to connect to C2. Once someone with offline key encryption pays the ransom and shares it with cybersecurity experts, the STOP DJVU Decryptor by Emsisoft gets updated.

You can find out whether you files have been affected by the offline key by going to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt. Here, look at the end of IDs stored. In case one of them ends in t1, then you can hope to restore some data in the future. In ALL other cases, MOOL data decryption is impossible due to online key attack.

Threat Summary

NameMOOL ransomware virus
TypeRansomware
OriginsNew STOP/DJVU variant (207th version)
Targeted systemsWindows
BehaviorThe virus uses AES/RSA encryption to lock personal files, marks them by adding new extensions, installs Azorult Trojan and leaves ransom-demanding messages in _readme.txt files
File extensionUses .mmnn extension
Ransom note_readme.txt
Contact Emailshelpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch
Ransom demand$490-$980
DistributionDistributed via software cracks, keygens, KMSPico
Decryption toolsOffline key for this variant isn’t known yet. STOP Decryptor currently doesn’t support the 209th ransomware version. Victims affected by online key cannot restore their files at all.
RemovalRemove using antivirus while in Safe Mode with Networking (use instructions given below)

Distribution vectors that STOP/DJVU variants rely on

Ransomware viruses such as MOOL, BBOO, ROOE, OOSS, or MMNN tend to await victims in a form of unsafe or illegal files available online. In most cases, victims download and infect their systems with DJVU variants after searching and opening malicious software cracks found online. It can also happen with keygens or tools like KMSPico. Finally, other ransomware variants might await in malspam email attachments or appended links.

mool ransomware virus might hide in software crack downloads
Do not risk downloading software cracks as they are known to contain STOP/DJVU ransomware.

To avoid such ransomware attacks, always rely on trustworthy online resources. Consider investing in legitimate software licenses, because they will never infect your PC with ransomware or other type of malware.

Remove MOOL file firus and related malware from your PC

To eliminate and completely remove MOOL ransomware virus from your computer system, follow the steps provided below. We strongly suggest using a trusted software to delete the malware completely. If you attempt to search for virus’ components yourself, remember that it can hide its files and various configurations deeply in your system. Therefore, if you’re not a qualified cybersecurity expert, most likely you will fail to find and delete these items yourself.

MOOL ransomware removal should be done automatically while in Safe Mode with Networking. Only after successful elimination of it and AZORULT you can try to use your data backups. What is more, do not forget to change your passwords straight after cleansing your PC system.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

restoro advanced system repair box
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.

MOOL Ransomware Removal Guidelines

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Step 1. Start Windows in 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

  1. 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.
  2. Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
    Remove ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users

  1. 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.Hold Shift and click Restart to enter Windows Troubleshooting menu
  2. 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.Tutorial on how to enable Safe Mode in Windows 10,8,8.1
  3. In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.Choose Windows Safe Mode type by pressing the right function key
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus

Now, you can search for and remove MOOL 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).

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

DOWNLOAD AND SCAN WITH RESTORO

See Full Review

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
    Starting Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users

  1. 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.Hold Shift and click Restart to enter Windows Troubleshooting menu
  2. 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.Tutorial on how to enable Safe Mode in Windows 10,8,7
  3. In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.Choose Windows Safe Mode type by pressing the right function key
Step 2. Start System Restore process
  1. Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
  2. 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.
    Start system restore from command prompt using these commands
  3. 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.Choose system restore point created before ransomware infection
  4. 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.

get malwarebytes premium

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 author at geeksadvice.com
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.

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Filed Under: Ransomware, Removal guides Tagged With: DJVU

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