Remove MOOL Ransomware Virus (2022 Guide)

MOOL ransomware seeks to extort you by encrypting your files

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.

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

Name	MOOL ransomware virus
Type	Ransomware
Origins	New STOP/DJVU variant (207th version)
Targeted systems	Windows
Behavior	The 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 extension	Uses .mmnn extension
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Contact Emails	helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch
Ransom demand	$490-$980
Distribution	Distributed via software cracks, keygens, KMSPico
Decryption tools	Offline 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.
Removal	Remove 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.

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

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

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System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

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