Coot – Ransomware
Coot is a malicious software working as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known virus researcher, first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Coot was created for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as quickly as the encryption is effectively achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Coot ransomware adds its own “.coot” to all the encrypted data. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as modified by Coot, will be titled as “price_list.xls.coot”. As soon as the file encryption is accomplished, Coot puts its own distinct text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.
The message stated by _readme.txt requesting the random os very similar to the notifications provided by other ransomware dangers coming from the DJVU family. The caution generally indicates that the files have been secured and the only solution to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is definitely real.
The technique to encrypt the files used by Coot is not completely investigated. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer owner may be provided a special decryption key, which is definitely unique. It is extremely hard to recuperate the data without the appropriate type in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Coot infection is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the complete control by the scoundrels who have launched the Coot ransomware into the web. In order to obtain the key and restore the essential data, the users are told to contact the scams through email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message likewise states that individuals ought to contact the Coot authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so individuals will get a 50% discount rate, for that reason, the ransom amount falls to $490.
Coot crypted your data, however, it may not be the only threat on your computer. Plus, the ransomware may be hidden deep in the system. To find and erase the threat completely, we recommend you to describe the help of GridinSoft Anti-Malware app.
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we highly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no warranty that these online scoundrels will keep their guarantees, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. Thus, paying ransom frequently does not lead to a successful healing. So, the users may just lose their money for absolutely nothing.
Similarly, we urge you not to call the scams as they instruct. Do not transfer loan into their wallets. There are no applications that could crack the Coot virus or bring back the information at no charge. For that reason, the only appropriate decision is to restore the information from possible backups (if available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Coot Ransomware |
| File Extension | coot |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .coot extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Nols, Werd, Leto |
| Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
Do not forget that the Internet is now loaded with infections similar to the Coot ransomware. For example, this particular risk is generally similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful utilities have actually been established in order to encrypt the important data and reveal the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to create the specific key for successful files decryption.
Unless the Coot ransomware is still under the development procedure or has got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to bring back the data manually. Thus, the only working option to avoid the loss of your crucial data is to regularly keep updated backups of all your vital documents.
Another essential piece of recommendations is to keep the backups on special storage not linked to your primary computer. For example, you may store it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your routine drive is really risky, considering that the backup may likewise be encrypted by the Coot ransomware.
Leaks for the Coot ransomware attack.
Coot uses numerous courses to infiltrate the susceptible computer systems. It is not particular what particular approach was used in your case, nevertheless, the intrusion might take place via the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, primarily free software;
- spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
- websites providing free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.
There are times when the Coot may disguise itself as some authentic application, for example, through the misleading signals demanding installation of some software application upgrade. This is the most typical technique utilized by the scams to inject the Coot virus files into the system. This way users partly take part in its installation, without plainly understanding the risk.
Furthermore, the frauds may send unsolicited spam e-mail with challenging informs motivating the people to open suspicious accessories or click on some download links, for example, those motivating individuals to open specific photos, text files, tax files and other info.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the destructive links may essentially harm the system. Fake Acrobat Reader upgrade notifications may cause the Coot ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the split software application might in addition include the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Coot may occur through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct authorization and even approval.
Avoiding the Coot virus attack.
Naturally, there is no absolute warranty that your computer system will be always without any malware attacks, nevertheless, we want to share some helpful suggestions with you to make it much safer. Make sure to pay extremely close attention while searching the web and specifically while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious email accessories, especially if the sender is not understood to you.
Do not forget that specific freeware installer might likewise contain some other additional apps in the bundle. These extra applications might be very destructive. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in general to be always appropriately updated.
It is quite sensible that downloading pirated apps is prohibited, nevertheless, additionally, such unapproved software use might also bring major damage to your PC. Hence, do not download any split programs. Plus, the reality that your present anti-virus did not secure the system from the Coot ransomware is an excellent reason for you to reevaluate your choices and change to another program that can render the securing functions on a much better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Coot text file:
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: https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f 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: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos2@firemail.cc Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.coot” extension added by the virus:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Coot ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can get GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
2. Double-click on the setup file.
When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
5. Click on “Clean Now”.
When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
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