RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove CobraLocker Virus (+Decrypt .Cobra files)

CobraLocker Virus Ransomware

The CobraLocker stands for a ransomware-type infection. CobraLocker was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. CobraLocker adds the “.Cobra” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by CobraLocker, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.Cobra“. As soon as the encryption is completed, CobraLocker places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by CobraLocker text file asking for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It literally points out that the info is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by CobraLocker is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of CobraLocker is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is kept on a particular server run by the frauds associated with CobraLocker ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

Nonetheless, regardless of the asked for amount, people must keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not give any positive outcome and people just lose their money for nothing.

We strongly advise that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack CobraLocker ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Therefore, the only right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameCobraLocker Ransomware
File Extension.Cobra
TypeRansomware
Short DescriptionThe 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.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special Cobra extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to CobraLocker ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt crucial data and to state the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to generate the special decryption key for information decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is just not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your important files is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they need to be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you save your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are a number of ways used by online frauds to distribute CobraLocker ransomware. Even though it is uncertain how precisely CobraLocker injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
  • spam emails from unidentified senders;
  • websites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically CobraLocker virus might be presented as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some crucial software updates. This is the common trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing CobraLocker infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might describe various email spam methods to inject malicious codes into systems. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some receipts, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in CobraLocker virus injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of malicious codes causing CobraLocker secret installation. Lastly, injection of CobraLocker may happen by means of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up malicious tools without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of CobraLocker ransomware?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to show with you. Firstly, be really careful when you browse the web and especially while downloading free programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be destructive. Make sure that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to important damage to be produced your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your system.

Below please find the quotation from the CobraLocker text file:

All your important files were encrypted on this PC.
All files with .Cobra extension are encrypted.
Encryption was produced using unique private key generated for this computer.
To decrypt your files, you need to obtain private key.
To retrieve the private key you need to contact us by email
Cobra_Locker@protonmail.com send us an email and wait for further instructions.
E-mail address to contact us:
Cobra_Locker@protonmail.com
If you want decrypt your files you must have decryption code

Screenshot of files with “.Cobra” extension added by the ransomware:
CobraLocker Ransomware - encrypt files with .Cobra extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove CobraLocker ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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