RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Cookieshelper Virus (.cookieshelper Files Ransomware)

Cookieshelper Virus – Details

The Cookieshelper mean a ransomware-type infection. Cookieshelper was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Cookieshelper adds the “.cookieshelper” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by Cookieshelper, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.cookieshelper“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, Cookieshelper places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Cookieshelper text file requesting the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It literally points out that the info is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a an unique decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The type of cryptography mechanism applied by Cookieshelper is still not properly examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of Cookieshelper is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds associated with Cookieshelper ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the asked for amount, people need to keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not provide any positive result and people just lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We highly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Cookieshelper ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Hence, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameCookieshelper Ransomware
File Extension.cookieshelper
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 cookieshelper extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Cookieshelper ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt important data and to set forth the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to generate the distinct decryption key for data decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your crucial data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the Memory Stick or external 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 together with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are numerous ways used by online frauds to distribute Cookieshelper ransomware. Although it is uncertain how exactly Cookieshelper injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

  • integration with third-party apps, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unknown senders;
  • websites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Frequently Cookieshelper ransomware might be presented as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some important software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Cookieshelper infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might describe numerous email spam tactics to inject harmful codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in Cookieshelper virus injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain destructive codes leading to Cookieshelper secret installation. Finally, injection of Cookieshelper may take place by means of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install harmful tools without the user’s consent.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of Cookieshelper ransom virus?

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

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Make sure that your current anti-virus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to necessary damage to be made for your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your system.

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Cookieshelper 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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