Cool virus is the ransomware that focuses on file-locking and money demands
The Cool virus is a STOP/DJVU family member. It is the newer version of ransomware-type infections and the advanced changes that got introduced a few years back make it more dangerous than other variants. This malicious piece of software will not only locks your files (video, photos, and documents) but also encrypts them using a strong algorithm[1] which makes figuring out the decryption key impossible task. However, decryption is the best option for such threats because data gets locked and becomes unopenable after the encoding.
The threat marks files with .cool appendix and demands money via the _readme.txt file. Once the ransom note is placed on the desktop and in other folders, you can be sure that the Cool virus is done with primary activities. Unfortunately, that means data is locked and cannot be restored without a decryption tool or the more advanced third-party methods. Sometimes when the threat uses older methods, it is possible to decrypt files, but that is very rare.
The _readme.txt file, which is the ransom note for the ransomware virus, provides contact and payment information to its victims with instructions on how much they should transfer in bitcoin as well as what type of encryption tool will be sent if there's any urgency about getting files back before it's too late! The file reads:
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, 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:
hxxps://we.tl/t-pk3SGFlmek
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:
manager@mailtemp.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:
supporthelp@airmail.ccYour personal ID:
The price of the alleged decryption service can vary, but the price of $490 is offered for the first victims. Users who want their data encrypted need to react quickly – within 72 hours from an attack. Then the ransom doubles and goes to the typical $980 in Bitcoin. Cryptocurrency is the preferred form of random for all ransomware creators.[2]
| Name | Cool virus |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware, file-locker, cryptovirus |
| Family | Djvu/STOP ransomware |
| File marker | .cool |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Contact information | manager@mailtemp.ch, supporthelp@airmail.cc |
| Ransom amount | $490 in the first 72 hours and then $980 |
| Distribution | Files with malicious code that get delivered via pirating platforms, spam emails |
| Removal | Getting the anti-malware tool that is capable of finding the threat[3] and removing it properly from the system |
| Repair | Other issues that the infection creates damage in system folders. To get rid of the virus damage, run the app like FortectIntego and repair file or system performance issues |
The Cool virus gang offers free decryption if you send them one file that has been encrypted in order to prove the trustworthiness among potential customers. However, there are many doubts about this offer and for a good reason. Do not be fooled!
It is just a method used by these hackers, so you trust them more. To make things seem authentic while not giving anything back. Cryptocurrency extortionists only care about their profit, not your belongings. Do not trust these people and their alleged claims.
Other malware variants that belong to the Djvu family:
This Cool variant encrypts files and appends unique extensions onto their filenames, so you get encouraged to contact criminals via manager@mailtemp.ch, supporthelp@airmail.cc, or some other cybercriminals contact method. That is not recommended because criminals are not trustworthy people and could potentially harm users even more, when the payment is not transferred in time.
Make sure to remove the infection properly, so you can avoid further damage and repair the needed files yourself or with the reputable data recovery program. It is possible that the decryption tool will get developed later on, but this takes time, so you can store some of the files related to this virus and encrypted data on an external device.
In the meantime remove the Cool ransomware with the help of AV detection-based applications or security tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. These applications can clear the threat, other related programs, and malicious files to stop the file encryption and system damaging procedures. Then you can move on to other options.
Solutions for Djvu ransomware family
Emsisoft’s decryption tool can potentially decrypt files, but it will not work for all versions of the DJVU ransomware. If your computer has been infected with a version that uses the online IDs while locking data, you might not get any positive results. The decryption does not support such advanced versions yet. If you want to recover those files without paying any ransom demands or waiting around indefinitely, you can move to alternate options like backups.
The most recent family members use the online IDs that are unique to each affected device. If your computer got infected with one of the Djvu variants, you should try using Emsisoft decryptor for Djvu/STOP. It is important to mention that this tool will not work for everyone – it only works if data was locked with an offline ID due to malware failing to communicate with its remote servers.
Even if your case meets this condition, somebody from the victims has to pay criminals, retrieve an offline key, and then share it with security researchers at Emsisoft. As a result, you might not be able to restore the encrypted files immediately. Thus, if the decryptor says your data was locked with an offline ID but cannot be recovered currently, you should try later. You also need to upload a set of files – one encrypted and a healthy one to the company's servers before you proceed.
- Download the app from the official Emsisoft website.
- After pressing Download button, a small pop-up at the bottom, titled decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe should show up – click it.
- If User Account Control (UAC) message shows up, press Yes.
- Agree to License Terms by pressing Yes.
- After Disclaimer shows up, press OK.
- The tool should automatically populate the affected folders, although you can also do it by pressing Add folder at the bottom.
- Press Decrypt.
From here, there are three available outcomes:
- “Decrypted!” will be shown under files that were decrypted successfully – they are now usable again.
- “Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID:” means that the keys for this version of the virus have not yet been retrieved, so you should try later.
- “This ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible” – you are unable to decrypt files with this tool.
System recovery after the Cool virus infection
Ransomware, other more dangerous infections can change the way a computer operates, and in some cases, they're capable of doing more than just changing system files. For instance, malware may alter your Windows registry or damage vital data. This leaves antivirus software powerless against solving some issues; instead, you'll need to do full reinstalls which take much longer.
Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of FortectIntego repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.
- Download the application by clicking on the link above
- Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
- If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
- Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
- The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
- Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
- You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
- If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.
By employing a system tool like this, you would not have to worry about future computer issues, as most of them could be fixed quickly by performing a full system scan at any time. Most importantly, you could avoid the tedious process of Windows reinstallation in case things go very wrong due to one reason or another.
File recovery alternate methods
The encryption process that these file-lockers use relies on changing the original code of a particular document or a file, so it is impossible to open up and see what content is inside. It can be difficult deciding which files need restoring as some might not seem all too valuable but if you want those pictures or personal documents restored then you will need to take some actions. They can get permanently damaged by .cool ransomware if you allow the virus to run on the machine.
Cybercriminals are using ransomware to extort money from their victims. If the virus has encrypted files on your computer or other systems in your home network then it is very likely that there will be more data lost or affected. You need to react ASAP. Cool ransomware infection still poses a risk of getting the system damaged and files lost.
Since many users do not prepare proper data backups prior to being attacked by ransomware, they might often lose access to their files permanently. Paying criminals is also very risky, as they might not fulfill the promises and never send back the required decryption tool.
While this might sound terrible, not all is lost – data recovery software might be able to help you in some situations (it highly depends on the encryption algorithm used, whether ransomware managed to complete the programmed tasks, etc.). Since there are thousands of different ransomware strains, it is immediately impossible to tell whether third-party software will work for you.
Therefore, we suggest trying regardless of which ransomware attacked your computer. Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:
- Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
- Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.
Install data recovery software
- Download Data Recovery Pro.
- Double-click the installer to launch it.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
- You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.
We note that the best solution is to remove the infection using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, so the threat is properly removed. But do not forget about the Cool virus damage and either process that runs in the back to affect the persistence. You should rely on FortectIntego and repair problems occurring due to file damage and corruption. Follow the guide below with additional tips if you need help fighting the file locker virus.
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