How to remove MEOW ransomware

MEOW ransomware encrypts users' personal files and asks to pay a ransom for decryption

MEOW ransomware, based on CONTI ransomware, is a type of malicious software that encrypts victims' files, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. Ransomware attacks can have devastating consequences for individuals and organizations, as they can result in the loss of important data and disruption of critical services.

Once the ransomware is installed and activated, it will encrypt the victim's files, making them inaccessible. MEOW ransomware appends the affected files with the .MEOW extension. The icons are also changed to white pages so thumbnails become unavailable.

The ransom note

Ransomware developers typically include a ransom note with their malware to inform the victim of what has happened and how they can regain access to their files. These notes are often written in a way that is designed to be intimidating and threatening, in order to pressure the victim into paying the ransom.

Ransom notes are typically delivered in one of two ways: either as a text file that is placed on the victim's desktop or as a message that is displayed on the victim's screen when the malware is activated. In either case, the ransom note will contain instructions on how to pay the ransom and regain access to the victim's files. MEOW ransomware generates a ransom note readme.txt which reads as follows:

MEOW! MEOW! MEOW!  

Your files has been encrypted!

Need decrypt?  Write to e-mail:

meowcorp2022@aol.com

meowcorp2022@proton.me

meowcorp@msgsafe.io

meowcorp@onionmail.org

or Telegram:

@meowcorp2022

@meowcorp123

Uniq ID: –

The readme.txt ransom note is short compared to other typical ransom notes. It only has the cybercriminals' contact details. There is also no ransom amount which means it is most likely negotiated privately. Most of the time, threat actors want the ransom to be paid in cryptocurrencies.

However, we strongly advise against paying the ransom because the threat actors cannot be trusted. Many previous ransomware attack victims say that they never received the promised decryption keys^[1] after paying. Although it is almost impossible to get back data without the cybercriminals' help, you should try a third-party recovery solution first.

Distribution methods

There are a few common methods that attackers use to distribute ransomware. One method is through spam emails that contain a malicious link or attachment. When the victim clicks on the link or downloads the attachment, their device becomes infected with the ransomware.

Another common method is through drive-by downloads,^[2] where the victim visits a compromised website and their device automatically downloads the ransomware without their knowledge. Attackers may also use social engineering^[3] tactics, such as posing as a trustworthy authority figure, to trick victims into installing the ransomware on their own devices.

Malicious advertisements, known as “malvertisements,” are another common method of distributing ransomware. These ads may appear on legitimate websites, and when a victim clicks on them, they are redirected to a website that contains the ransomware.

In some cases, attackers may exploit vulnerabilities in a device or software to silently install the ransomware without the victim's knowledge or interaction. That is why it is extremely important to keep your operating system and software updated. Software developers release security patches regularly.

Overall, there are many different ways that attackers can distribute ransomware, and they are constantly evolving their methods to avoid detection and increase their chances of success. It is important for individuals and organizations to stay vigilant and protect themselves against these threats.

Use professional security tools to eliminate ransomware

The critical thing to do is disconnect the affected machine from the local network. For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have instructions for corporate environments at the bottom of this post.

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. It can also encrypt your files the second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it first. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have experience.

Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. In some cases, malware is not letting you use antivirus in normal mode, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing the F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find the Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Fix system errors

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a complete Windows reinstall is required, are expected after a malware infection. These types of infections can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not able to repair it. 

This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors,^[4] freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• 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.

File recovery software

Many people think that they can fix their files with anti-malware tools, but that is not what they are designed for. All the security tools can do is detect suspicious processes in your system and eliminate malicious files. The truth is, that the files can be restored only with a decryption key or software that only the cybercriminals have.

If you did not back up your data previously, you possibly lost your files forever. You can try using data recovery software, but third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the MEOW ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are essential 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

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.