4 Methods to Remove Coot Ransomware (.coot Virus Files)

Coot virus is the latest category of data locker ransomware that contaminates computer systems with the aim to encrypt personal files and then, extort the ransom money for coot virus removal. The files with .coot extension signify the infection of the files with STOP ransomware. After getting infected, the target files become inaccessible, in this case, you need to remove the coot virus from your system.

After the infection is completed, a ransom message file with the name “_readme.txt” appears on the computer screen called containing the demand for the ransom payment. Besides on desktop, this file also appears in all the folders that have encoded .coot files.

Regardless of the importance and confidentiality of the files and the data one might have in those files, we strongly recommend avoiding any sort of negotiations with the cybercriminals. Rather, read the Coot virus removal guide we have suggested in this blog and apply these. The guide contains information on how to dispose of the malicious infected files, secure the computer and restore .coot files using multiple coot virus removal techniques. After that apply data recovery techniques.

October 2019 Update of Coot Virus

The Coot virus is considered as one of the most active and common types of STOP ransomware, that is infecting the users worldwide. This virus uses a strong algorithm and is one of the latest types of STOP Ransomware. As the consequence of these factors, it is tough to restore the system once it becomes corrupted by Coot Ransomware Virus. There are some threats similar to Coot virus that can cause dangerous system changes, leading to error messages, data loss, and problematic recovery process. Move below in order to know, how can you remove coot virus yourself?

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Distribution Model of Coot Ransomware

Coot virus has been released to perform attack campaigns against computer users all over the world. It might be using some common distribution tactics to corrupt the computer systems.

Just like any other virus, the easiest way to spread the payload file of Coot virus is by attaching it to email messages. Through this technique, the virus is sent to a large number of people, who are the potential victims. The malicious attachments are usually Word files or any other files that spare no scope of doubt and people will open them without having a second thought.

Once these attachments files are opened, theses spread the ransomware payload and the computer gets infected with Coot crypto virus. Another common trick is the inserted hyperlinks within the email messages. The links usually indicate leading to any popular website or any file of interest of the users.

Hackers behind this new Coot ransomware can also utilize malicious websites and download portals for the purpose of distribution of this virus. Another commonly used alternative is utilization of corrupted documents such as .xlsx, .rtf, .pptx, and databases. They are altered in a way that the virus will start working as soon as the built-in scripts are run. Usually, a notification appears prompting to run the scripts and when the user allows it, the infection initiates.

The Hackers behind the Coot virus also created some specialist portals that can directly spread the virus by scripts, links, or other operations. With the help of email communication, browsing activities and ad networks, redirects take place. This virus can also spread by malicious third-party add-ons for Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Opera, and Safari. Post-installation, the users are infected with malware and also, redirected to hacker-controlled website. These browser hackers can also steal any sensitive data like saved passwords and credentials, browsing history, bookmarks, data entered in forms and settings. So, it is become quite necessary to remove coot virus from computer.

Impact of Coot Virus on Your Data Files?

The recently detected Coot virus is a member of the infamous ransomware family STOP. The sophisticated algorithm of this virus is designed to contaminate system settings in order to encrypt target files.

At the beginning of the ransomware attack, the Coot payload file gets executed. Immediately after, the threat can pass through multiple stages of attack. Firstly, some additional malicious files are generated to support all the subsequent operations. Coot Virus usually places these infected files in different system folders such as %Windows%, %AppData%, %Temp%, %Roaming%, %Local%, etc.

When the files are established, the execution process begins in predetermined sequence that impacts various essential system settings, keys of Registry Editor, regular system processes. After corrupting the system, Coot ransomware performs data encryption – which is its main purpose. This built-in encryption module changes the code of target file and makes them inaccessible until the code returns to its original state.

Unfortunately, every file that contains .coot extension is already encrypted by the Coot ransomware. Any file of your system can become a victim of Coot infection including:

• Images
• Documents
• Videos
• Music
• Databases
• Archives
• Backup

After infection, Coot STOP Ransomware sends ransom messages in a text file named _readme.txt. The message of the text file looks like this:

Remember: A prompt and successful payment on ransom money does not assure the recovery of a file infected with .coot virus. Upon receiving the ransom, hackers may stop responding to your messages or send you a non-functional decryption tool. So, it is not a recommended way to remove coot virus.

Methods to Remove Coot Ransomware and Restore Affected Files

Readers must be clear about the fact that paying ransom to the hackers during the Coot virus attack will not fix the situation for them. It will only end up encouraging criminals to continue performing similar attacks. What you should do, is to immediately get rid of the threat and adopt options that can recover the data for you.

Caution! Before opting for the manual Coot ransomware removal, familiarity with system and registry files are mandatory. Any accidental removal of important files can permanently damage your system.

Method 1: – Start the Computer in Safe Mode with Network

When the system is opened with the network, all the ransomware generated files and objects get separated and can be removed efficiently. These steps can be performed on all Windows versions.

1. Press WIN Key + R together to open a Run window.
2. Type MSConfig and press Enter to make a config box pop-up.
3. Choose Boot tab, check Safe Boot option and select Network radio button
4. Click on Apply -> OK.

Method 2: – Show Hidden Files (It Will Not Remove Coot Virus)

Make sure to make all hidden files visible as certain ransomware can hide the malicious files in the Windows.

1. Open My Computer or This PC depending on the version
2. For Windows 7
   – Select Organize button, choose Folder and search options and select View tab
   – Under Hidden files and folders section, checkmark Show hidden files and folders option
   For Windows 8/ 10
   – Open the View tab and check the Hidden items option
3. Click Apply and then OK button

Method 3: – To Remove Coot Virus Halt Malicious Processes

1. Press together: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2. Navigate to Processes and look for suspicious processes.
3. When you find one, right-click on it to select Open File Location
4. End the malicious process by going back to Task Manager. To do so, right-click on it and select End Process.
5. Now, go to the location of the malicious file to delete it.

Method 4: – Repair Windows Registry to Remove Coot Virus

1. Press WIN Key + R keys simultaneously
2. Type Regedit in the box and press Enter
3. Type CTRL+ F and then type the name of malicious .exe files.
4. If you have found them, delete them immediately. Do not delete any legitimate keys.

Steps to Recover Encrypted Files

Before you attempt any type of data recovery from Coot virus-infected computer, all the objects associated with the ransomware must be eradicated. Else, the restored files will get infected again.

Method 1: – Use the backup copy of the files (if available)

Use this method if you have updated backup and saved on another storage device. If you don’t have updated backup then move to below method.

Method 2: – Use Reliable Software to Get Data in Healthy State

SysTools Hard Drive Data Recovery Software – a professional software that can safely restore hard drive data and partitions completely. The application is capable of recovering all types of data including image files (JPG, JPEG, PNG), multimedia files (MP3, MP4, AVI), and documents (DOC, DOCX, RTF, PPTX, XLSX, PDF) that got lost, damaged, deleted, and corrupted in virus / ransomware attack. The program supports all Windows OS versions and available at an affordable price.

Method 3: – Use System Restore

• In Windows search box, type “Open System Restore”
• Open the relevant result and follow the steps

Method 4: – Restore Files from History

• Type “restore your files” in Windows search box
• Choose the option Restore your files with File History
• Select the folder or type filename in the search bar and click Restore

How to Protect Your Computer from Coot Virus Infections?

• Perform regular data backup.
• Always keep your Firewall enabled and properly configured.
• Install and enable a reliable anti-malware application.
• Make web browser security.
• Keep all the available software up-to-date.
• Use strong and uncommon passwords.
• Disable Office document Macros.
• Never open any attachment or link unless it comes from a trusted source.