The .Cosacos virus

 Cosacos is the Ransomware cryptovirus infection that is the reason for writing the current post – it is a new and particularly unpleasant piece of malware that uses a highly sophisticated encryption code to lock up the files of the people whose computers it attacks. Such encryptions are really difficult to break even for a professional malware security expert. There are many people out there working day and night to break the encryptions of newer cryptoviruses like Cosacos in order to develop working decryptor tools. However, it takes a lot of time and effort to create a single such tool for only one Ransomware. At the same time, new Ransomware infections like Cosacos or Nelasod get created on a daily basis, which means there’s always a number of cryptoviruses with no corresponding decryptor tools for them. On our site, you can find a list of decryptors for some of the most popular Ransomware threats. We try to update the list with the latest decryptor additions so that our users can find and use them.

Why not simply pay the ransom?

The main problem with the payment is the uncertainty of it. Even if you leave aside the fact that the money sum demanded for the files’ decryption could be quite high and that not everyone may have the opportunity to make such a payment, there is still the risk of sending the sum and not getting anything in exchange for it. The hackers behind threats like Cosacos are not to be trusted – after all, they are the people responsible for your files’ decryption. They could easily decide that sending you the key is not something they are going to do. Furthermore, what’s the guarantee that such a key even exists? Oftentimes, there is none.

An alternative to the .Cosacos file encryption

We cannot promise that if you follow the alternative we are about to present you with, you will bring all of your data back. Still, it is worth to give it a try. The first thing you’d need to do is remove the virus – the guide below and the linked removal tool will help you with that. Then, you can go to the next section of the guide to see some recovery suggestions as well as visit our list of Ransomware decryptors and try some of them.

Cosacos SUMMARY:

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Remove Cosacos Ransomware 

1: Preparations

Note: Before you go any further, we advise you to bookmark this page or have it open on a separate device such as your smartphone or another PC. Some of the steps might require you to exit your browser on this PC.

2: Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to enter the Task Manager. Go to the Tab labeled Processes (Details for Win 8/10). Carefully look through the list of processes that are currently active on you PC.

If any of them seems shady, consumes too much RAM/CPU or has some strange description or no description at all, right-click on it, select Open File Location and delete everything there.

Also, even if you do not delete the files, be sure to stop the process by right-clicking on it and selecting End Process.

3: IP related to Cosacos

Go to c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts. Open the hosts file with notepad.

Find where it says Localhost and take a look below that. 

If you see any IP addresses there (below Localhost) send them to us here, in the comments since they might be coming from the Cosacos.

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4: Disable Startup programs

Re-open the Start Menu and type msconfig.

Click on the first search result. In the next window, go to the Startup tab. If you are on Win 10,  it will send you to the Startup part of the task manager instead, as in the picture:

If you see any sketchy/shady looking entries in the list with an unknown manufacturer or a manufacturer name that looks suspicious as there could be a link between them and Cosacos , disable those programs and select OK.

5: Registry Editor

Press Windows key + R and in the resulting window type regedit.

Now, press Ctrl + F and type the name of the virus.

Delete everything that gets found. If you are not sure about whether to delete something, do not hesitate to ask us in the comments. Keep in mind that if you delete the wrong thing, you might cause all sorts of issues to your PC.

6: Deleting potentially malicious data – Cosacos

Type each of the following locations in the Windows search box and hit enter to open the locations:

%AppData%

%LocalAppData%

%ProgramData%

%WinDir%

%Temp%

Delete everything you see in Temp linked to Cosacos Ransomware. About the other folders, sort their contents by date and delete only the most recent entries. As always, if you are not sure about something, write to us in the comment section.

7: Cosacos Decryption

The previous steps were all aimed at removing the Cosacos Ransomware from your PC. However, in order to regain access to your files, you will also need to decrypt them or restore them. For that, we have a separate article with detailed instructions on what you have to do in order to unlock your data. Here is a link to that guide.

The post Remove Cosacos Virus Ransomware (+.Cosacos File Recovery) appeared first on Malware Complaints.

 Nvetud is a recent and very unpleasant example of a Ransomware cryptovirus – it was recently reported by users who have suddenly realized that none of their personal files stored in their computers’ hard drives can be opened. Of course, the hackers behind Nvetud or Cosacos readily offer a “solution” – pay them some money and you will get all of your files back. This is, after all, the main purpose of the Ransomware threats, and also the reason why these pieces of malware are named that way.The sole goal of the hackers behind Ransomware is to acquire money from their victims through blackmailing. However, many users may not be able or willing to pay, and may be more interested in finding alternative solutions to such an issue. Also, if you are one of the people who may be considering making the payment, we advise you to stay with us until the end of this post to learn why this isn’t really a very good idea.

The ransom demanded by the .Nvetud virus

It is usually not advisable to opt for this – even if you have the money available and are ready to send them in order to restore your data, you shouldn’t go ahead and do that without trying anything that doesn’t involve sponsoring some Internet criminals. The main problem with the ransom payment is the uncertainty surrounding the decryption key that the hackers promised. Does such a key even exist, and will it really be sent to you is something you simply can’t be sure about. The only sure thing is that if you send your money, that money would be gone for good and even if you don’t get your data back after the payment, you cannot hope for a refund.

Alternative ways to handle the .Nvetud file encryption

First, you will need to remove the malware from your computer, and the guide you will find on this page will help you do that. In case you need extra assistance with the removal, we recommend the anti-malware tool that is linked in the guide.

 After Nvetud is gone, you can go to the second part of the guide and take a look at the potential recovery methods posted there – they may not always work and be fully effective but trying them out is still preferable to risking your money by sending it to the hackers who are blackmailing you.

Nvetud SUMMARY:

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Remove Nvetud Ransomware 

1: Preparations

Note: Before you go any further, we advise you to bookmark this page or have it open on a separate device such as your smartphone or another PC. Some of the steps might require you to exit your browser on this PC.

2: Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to enter the Task Manager. Go to the Tab labeled Processes (Details for Win 8/10). Carefully look through the list of processes that are currently active on you PC.

If any of them seems shady, consumes too much RAM/CPU or has some strange description or no description at all, right-click on it, select Open File Location and delete everything there.

Also, even if you do not delete the files, be sure to stop the process by right-clicking on it and selecting End Process.

3: IP related to Nvetud

Go to c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts. Open the hosts file with notepad.

Find where it says Localhost and take a look below that. 

If you see any IP addresses there (below Localhost) send them to us here, in the comments since they might be coming from the Nvetud.

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4: Disable Startup programs

Re-open the Start Menu and type msconfig.

Click on the first search result. In the next window, go to the Startup tab. If you are on Win 10,  it will send you to the Startup part of the task manager instead, as in the picture:

If you see any sketchy/shady looking entries in the list with an unknown manufacturer or a manufacturer name that looks suspicious as there could be a link between them and Nvetud , disable those programs and select OK.

5: Registry Editor

Press Windows key + R and in the resulting window type regedit.

Now, press Ctrl + F and type the name of the virus.

Delete everything that gets found. If you are not sure about whether to delete something, do not hesitate to ask us in the comments. Keep in mind that if you delete the wrong thing, you might cause all sorts of issues to your PC.

6: Deleting potentially malicious data – Nvetud

Type each of the following locations in the Windows search box and hit enter to open the locations:

%AppData%

%LocalAppData%

%ProgramData%

%WinDir%

%Temp%

Delete everything you see in Temp linked to Nvetud Ransomware. About the other folders, sort their contents by date and delete only the most recent entries. As always, if you are not sure about something, write to us in the comment section.

7: Nvetud Decryption

The previous steps were all aimed at removing the Nvetud Ransomware from your PC. However, in order to regain access to your files, you will also need to decrypt them or restore them. For that, we have a separate article with detailed instructions on what you have to do in order to unlock your data. Here is a link to that guide.

The post Remove Nvetud Virus Ransomware (+ .Nvetud File Recovery) appeared first on Malware Complaints.

There are special types of computer threats, called Ransomware viruses, which are famous for their ability to take the user’s personal data hostage and to demand that a ransom is paid if the victim wants to access any of their files again. This type of malware is one of the most common threats on the Internet and is a very popular tool used by online criminals to extort money from regular web users.

The fact that most people don’t keep regular backup copies of their files helps the crooks a lot, because once the personal data becomes encrypted with the help of a sophisticated file-encrypting infection like Mogranos, Nelasod, Format,, the only viable choice the victims have is to pay the ransom money. The criminals typically claim that they will send a special decryption key if the payment is made according to their instructions, and feed the victims with promises that everything will be back to normal.

However, will paying the ransom really save your computer from a Ransomware like Mogranos, and is this the only solution to get your files back? Well, unfortunately, there cannot be an exact answer to this question, and the reason for that is simple: you can’t trust the anonymous criminals.

Will paying remove the .Mogranos file encryption?

Regardless of how convincing the hackers may try to be, there simply is no guarantee that they will send you the secret decryption key for the files that their virus has encrypted. If you are lucky enough, you may eventually receive some decryption solution in exchange for your money, but there is practically nothing you could do if the crooks decide to not send you anything. It is not excluded that they may not even have a working decryption key, and that they may simply be trying to trick you into making the ransom payment without having any actual intention of helping you out with your data’s recovery. In this case, if you send them your money, that money will be gone in vain. This is because, in most cases, the ransom that the hackers demand is requested in BitCoin, or in another similar cryptocurrency, the transaction of which is almost impossible to trace. This method of payment allows the criminals to remain anonymous, and is one of the main reasons why they usually cannot be brought to justice by the authorities.

Dealing with .Mogranos virus

If a Ransomware like Mogranos is not removed but is left to operate in the system undisturbed, it can make your computer unusable, because it may encrypt every new file you create, as well as any other devices or backup copies you connect to the infected machine. Therefore, the most recommended course of action according to most security specialists, including our “How to remove” team, is to focus on removing Ransomware infection. Once you have successfully deleted it, you can safely connect your backup sources or give a try to some alternative file-recovery methods. If you don’t know how to do that, the removal guide below can assist you in detecting and removing Mogranos. There is also a special section with suggestions on how to retrieve some of your files without paying the ransom.

Mogranos SUMMARY:

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Mogranos Ransomware Removal

1: Preparations

Note: Before you go any further, we advise you to bookmark this page or have it open on a separate device such as your smartphone or another PC. Some of the steps might require you to exit your browser on this PC.

2: Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to enter the Task Manager. Go to the Tab labeled Processes (Details for Win 8/10). Carefully look through the list of processes that are currently active on you PC.

If any of them seems shady, consumes too much RAM/CPU or has some strange description or no description at all, right-click on it, select Open File Location and delete everything there.

Also, even if you do not delete the files, be sure to stop the process by right-clicking on it and selecting End Process.

3: IP related to Mogranos

Go to c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts. Open the hosts file with notepad.

Find where it says Localhost and take a look below that. 

If you see any IP addresses there (below Localhost) send them to us here, in the comments since they might be coming from the Mogranos.

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4: Disable Startup programs

Re-open the Start Menu and type msconfig.

Click on the first search result. In the next window, go to the Startup tab. If you are on Win 10,  it will send you to the Startup part of the task manager instead, as in the picture:

If you see any sketchy/shady looking entries in the list with an unknown manufacturer or a manufacturer name that looks suspicious as there could be a link between them and Mogranos , disable those programs and select OK.

5: Registry Editor

Press Windows key + R and in the resulting window type regedit.

Now, press Ctrl + F and type the name of the virus.

Delete everything that gets found. If you are not sure about whether to delete something, do not hesitate to ask us in the comments. Keep in mind that if you delete the wrong thing, you might cause all sorts of issues to your PC.

6: Deleting potentially malicious data – Mogranos

Type each of the following locations in the Windows search box and hit enter to open the locations:

%AppData%

%LocalAppData%

%ProgramData%

%WinDir%

%Temp%

Delete everything you see in Temp linked to Mogranos Ransomware. About the other folders, sort their contents by date and delete only the most recent entries. As always, if you are not sure about something, write to us in the comment section.

7: Mogranos Decryption

The previous steps were all aimed at removing the Mogranos Ransomware from your PC. However, in order to regain access to your files, you will also need to decrypt them or restore them. For that, we have a separate article with detailed instructions on what you have to do in order to unlock your data. Here is a link to that guide.

The post Remove Mogranos Virus Ransomware (+.Mogranos File Recovery) appeared first on Malware Complaints.

Everyone knows that the Internet is a place where one can come across all sorts of hazardous malware programs. One of the most unpleasant kinds of malware you could ever run into is the notorious Ransomware. This kind of viruses is especially harmful and difficult to deal with since they differ greatly from all other forms of malware. The chances are that you’ve landed on this webpage while seeking information about the most recent Ransomware virus – Nelasod. Cryptoviruses like Nelasod, Format, Ndarod are notorious for their ability to secure the personal files of the targeted user by encrypting them through an advanced code. If the victim wants to regain their access to the locked data documents, they would be required to pay a certain amount of money as a ransom in return for the file-decryption key. All of the details about the requested ransom are typically provided immediately after the encryption process has completed and this happens via a special note that gets shown on the PC screen. Fortunately, in this article, we aren’t simply going to give you some crucial pieces of advice but we are also going to provide you with a free Nelasod Removal Guide which might potentially help you cope with the harmful malware.

Readers of this post, however, have to know that Ransomware is a rather unique form of malware, thus, it can be very challenging to deal with it.  In contrast to a lot of other online risks, that can be intercepted with good anti-virus programs, an infection like Nelasod, in most cases, manages to stay under the radar of the antivirus program. The reason behind this has to do with the fact that this kind of virus does not act like most other types of malware do. When a Ransomware such as Nelasod attacks the machine, it doesn’t actually damage the PC or the files that have been saved on the hard-drives – this is what makes it improbable for a regular anti-malware program to intercept the data encryption that is run by the malicious infection. All that the encryption does to your files is to lock them without causing them any real harm. Yet, you would need a special decryption key to unlock them and since that key is kept on the servers of the hackers, you still will be in trouble and unable to access your own information. Another particularly worrying aspect of most versions of Ransomware viruses is that they cause almost no signs of their malicious activities and the user normally finds out about what has happened when it is way too late.

How to deal with the .nelasod files?

We must say that fear and lack of awareness among blackmailed users is what enables hackers to successfully extort money from their victims. This is usually done by keeping the targeted user scared and intimidated and also unaware of how such viruses truly operate. This is the actual reason why we’ve written this post – to let you know that there may be different alternative solutions for your problem with Nelasod and to encourage you to give them a try. One thing that you should most certainly not do when faced with a Ransomware infection is to go for the ransom payment without first exploring the other potential courses of action that you might have. We strongly believe that paying the demanded ransom right away is a very bad idea since you cannot know whether you’re going to obtain the right code for your documents or not. It is important to note that in many instances you might either NOT get a code, or it will not do what it is supposedly designed to even if you strictly pay the ransom, required by the online criminals. On this page, however, you can find a manual Nelasod Removal Guide which contains guidelines that might be able to help you get rid of the virus and possibly regain access to the locked data files.

SUMMARY:

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Nelasod Ransomware Removal

1: Preparations

Note: Before you go any further, we advise you to bookmark this page or have it open on a separate device such as your smartphone or another PC. Some of the steps might require you to exit your browser on this PC.

2: Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to enter the Task Manager. Go to the Tab labeled Processes (Details for Win 8/10). Carefully look through the list of processes that are currently active on you PC.

If any of them seems shady, consumes too much RAM/CPU or has some strange description or no description at all, right-click on it, select Open File Location and delete everything there.

Also, even if you do not delete the files, be sure to stop the process by right-clicking on it and selecting End Process.

3: IP related to Nelasod

Go to c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts. Open the hosts file with notepad.

Find where it says Localhost and take a look below that. 

If you see any IP addresses there (below Localhost) send them to us here, in the comments since they might be coming from the Nelasod.

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4: Disable Startup programs

Re-open the Start Menu and type msconfig.

Click on the first search result. In the next window, go to the Startup tab. If you are on Win 10,  it will send you to the Startup part of the task manager instead, as in the picture:

If you see any sketchy/shady looking entries in the list with an unknown manufacturer or a manufacturer name that looks suspicious as there could be a link between them and Nelasod , disable those programs and select OK.

5: Registry Editor

Press Windows key + R and in the resulting window type regedit.

Now, press Ctrl + F and type the name of the virus.

Delete everything that gets found. If you are not sure about whether to delete something, do not hesitate to ask us in the comments. Keep in mind that if you delete the wrong thing, you might cause all sorts of issues to your PC.

6: Deleting potentially malicious data – Nelasod

Type each of the following locations in the Windows search box and hit enter to open the locations:

%AppData%

%LocalAppData%

%ProgramData%

%WinDir%

%Temp%

Delete everything you see in Temp linked to Nelasod Ransomware. About the other folders, sort their contents by date and delete only the most recent entries. As always, if you are not sure about something, write to us in the comment section.

7: Nelasod Decryption

The previous steps were all aimed at removing the Nelasod Ransomware from your PC. However, in order to regain access to your files, you will also need to decrypt them or restore them. For that, we have a separate article with detailed instructions on what you have to do in order to unlock your data. Here is a link to that guide.

The post Remove Nelasod Virus Ransomware (+ .Nelasod File Recovery) appeared first on Malware Complaints.