MOOL ransomware seeks to extort you by encrypting your filesOnline and Offline Encryption – what’s the difference?Threat SummaryDistribution vectors that STOP/DJVU variants rely onRemove MOOL file firus and related malware from your PC

MOOL file extension virus uses AES/RSA encryption methods to convert all files on victim’s computer useless. Once affected by such cryptography algorithm, the file cannot be opened without a private decryption key. Unfortunately, only the STOP/DJVU creators have encryption/decryption key pairs. The aim of MOOL ransomware is to prevent the victim from accessing personal files anymore. It causes shock for the user, as personal computers are typically used to store important data such as memories (photos, videos) or work/study files such as documents, spreadsheets, etc. At this point, the only message left for the victim is stored in _readme.txt files, which suggest paying a hefty ransom as soon as possible. If paid within 3 days, the price of MOOL decryption software is lower and costs $490. Later, it goes up to $980.

Online and Offline Encryption – what’s the difference?

The majority of victims are subject to online encryption, which describes a process when the virus connects to its Command&Control server to obtain online encryption key. If the malware fails to connect, it uses an offline encryption key, which is one and only for all computers on which the virus fails to connect to C2. Once someone with offline key encryption pays the ransom and shares it with cybersecurity experts, the STOP DJVU Decryptor by Emsisoft gets updated. You can find out whether you files have been affected by the offline key by going to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt. Here, look at the end of IDs stored. In case one of them ends in t1, then you can hope to restore some data in the future. In ALL other cases, MOOL data decryption is impossible due to online key attack.

Threat Summary

Distribution vectors that STOP/DJVU variants rely on

Ransomware viruses such as MOOL, BBOO, ROOE, OOSS, or MMNN tend to await victims in a form of unsafe or illegal files available online. In most cases, victims download and infect their systems with DJVU variants after searching and opening malicious software cracks found online. It can also happen with keygens or tools like KMSPico. Finally, other ransomware variants might await in malspam email attachments or appended links. To avoid such ransomware attacks, always rely on trustworthy online resources. Consider investing in legitimate software licenses, because they will never infect your PC with ransomware or other type of malware.

To eliminate and completely remove MOOL ransomware virus from your computer system, follow the steps provided below. We strongly suggest using a trusted software to delete the malware completely. If you attempt to search for virus’ components yourself, remember that it can hide its files and various configurations deeply in your system. Therefore, if you’re not a qualified cybersecurity expert, most likely you will fail to find and delete these items yourself. MOOL ransomware removal should be done automatically while in Safe Mode with Networking. Only after successful elimination of it and AZORULT you can try to use your data backups. What is more, do not forget to change your passwords straight after cleansing your PC system. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove MOOL Ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

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