What is Cota ransomware?
Cota ransomware is a trojan that encrypts user files in order to extort money. Snick ransomware often infects systems via trojans, botnets, exploits, and infected spam email attachments. Following penetration, it instantly begins the encryption mechanism by running its malicious programs. Cota ransomware uses a powerful encryption method to lock user files, preventing them from being used or accessed. Following that, the victim is offered the opportunity to purchase a decryption tool from criminals in order to regain access to his or her files. We do not advocate paying them money, however, because there is a substantial possibility of being duped by virus creators. If you have this infection on your computer, you may follow our guide to remove Cota ransomware and decrypt .cota your files.
Cota ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts all the files on an infected computer and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. The ransomware adds the .cota extension to all encrypted files, making them inaccessible to the user. Once the ransomware has infected a system, it displays a ransom note (_readme.txt) that demands payment in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. The payment is usually in the range of several hundred to thousands of dollars. The ransom note contains a deadline by which the payment must be made, after which the decryption key will be permanently deleted:
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-e3y9ACpD1Y
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:
support@freshmail.topReserve e-mail address to contact us:
datarestorehelp@airmail.ccYour personal ID:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
In the end, it’s up to you to believe it or not, but let us warn you – no one can ensure that they would do their part of the deal. On the contrary, there is a high risk of being deceived and left with nothing. The only reliable way to solve the problem is to remove Cota ransomware from the system using appropriate software in order to stop the malicious actions of the virus and then restore your data from the backup.
Screenshot of encrypted by Cota ransomware files:
There are two solutions to remove Cota ransomware and decrypt your files. The first is to use an automated removal tool. This method is suitable even for inexperienced users since the removal tool can delete all instances of the virus in just a few clicks. The second is to use the Manual Removal Guide. This is a more complicated way that requires special computer skills.
Screenshot of fake Windows Update you might see during the encryption:
How does Cota ransomware infect systems?
Cota ransomware can infect a system through various means, such as phishing emails, malicious attachments, malicious websites, or exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software. The most common method of infection is through phishing emails. The emails usually contain a malicious attachment or a link to a malicious website. Once the user clicks on the attachment or link, the ransomware is downloaded and executed on the system.
| Name | Coza |
| Type of threat | Ransomware, cryptovirus, file-locking virus |
| File Extension | .coza |
| Ransom Note | _readme.txt |
| Amount of Ransom | $980 ($490 – 50% discount for payment within 72 hours) |
| Contact | support@bestyourmail.ch, datarestorehelp@airmail.cc |
| Genealogy | DJVU Ransomware |
| Detections | ESET-NOD32 Win32/Filecoder.STOP.A, BitDefender Trojan.GenericKD.43898764, McAfee Packed-GCU!CD876A27DAFE, more detections VirusTotal |
| Distribution | Spam email attachments, RDP, pirated software, torrent websites, phishing sites |
| Removal Tool |
In order to completely remove ransomware from your computer, you will need to install an antivirus software. We recommend using SpyHunter |
| Recovery Tool |
The only effective method to restore files is to copy them from a saved backup. If you don’t have a suitable backup, you may use third-party recovery software such as Stellar Data Recovery |
How to remove Cota ransomware?
Removing Cota ransomware from your system requires specialized tools and knowledge. There are a number of free and paid tools available that can help you remove the ransomware and recover your files. These tools use advanced algorithms to scan your system for the ransomware and remove it without damaging your files. In some cases, however, you may need to seek assistance from a professional cybersecurity firm to ensure that the ransomware is completely removed and your files are decrypted.
Recommended Solution:
Try SpyHunter
SpyHunter is a powerful tool that is able to keep your Windows clean. It would automatically search out and delete all elements related to malware. It is not only the easiest way to eliminate malware but also the safest and most assuring one. The full version of SpyHunter costs $42 (you get 6 months of subscription). By clicking the button, you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.
Try Stellar Data Recovery
Stellar Data Recovery is one of the most effective tools that can recover lost and corrupted files — documents, emails, pictures, videos, audio files, and more — on any Windows device. The powerful scan engine can detect compromised files and finally save them to specified destination. Despite its advancedness, it’s very concise and simple so that even the most inexperienced user can figure it out.
Try MailWasher
Email security is the first line of defense against ransomware viruses. To do this, we recommend that you use MailWasher. MailWasher blocks ransomware viruses coming through spam and phishing, and automatically detects malicious attachments and URLs. In addition, malicious messages can be blocked even before the recipient opens them. Since the main source of the spread of ransomware viruses are infected emails, antispam significantly reduces the risk of a virus appearing on your computer.
You may find more detailed information about antivirus products in our article – Top 5 Antivirus Software for Windows
Once Cota ransomware has been successfully removed, you can begin the file decryption procedure.
How to decrypt files infected by Cota Ransomware?
It was noted that during encryption, the Cota virus tries to establish a connection with its server, which does not always occur. If you’re lucky, and the virus fails to do it, you’ve got a good chance of getting your files back with the help of Emsisoft’s decryption tool.
Method 1. Restore your files with the help of Recovery Tool
In case your PC has been attacked by ransomware, you may restore your files by using file recovery software. Stellar Data Recovery is one of the most effective tools that can recover lost and corrupted files — documents, emails, pictures, videos, audio files, and more — on any Windows device. The powerful scan engine can detect compromised files and finally save them to specified destination. Despite its advancedness, it’s very concise and simple so that even the most inexperienced user can figure it out.
- Run Stellar Data Recovery.
- Select type of files you want to restore and click Next.
- Select the drive and folder where your files are located and date that you want to restore them from and press Scan.
- Once the scanning process is done, click Recover to restore your files.
- After this, select a destination and click Start Saving to save restored data.
Since new ransomware-type viruses appear almost every day, there is no technical possibility to issue a decryptor for each virus. In this case, the recovery tool comes to the rescue. Despite the fact that this is one of the most effective methods in the absence of a decryptor, this is not 100 percent and not the only way.
Method 2. Restore the system using System Restore
Although the latest versions of Cota Ransomware can remove system restore files, this method may help you partially restore your files. Give it a try and use standard System Restore to revive your data. The entire process is preferably carried out in Safe Mode with Command Prompt:
For Windows XP/Vista/7 users:
Restart your computer and before your system starts – hit F8 several times. This will prevent system from loading and will show Advanced boot options screen. Choose Safe mode with Command Prompt option from the options list using up and down arrows on your keyboard and hit Enter.
For Windows 8/10 users:
- Click the Start button, then select Settings
- Click Update & Security, then select Recovery and click Restart now.
- After your device reboots, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options >Startup Settings > Restart
- After your PC restarts, you should press F5 key to Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
After the system is loaded in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, do following:
- In the Command Prompt window, type cd restore and hit Enter.
- Then type rstrui.exe and hit Enter again.
- Once a new window shows up, click Next.
- Choose the date before the infection appearance and click Next again
- In the opened pop-up window, click Yes to start system restore.
Method 4. Roll the files back to the previous version
Previous versions can be copies of files and folders created by Windows Backup (if it is active) or copies of files and folders created by System Restore. You can use this feature to restore files and folders that you accidentally modified or deleted, or that were damaged. This feature is available in Windows 7 and later versions.
- Click the encrypted file and choose Properties
- Open the Previous Version tab
- Select the latest version and click Copy
- Click Restore
How to prevent your system from Ransomware?
No one is safe from infection with a virus that secretly encrypts your data. But in order to minimize this risk, you need to follow the rules:
1. Always make Windows updates on time and keep them up to date. Remember that these updates close the security holes in the system through which the virus can enter your computer.
2. The most efficient way to avoid data loss is of course to make a backup of all important data from your computer. It is enough just to synchronize the necessary folders with one of the cloud services, so as not to be afraid to see the text requiring the payment of bitcoins in exchange for a decryption key. It can be a cloud or a remote hard drive on the network. If you store all your files on the Internet, the likelihood of virus infection will be lower. Do not make copies to external hard drives, as this could damage them.
3. Since spam email is the most popular form of spreading ransomware-type viruses, the user should never open email attachments without first having scanned them with an antivirus. Just clicking on the link or opening the attachment can damage the operating system (Windows) in a few minutes, damage important data, and infect other machines with the virus.
Try MailWasher
Email security is the first line of defense against ransomware viruses. To do this, we recommend that you use MailWasher. MailWasher blocks ransomware viruses coming through spam and phishing, and automatically detects malicious attachments and URLs. In addition, malicious messages can be blocked even before the recipient opens them. Since the main source of the spread of ransomware viruses are infected emails, antispam significantly reduces the risk of a virus appearing on your computer.
4. All previous methods do not matter if you do not have a reliable antivirus. The presence of anti-virus protection on your computer can prevent all these unpleasant surprises. Anti-virus software will protect you from malware, money loss, time loss, and invasion of your personal life. Now the antivirus market is so huge that it is difficult to make a choice in favor of one of them. If you have not decided who to give preference to, we suggest you familiarize yourself with our Top 5 Antivirus Software for Windows
Conclusion
Cota ransomware is a dangerous threat that can cause significant financial and reputational damage to individuals and organizations. However, there are several preventive measures you can take to protect yourself from ransomware attacks. If you have been infected with Cota ransomware, it is important to act quickly and follow the steps outlined in this guide to remove the ransomware from your system and recover your files. With our comprehensive guide, you can rest assured that your computer will be back to normal in no time.