How to remove Cosw ransomware

Cosw ransomware is malware that encrypts files. It comes from the Djvu/STOP ransomware family and is essentially just another version. The people operating this ransomware family release new versions on a regular basis, though they are quite identical to one another. The versions have infected thousands of users over the last couple of years and there are no signs of them stopping anytime soon. Cosw ransomware will encrypt your personal files and essentially keep them hostage until you agree to pay $980 for a decryptor. If your files were backed up prior to encryption, you will have no issues with file recovery. However, if you were not in the habit of backing up files, you will find file recovery problematic.

 

 

Cosw ransomware and other malware from the Djvu/STOP ransomware family are more or less identical to one another. You can identify which version you are dealing with by the extension added to encrypted files. For example, Cosw ransomware adds .cosw. All of your encrypted personal files (photos, images, videos, documents) will have this extension. For example, when a text.txt file is encrypted, it becomes text.txt.cosw. Without running them through a decryptor first, you won’t be able to open any files with this extension. And obtaining the decryptor will not be easy.

The ransomware will drop a _readme.tx ransom note in each folder containing encrypted files as soon as it finishes with file encryption. How victims can obtain the decryptor is explained in the note. According to the note, users need to buy a decryptor for $980. However, victims who get in touch with the malware operators within the first 72 hours are eligible for a 50% discount. Whether the discount part is true or not is debatable, but it is not advised to pay the ransom because doing does not guarantee a decryptor. You should keep in mind that you are dealing with cybercriminals. Even if you pay them, there is no reason why the criminals who encrypted your files would feel any sort of obligation to assist you. Ransomware operators frequently just steal the victims’ money without providing them with the decryptors. That has happened many times in the past. You are free to decide whether to pay the ransom, but we feel it is important to inform you about the risks. It’s also important to note that victims’ willingness to pay the ransom is one of the factors contributing to ransomware’s increased prevalence nowadays. Ransomware would not be as widespread if all users regularly backed up their data because there would be no reason to pay the ransom.

As soon as you delete Cosw ransomware from your computer, you can begin file recovery if you have copies of your files in a backup. Be careful during the removal process and make sure to use anti-malware software. If you try to do it manually, you could end up causing additional damage to your device. You may also not fully remove the ransomware if you try to do it yourself, which could later allow the infection to recover. If it was able to recover while you were connected to your backup, those backed-up files would also become encrypted. It’s significantly safer, not to mention easier to just use anti-malware software.

Unfortunately, your options are extremely limited if you don’t have a backup. The only option is to wait for a free Cosw ransomware decryptor. Because this ransomware encrypts files using online keys, it is uncertain if a free decryptor will be released at all. Unless those keys are released, a free Cosw ransomware decryptor is not particularly likely. It’s not impossible, however, for the cybercriminals themselves to release the keys, as has happened in the past. Therefore, we strongly recommend you back up your encrypted files and check NoMoreRasnom for a free decryptor from time to time.

How is ransomware distributed?

Email attachments are one of the most popular ways that cybercriminals spread ransomware. Malicious actors purchase leaked email addresses from various hacker forums and use them for their malicious email campaigns. Emails carrying malware are often quite obvious because they’re low-effort. First of all, these emails are usually full of grammar/spelling mistakes for whatever reason. The mistakes are particularly obvious when senders pretend to be from legitimate companies, supposedly emailing with important business. You will rarely see grammar/spelling mistakes in legitimate emails because they look very unprofessional.

Another indication that an email may be malicious is you being addressed with words like User, Member, Customer, etc., by senders who should know your name. Emails from companies whose services you use will always address you by name because it makes the emails more personal. However, because malware campaigns often target a large number of users at the same time, they use generic words.

However, it should be mentioned that some malware campaigns can be significantly more sophisticated. This is why it’s strongly recommended to use anti-malware software or VirusTotal to scan unsolicited email attachments before opening them.

Torrents are another method of ransomware distribution. Since torrent websites are notoriously poorly regulated, as you are probably already aware, malevolent actors can easily upload malicious torrents disguised as torrents for popular content like movies, TV series, video games, software, etc. Avoid downloading pirated content, especially using torrents, because doing so is risky for your computer and your data. It’s also considered to be content theft.

How to remove Cosw ransomware

We advise against attempting to manually remove Cosw ransomware because you risk causing more harm. Using a trustworthy anti-virus tool is recommended because ransomware is a sophisticated malware infection that requires a professional program to get rid of. You can start the file recovery process after the ransomware has been completely removed from your computer.

Cosw ransomware is detected as:

• DropperX-gen [Drp] by AVG/Avast
• Ransom.Win32.STOP.SMYXDBTB.hp by TrendMicro
• VHO:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen by Kaspersky
• Trojan:Win32/Sabsik.FL.B!ml by Microsoft

 

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Quick Menu

Step 1. Delete Cosw ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.

• Windows 8/8.1/10
• Windows XP/7/Vista

Remove Cosw ransomware from Windows 7/Windows Vista/Windows XP

1. Click on Start and select Shutdown.
2. Choose Restart and click OK.
3. Start tapping F8 when your PC starts loading.
4. Under Advanced Boot Options, choose Safe Mode with Networking.
5. Open your browser and download the anti-malware utility.
6. Use the utility to remove Cosw ransomware

Remove Cosw ransomware from Windows 8/Windows 10

1. On the Windows login screen, press the Power button.
2. Tap and hold Shift and select Restart.
3. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Start Settings.
4. Choose Enable Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking under Startup Settings.
5. Click Restart.
6. Open your web browser and download the malware remover.
7. Use the software to delete Cosw ransomware

Step 2. Restore Your Files using System Restore

• Windows 8/8.1/10
• Windows XP/7/Vista

Delete Cosw ransomware from Windows 7/Windows Vista/Windows XP

1. Click Start and choose Shutdown.
2. Select Restart and OK
3. When your PC starts loading, press F8 repeatedly to open Advanced Boot Options
4. Choose Command Prompt from the list.
5. Type in cd restore and tap Enter.
6. Type in rstrui.exe and press Enter.
7. Click Next in the new window and select the restore point prior to the infection.
8. Click Next again and click Yes to begin the system restore.

Delete Cosw ransomware from Windows 8/Windows 10

1. Click the Power button on the Windows login screen.
2. Press and hold Shift and click Restart.
3. Choose Troubleshoot and go to Advanced options.
4. Select Command Prompt and click Restart.
5. In Command Prompt, input cd restore and tap Enter.
6. Type in rstrui.exe and tap Enter again.
7. Click Next in the new System Restore window.
8. Choose the restore point prior to the infection.
9. Click Next and then click Yes to restore your system.