How to remove CoV Ransomware and decrypt .CoV files

What is CoV Ransomware

CoV Ransomware is a type of malicious software that belongs to the Xorist family. It was discovered during an analysis of samples uploaded to VirusTotal. This ransomware targets Windows operating systems and encrypts user files, rendering them inaccessible. Once a computer is infected, CoV encrypts files and appends the .CoV extension to filenames. For example, it changes 1.jpg to 1.jpg.CoV, 2.png to 2.png.CoV, and so forth. The specific encryption method used by CoV ransomware is not explicitly mentioned in the search results, but ransomware typically uses either symmetric or asymmetric encryption. CoV Ransomware generates a ransom note in a file named HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt. This note informs the victim that all crucial files have been encrypted and provides instructions for decryption. A payment of 0.03 Bitcoin is demanded, with a specific Bitcoin address provided for the transaction.

As of now, there are no specific decryption tools available for CoV ransomware. The majority of active ransomware variants cannot be decrypted by any free tool or software. However, it’s always worth checking resources like the No More Ransom Project for updates on available decryption tools. If your files have been encrypted by CoV ransomware, the safest and most efficient removal method is to use a professional anti-malware program. This will scan for and locate the ransomware, then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CoV files. To prevent ransomware infections, it’s crucial to maintain good cyber hygiene. This includes regularly updating and patching software and operating systems, avoiding clicking on suspicious links or downloading software from untrustworthy sources, and conducting regular vulnerability scans. If your computer is infected, it’s important to isolate the infected device as soon as possible to prevent the ransomware from spreading throughout the network.

CoV Ransomware (ransom note)

CoV Ransomware (wallpaper)

How CoV Ransomware infects computers

CoV Ransomware typically infiltrates systems by exploiting vulnerabilities in software or the operating system. Common entry points for this ransomware include:

• Clicking on malicious links or opening compromised email attachments.
• Downloading and installing software from dubious websites.
• Obtaining pirated software, utilizing cracking tools and key generators, and downloading from P2P networks, third-party downloaders, and similar sources.

1. Download CoV Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .CoV files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like CoV Ransomware

CoV Ransomware files:


HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt
{randomname}.exe


CoV Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .CoV files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .CoV files. Download it here:

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .CoV files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with CoV Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .CoV files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like CoV Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. CoV Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.