How to remove GonnaCope Ransomware and decrypt .cope files

What is GonnaCope Ransomware

Recently discovered by a malware researcher named Petrovic, GonnaCope is a ransomware infection able to encrypt system-stored data. Research showed that it also deletes and replaces some data with random and pointless files, which appear with the .cope extension. On the other hand, files encrypted by GonnaCope do not change in their appearance and remain exactly the same yet no longer accessible. To get access back to encrypted files, swindlers behind the virus guide victims to complete a 100$ transfer (in Bitcoin) to the crypto-address attached in the ReadMe.txt note. In addition, it also displays a cmd window with almost identical information.

After sending the money, ransomware developers promise to provide their victims with a decryption key to return the data. Whether cybercriminals can be trusted or not is never without uncertainty. In general, frauds have a bad reputation since they are able to fool you and not send any promised decryption tools at the end. Either way, they are the only figures who have the ability to decrypt your data at this moment. Victims can avoid paying the ransom only if there are backup copies available on external devices. This way, they can be used to recover encrypted and no longer usable files. If you are not in favor of paying the required ransom and you do not have backups to use, you can still put your hand to using third-party tools – there is a chance they will be able to help under some circumstances. Otherwise, victims can keep encrypted data and hope that a working decryption instrument will be released in the future. Before trying any recovery options, it is important to delete GonnaCope Ransomware to prevent it from encrypting or spreading to other neighboring networks. You will find full information on both virus deletion and file recovery in the article below.

GonnaCope Ransomware (ransom note)

GonnaCope Ransomware (command prompt)

How GonnaCope Ransomware infected your computer

E-mail spam might be the most abused method of spreading various infections. Cybercriminals bundle e-mail letters with malicious attachments (disguised as MS Office documents, PDFs, JavaScript, Archive, Executable files, etc.) and blackmail users into opening them. In MS Office files, it is also required to allow “Editing” – only then the virus will be unleashed installing itself onto a non-protected system. Such messages may also contain links or hidden buttons leading to download or fake log-in pages. In other cases, ransomware and other types of infections may be distributed via channels like trojans, phishing pages, fake software updates/installers, unprotected RDP configuration, and NAS (Network Attached Storage) vulnerabilities. The most important rule to avoid infections like GonnaCope Ransomware is to keep a distance from unofficial and suspicious content. Dubious letters and websites spreading some software or files are likely to be designed for penetration of malware. We recommend you follow our guide below to get more useful and practical information on how to shield yourself against such threats in the future.

1. Download GonnaCope Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .cope 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 GonnaCope Ransomware

GonnaCope Ransomware files:


ReadMe.txt
{randomname}.exe


GonnaCope Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .cope files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .cope 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 .cope 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 GonnaCope 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 .cope files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose 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 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 is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see 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 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 GonnaCope 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. GonnaCope 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.