Delete Copa ransomware
Copa ransomware is file-encrypting malware from the Djvu/STOP ransomware family. It can be differentiated by the .copa file extension added to all files. Once it’s done encrypting files, it drops the _readme.txt ransom note.
Copa ransomware is a dangerous piece of malware that encrypts files, adds the .copa file extension and then drops a _readme.txt ransom note, which demands that users pay $980 in ransom for file decryption. It’s yet another member part of the malware family that has already released more than two hundred ransomware versions.
Once files are encrypted, users will be unable to open them until they are decrypted with a special decryptor, which the cyber crooks behind this ransomware will be trying to sell users. However, paying the ransom is generally discouraged because it does not guarantee file decryption. Users should keep in mind that they are dealing with cyber criminals who are not likely to feel any obligation to help recover files, seeing as they are responsible for encrypting files of thousands of users. And even if victims are sent decryptors, they aren’t necessarily working ones.
Unfortunately those who do not have backup, there currently is no way to recover files for free. Malware researchers do release free decryptors to help victims when possible, but not all ransomware is decryptable. There is a free decryption tool for older Djvu ransomware versions but it does not work on ransomware that encrypts files with online keys, which is the case with the Copa ransomware.
We should also mention that there are many fake decryptors, particularly for Djvu ransomware, as it’s such as prominent malware family. Users should be very careful and only download decryptors from reliable sources, such as NoMoreRansom, Emsisoft, other anti-virus vendors, as well as reliable malware researchers. A decryptor from a random forum is more likely to give users additional malware than actually decrypt files.
If users do have backup, they can access it and start recovering files as soon as they remove Copa ransomware from their computers. If the ransomware is still installed when backup is accessed, backed up files may become encrypted as well.
Ransomware distribution methods
In the majority of cases, ransomware is able to infect a computer because of users’ bad browsing habits. If users open unknown email attachments without thinking twice, click on ads when on dubious websites, pirate content via torrents, etc., there is a high possibility that users will infect their computers with some kind of malware.
It’s no secret that pirating via torrents can often lead to serious malware infections. Torrent sites and forums are often not regulated properly, which allows malicious actors to upload malware disguised as movies, TV shows, games, software, etc. When users download the malicious torrent and open it, they unknowingly launch the malware. It goes without saying that pirating is also essentially stealing content.
Spam email remains one of the most common ways users infect their computers with malware. Malicious actors launch spam email campaigns carrying malware using potential victim email addresses they obtain from various hacking forums. The emails are usually quite obvious to those aware that malware can be carried in emails, but less tech-savvy users may not realize what’s going on and open the malicious attachment, which would trigger the ransomware. For whatever reason, the emails are often full of grammar and spelling mistakes, are written in awkward English, and just generally seem very unprofessional while senders claim they are from known companies/organizations and are writing because they supposedly have important business. In general, users should always check unsolicited email attachments with anti-malware software or VirusTotal before opening them.
Is it possible to decrypt Copa ransomware encrypted files?
When users unknowingly open malicious files, they initiate the ransomware, which immediately starts encrypting files. By the time users notice, files will already be encrypted. All affected files will have the .copa extension added to them, and users will not be able to open them. A ransom note _readme.txt will also be dropped. The note is identical to the ones dropped by other Djvu ransomware versions.
Here is the full Copa ransomware ransom note:
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-NYlGSMNN9r
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:
helpmanager@mail.chReserve e-mail address to contact us:
restoremanager@airmail.ccYour personal ID:
The ransomware demands that users pay $980 for the decryptor, or $490 if contact is made within 72 hours. However, since there are no guarantees that a working decryptor would be sent, paying the ransomware is not recommended. Countless times in the past have users paid only to receive nothing in return. But unfortunately, the only other way to recover files is backup. If users do have backup, they can start file recovery as soon as they delete Copa ransomware.
Users who don’t have backup have the option of backing up all encrypted files and waiting for a free decryptor to be released sometime in the future.
Copa ransomware removal
It is strongly recommended to use anti-malware software to delete Copa ransomware because this is a complicated infection. Users should not attempt manual Copa ransomware removal because they may end up doing even more damage. Unfortunately, deleting the ransomware does not decrypt files, the decryptor is necessary for that.
Copa ransomware is detected as:
- Trojan.GenericKD.43898764 by BitDefender
- Win32:TrojanX-gen [Trj] by Avast/AVG
- Win32/Filecoder.STOP.A by ESET
- Trojan.GenericKD.43898764 (B) by Emsisoft
- Trojan.MalPack.GS by Malwarebytes
- HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen by Kaspersky