MOOL Ransomware

What is MOOL Ransomware?

MOOL Ransomware is a version of STOP Ransomware threats. Consequently, it acts similarly to all ransomware programs coming from this family. For instance, it shows almost the same ransom note as other STOP Ransomware threats; the only difference in this malicious application's displayed message is that it has different contact information. If you want to learn how it works, how it could be distributed, or even how to delete it, we encourage you to read our full article. Also, if you are interested in learning how to remove MOOL Ransomware manually, you should find our deletion instructions available below this text useful too. If you need more assistance with its removal of want to ask something about its working manner, keep in mind that you can use our comments section located at the end of this page.

Where does MOOL Ransomware come from?

In most cases, users encounter malicious applications like MOOL Ransomware because they open suspicious files from unreliable web pages or spam emails. It does not matter how data looks like. If it comes from unrepeatable sources, it could be harmful. Cybercriminals often make malicious installers look like text files, updates, installers, game cracks, and so on. Thus, you should be alert all the time and scan doubtful data with a legitimate antimalware tool before opening it. Additionally, our researchers at Anti-spyware-101.com advise dealing with vulnerabilities like unsecured RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) connections or outdated software since lots of malware, including ransomware, can exploit such weaknesses to get in.

How does MOOL Ransomware work?

MOOL Ransomware should drop particular data on the infected device shortly after its launch. What you ought to know about the malware’s data is that some of it, like the Registry entry in the KEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run directory or a scheduled task in the %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks location, will make your system relaunch the threat. To be more precise, the infected computer should relaunch it after the device restarts and also according to a specific schedule.

Furthermore, after the malicious application creates the mentioned data, it should start the encryption process. During it, MOOL Ransomware ought to encipher various files that are not related to Windows or other program data on the infected computer. A second extension called .mool ought to appear on each encrypted file, so recognizing the affected data should be easy. The moment the malware finishes the encryption process, it should create a ransom note titled _readme.txt. If you open it, you should see a message saying: “ATTENTION! Don't worry, you can return all your files!”

The rest of _readme.txt should explain that you can decrypt your files if you purchase a decryptor from the malware’s creators. To learn how to do so, the note suggests contacting hackers via email. Cybercriminals even promise a 50 percent discount to convince users to hurry up. Even if you do not have to pay the full price, the sum is still quite large ($490). The worst part is that you might not get the needed decryptor no matter how much you pay or what the hackers promise you. Naturally, if you decide not to trust them, we recommend against putting up with their demands.

How to erase MOOL Ransomware?

Erasing MOOL Ransomware manually could be a difficult task for inexperienced users. If you still want to try to delete the malware this way, you could use the removal instructions located below this paragraph. On the other hand, if the process looks too challenging, you should get a legitimate antimalware tool. After performing a full system scan, you should be able to delete MOOL Ransomware by pressing the given removal button.

Remove MOOL Ransomware

1. Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
2. Pick Task Manager and select Processes.
3. Locate a process belonging to the threat.
4. Select it and click End Task.
5. Exit Task Manager.
6. Click Windows key+E.
7. Locate these paths:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
8. Locate the malicious application’s launcher, right-click it, and select Delete.
9. Navigate to these folders:
   %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data
   %LOCALAPPDATA%
10. Look for the malware’s created folders with random names (e.g., 7a9ea157-12c4-497d-7f76-9e78rc1b7ef3); they ought to contain malicious .exe files.
11. Right-click the threat’s created folders and select Delete.
12. Go to: %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
13. Find a task called Time Trigger Task, right-click it, and select Delete.
14. Locate files titled _readme.txt, right-click them, and choose Delete.
15. Exit File Explorer.
16. Press Windows key+R.
17. Insert Regedit and click Enter.
18. Locate the given directory: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
19. Find a value name created by the threat, for example, SysHelper, right-click it, and press Delete.
20. Exit Registry Editor.
21. Empty your Recycle Bin.
22. Restart the computer. Download Removal Tool100% FREE spyware scan and
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