This article will aid you to remove .MOLE02 File Virus completely. Follow the .MOLE02 File Virus removal instructions at the end of this article.
Mole ransomware is back and this time it encrypts people’s files with the .MOLE02 extension. Malware researchers believe that the code is still based on the CryptoMix ransomware. Distribution for it happens via spam e-mails and malvertising chains prompting you to click on things in a web page. Once that payload is triggered after downloading it from any of the distribution ways, your data will get encrypted and the virus will leave a ransom note with instructions. Read on below and see how you might try to potentially restore some of your data.
Threat Summary
| Name | .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware virus is still believed to be a variant of CryptoMix. After encryption, it will display a detailed ransom note with payment instructions. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and then place the extension .MOLE02 on each encrypted file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole). |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
.MOLE02 File Virus – Update July 2017
.MOLE02 File Virus – Distribution Methods
The .MOLE02 file virus can distribute its infection through different methods. For now, the main distribution method is via spam e-mails. Such an e-mail will pretend to be regarding some sort of a shipping notification and in most cases that a package has failed to be delivered. There is a link inside redirecting to a fake MS Word document. Opening that Word file, shows that you have to download something, like a plugin to see the contents. If you click on download or whatever the cryptovirus is set to instruct you to click on – don’t do it. Otherwise, you will download the cryptovirus to your PC, which will then automatically execute it.
Above you can see one sample found by malware researchers of the payload dropper file with the ransomware. The .MOLE02 file virus is also possible to distribute that payload file on social media and file-sharing services. Refrain from opening files right after you have downloaded them, especially if they come from suspicious sources such as links or e-mails as displayed above. Instead, you should scan them beforehand with a security tool. You should read the ransomware prevention tips written in our forum.
.MOLE02 File Virus – In-Depth Analysis
The .MOLE02 file virus is dubbed like that due to the fact that it encrypts files while placing the .MOLE02 extension to them. Malware researchers claim that the ransomware is a variant of the CryptoMix ransomware virus.
After you have downloaded the ransomware there will be some sort of an error message popping on your screen. The result is a UAC (User Account Control) window launching and asking you to give permission for the execution of a certain command.
Giving that permission will launch the ransomware with Administrative privileges, and your computer will be scanned so your files to get encrypted.
Your “Favorites” directory will be encrypted first, while the virus is trying to spread over the network you are currently connected to. This is how that “Favorites” directory will look like after encryption:
The following files will be created:
- _HELP_INSTRUCTION.txt
- NTUSER.DAT
- ntuser.dat.log1
- ntuser.dat.log2
- some other files with similar names
Also, the following processes will be stopped:
- sc stop wscsvc
- sc stop WinDefend
- sc stop wuauserv
- sc stop BITS
- sc stop ERSvc
- sc stop WerSvc
The ransom note will appear after the encryption process is finished. The note is written in English. Inside, you will see instructions with the demands for payment and how you might recover your files. The ransom note is inside the above-mentioned file called “_HELP_INSTRUCTION.txt”:
That ransom note reads the following:
!!! IMPORTANT INFORAMTION!!!
All of your files are encrypted with RSA-2048 and AES-128 ciphers.
More information about the RSA and AES can be found here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_StandardDecrypting of your files is only possible with the private key and decrypt program, which is on our secret server.
Following these steps:
1. Download and install Tor Browser: https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html
2. After a successful installation, run the browser and wait for initialisation.
3. Type in the address bar: https://supportjy2xvvdmx.onion/
4. Follow the instructions on the site.
!!! Your DECRYPT-ID: 56b0c725-XXXX-XXX-XXXXXX-d2598feb4eeb !!!
Below you can see the payment page hosted on the TOR Network, just as a reference:
That page states the following:
MOLE RANSOMWARE
DECRYPT-ID
SubmitAttention!
Price of software and your private key is 1.0 bitcoins. With this product you can decrypt all your files.
If you are willing to pay for a software product, then:
Dear user, leave your DECRYPT-ID and e-mail. We will contact you within 24 hours and give further instructions. !!! You do not need to leave different electronic addresses, or the same address many times.
The ransom note of the .MOLE02 file virus should not be followed. You shouldn’t under any circumstances pay 1 Bitcoin nor contact the cybercriminals. Your files may not even be restored, and nobody could guarantee you that. Moreover, supporting criminals is not a good idea. The crooks may get motivated to do more criminal activities, like creating more ransomware viruses.
.MOLE02 File Virus – Encryption Process
.MOLE02 file virus has an interesting encryption process. The encryption algorithms which are used for the process are both RSA with 2048-bit ciphers and AES with 128-bit ciphers.
Every file that gets encrypted will receive the same extension appended to each one of them, and that is the .MOLE02 extension. For instance Work.doc will look like 8GDP5S87S7G4R8SF76SD7F8SD8FCPK3L.MOLE02 after encryption is done. Below you can see all file extensions that the .MOLE02 ransomware probably seeks to encrypt, if the list is unchanged from its previous variant:
→.doc, .xls, .pub, .odt, .ods, .odp, .odm, .odc, .odb, .wps, .xlk, .ppt, .mdb, .accdb, .pst, .dwg, .dxf, .dxg, .wpd, .rtf, .wb2, .mdf, .dbf, .psd, .pdd, .eps, .ai, .indd, .cdr, .jpg, .dng, .3fr, .arw, .srf, .sr2, .bay, .crw, .cr2, .dcr, .kdc, .erf, .mef, .mrw, .nef, .nrw, .orf, .raf, .raw, .rwl, .rw2, .r3d, .ptx, .pef, .srw, .x3f, .der, .cer, .crt, .pem, .pfx, .p12, .p7b, .p7c
The .MOLE02 file virus cryptovirus will delete the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with issuing the command:
→vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
That also makes the encryption process more viable since it eliminates one of the ways for decrypting your data. Read on through and see what kind of ways you might try out to potentially recover some of your data.
Remove .MOLE02 File Virus and Restore Your Data
If your computer got infected with the .MOLE02 file virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computer systems. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole)
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole).
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.MOLE02 File Virus (Mole)-FAQ
What is .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) Ransomware?
.MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) Infect?
Via several ways..MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open ..MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your ..MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..MOLE02 File Virus (Mole)" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the .MOLE02 File Virus (Mole) ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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