Article created to explain more about what is .BELGIAN_COCOA ransomware and how to remove it and restore encrypted files.
A ransomware infection, known as .BELGIAN_COCOA because of it’s file extension added to the encrypted files, has hit the wild, infecting multiple users all over the globe, starting with China. The virus encrypts the files on the compromised computers, altering their structure, which makes them no longer able to be opened. After doing so, .BELGIAN_COCOA drops a ransom note file, named “UNLOCK_guiDE.tXT” ransom note to demand from victims to pay a hefty ransom fee. The note is inn Chinese and asks to contact atlantis.cf@yandex.com.
Threat Summary
| Name | BELGIAN_COCOA |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer machine. Then it displays a ransom note in Chinese demanding a payoff in BitCoin. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and adds the .BELGIAN_COCOA file extension. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss BELGIAN_COCOA. |
| 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. |
How Does .BELGIAN_COCOA Spread
In order to infect a maximum amount of victims, the ransomware may be spread via the usage of multiple different types of files. These files may be of the following types:
→ .js, .wsf, .docm, .docx, .PDF, .exe, .vbs, .bat, .cmd
The files may be concealed as multiple different objects when you encounter them online:
- Important documents, like invoices, receipts, banking statements, etc. Usually encountered with malicious e-mails.
- Setups of programs that the user is trying to download and use for free form various suspicious sites.
- Key generators or game cracks which are in fact the infection file.
Once the victim clicks on those files, he or she may encounter various different types of weird behavior on his/hers computer, varying from the screen freezing to the system slowing down. This is the initiation of the infection process by the .BELGIAN_COCOA virus.
.BELGIAN_COCOA File Virus – Main Activity
The activity of this ransomware virus is involved in it connecting to a command and control server from which it transfers information from your computer, such as:
- Your IP address.
- Your OS version.
- Your MAC address.
- Other system information.
The .BELGIAN_COCOA file virus also drops it’s payload by downloading it from the servers it connects to. The other scenario is if the malware is completely offline-based and directly extracts and starts it’s main malicious executable.
The primary objective of .BELGIAN_COCOA ransomware is to encrypt the files on the user PC. This is achieved by taking advantage of the administrator privileges of Windows. They allow the virus to modify multiple aspects of the OS. One of those aspects is the Windows Registry Editor which may be attacked by the ransomware virus to set registry entries for it’s malicious files to run on system startup. These registry entries may be set in the following sub-keys and if you locate them, you may find the actual location of the malicious files:
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
After this, the .BELGIAN_COCOA ransomware virus may also execute administrative commands so that it deletes Windows shadow volume copies. Those commands are ran as administrator in Windows Command Prompt. They are also ran in the background while the victim does not realize what is going on. The commands may be the following:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet & bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no & bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
In addition to the activity of the .BELGIAN_COCOA ransomware infection is to focus on notifying you of the issue that is facing your computer and get you to pay the ransom. For this purpose, the malware drops a ransom note, named
UNLOCK_guiDE.txt written in Chinese:
您好，您的文件已经被加密。请不要求助于警察或防护软件，因为他们并不能帮助您解密文件。
我们还获取了部分有价值的数据在您的计算机上。
!解密方法:3天内支付2500人民币等价的比特币到地址1HPRcuSHAXFSaEuN9Jhe7RmVbv8oBdx16
!或按照以上价格支付等价的ZCash到地址t1bPWjxDoSrJzZD1PZfDCwbiMzpnQo5D7jo
(比特币Bitcoin和零币ZCash都是虚拟货币，详情请询问搜索引擎)
(比特币官网:Bitcoin.org)
(ZCash官网:Z.Cash)
!如果超过3天，则请您支付3500人民币等价的比特币
!!价格可以商量
我们是绝对不会类似WannaCry Ransomware,收钱不解锁
!!!如果您有疑虑，可以先为您解锁一批文件(通过邮箱发送)
!!!如果超过15天，我们将无法为您解锁
!!!并且您的数据会被公布。
您的ID:[redacted numbers].96-28504-10852-38972-19914-37721-28234
当您支付完成，请联系邮箱
atlantis.cf@yandex.com
或
atlantis_cf@protonmail.com
请发送付款记录/截图以及ID
当您支付完成，我们保证一定遵守承诺，为您解密。谢谢您。
!!!我们支持先解密3个文件(通过邮箱发送)!!!
!!!我们支持先解密后付款(以展示我们的信任)!!!
如果有任何疑问，请发送至邮箱
atlantis.cf@yandex.com
或
atlantis_cf@protonmail.com
支持的提问语言:英语(美国)，俄语，西班牙语，中文(中国)
谢谢您的合作
您的语言:中文(中国)(不是您的语言?我们推荐:Google Translate)
Buying Bitcoin in China:
huobi.com
okcoin.com
btcchina.com
etc…
Buying Zcash in China:
yuanbao.com
yunbi.com
etc…
!China is a very great country!
.BELGIAN_COCOA File Virus – Encryption Process
The encryption process of the .BELGIAN_COCOA file virus is conducted in multiple stages. The preparation state, as described above is not only to ensure that the virus is not interrupted while it encrypts your files, but it also makes sure to minimize your chance of recovering those files. Then, the virus may get to the file scanning and encrypting stage. For this purpose, the .BELGIAN_COCOA file virus scans for specific file types to encrypt data. These types include file extensions associated with:
- Documents.
- Audio files.
- Videos.
- Virtual Drives.
- Archives.
After the encryption process is completed, the files can no longer be opened. They contain the file extension of the virus and look like the following:
Remove .BELGIAN_COCOA File Ransomware and Restore Data
For the removal process of this virus, we strongly advise you to follow the instructions down below. They are specifically designed to help you get rid of the ransomware infection either manually or automatically. The ransomware infection also tampers with some important Windows objects, such as processes that may cause dysfunction in your Windows OS. This is the primary purpose why experts often advise to use a ransomware-specific tool for the removal process to be completed automatically. Such tool also ensures future protection.
In addition to taking advantage of this ransomware infection, we also recommend using multiple different types of file restoration methods. We have illustrated several of those in step “2. Restore files encrypted by .BELGIAN_COCOA Virus” below.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
Follow Me:
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- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for BELGIAN_COCOA with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall BELGIAN_COCOA 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 BELGIAN_COCOA 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 BELGIAN_COCOA 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 BELGIAN_COCOA
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by BELGIAN_COCOA.
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 BELGIAN_COCOA 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.
BELGIAN_COCOA-FAQ
What is BELGIAN_COCOA Ransomware?
BELGIAN_COCOA 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 BELGIAN_COCOA 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 BELGIAN_COCOA Infect?
Via several ways.BELGIAN_COCOA 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 BELGIAN_COCOA 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 .BELGIAN_COCOA files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .BELGIAN_COCOA 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 .BELGIAN_COCOA files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".BELGIAN_COCOA" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .BELGIAN_COCOA 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 BELGIAN_COCOA 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 BELGIAN_COCOA ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .BELGIAN_COCOA 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 BELGIAN_COCOA 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 BELGIAN_COCOA Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this BELGIAN_COCOA 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 BELGIAN_COCOA 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.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.