MIRCOP Ransomware Virus Demands 48.48 Bitcoins, Blames the Victim

by Milena Dimitrova | June 28, 2016 | 0 Comments

Threat Summary MIRCOP Ransomware – Distribution Method

Ransomware virus authors are restless when it comes to inventing new ways to extort victims for money. One of the more original new crypto viruses, dubbed MIRCOP, employs a rather unusual method to make the victim pay. The ransomware claims that the victim is the one to blame as they have stolen 48.48 Bitcoins, and now they have to return them.

Update! A free decryptor has been created by AVG security analysts for Mircop Ransomware. It can be downloaded by clicking on the following web link:
Mircop Ransomware Decryptor

Threat Summary

Name	MIRCOP ransomware
Type	Ransomware
Short Description	The ransomware authors claim the victim has stolen 48.48 Bitcoins from them. The ransomware uses Guy Fawkes’ mask in the ransom note.
Symptoms	The ransomware will lock your files and display a ransom note. An abnormally large ransom is demanded.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Enabling Malicious Macros
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss MIRCOP ransomware.

MIRCOP Ransomware – Distribution Method

Despite its originality in terms of the ransom note and overall approach to the victim, MIRCOP’s distribution vector is no different than most ransomware. It’s spread via malicious documents in spam emails. The emails are most likely masqueraded as a Thai customs form for importing and exporting goods:
Image Source:TrendMicro

The victim is prompted to enable macros. If macros are enabled Windows PowerShell will be used to download and execute the payload.

MIRCOP Ransomware – Details about the Attack

The ransom note shows a figure in a Guy Fawkes mask, adopted by the Anonymous hacktivist group. One of the weirdest things about this ransomware is that it gives little instructions on how the ransom should be transferred.

The ransom note reads:

Hello,
You’ve stolen 48.48 BTC from the wrong people, please be so kind to return them and we will return your files.
Don’t take us for fools, we know more about you than you know about yourself.
Pay us back and we won’t take further action, don’t pay and be prepared.

As seen above, the ransomware suggests that the victim already knows what to do and how to pay the ransom. The note may be interpreted in a bolder way – cyber criminals pretend to be part of Anonymous, claiming that the targeted user has stolen from them. A Bitcoin address is left at the end of the note. No step-by-step payment instructions for crypto-currency transactions usually seen in ransom note are available. A research by TrendLabs indicates that no payments were made to this address (as of June 23).

MIRCOP ransomware demands a payment of 48.48 Bitcoins, or $28,730.70. This is, no doubt, one of the biggest ransom extortions observed to this date.

The ransomware drops three files in %Temp% folder:

c.exe (set to steal information from the victim’s system)
x.exe (used for file encryption)
y.exe (used for file encryption)

MIRCOP doesn’t append a file extension as other ransomware typically do. Instead files are prepended with the string “Lock”. When files are opened, the file’s content is changed to unreadable characters, as TrendMicro points out. Common folders are also encrypted.

Besides file encryption, the crypto virus is designed to steal credentials from the victim’s applications, like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera, FileZilla, and Skype. CryptXXX, another well-known ransomware, has also been added information stealing capabilities.

MIRCOP Ransomware – Removal and File Restoration

As we have written multiple times, malware and ransomware authors often trick users into enabling malicious macros in spam documents. To avoid getting to this point, users should employ anti-spam measures (anti-spam software, spam filters). Another important element of an adequate protection is sustaining a strong anti-malware solution.

If it’s too late and you have already been affected by MIRCOP, paying the ransom is not a good option. For one, it’s too high and no clear payment instructions are provided. Furthermore, paying cyber criminals only monetizes their infections and gives them ground for future attacks.

So, if you’re a victim, have a look at the instructions below our article to remove MIRCOP and try and get your files back via alternative methods.

Milena Dimitrova

An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim

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Guide 1: How to Remove MIRCOP ransomware from Windows.
Guide 2: Get rid of MIRCOP ransomware on Mac OS X.
Guide 3: Remove MIRCOP ransomware in Google Chrome.

Guide 4: Erase MIRCOP ransomware from Mozilla Firefox.
Guide 5: Uninstall MIRCOP ransomware from Microsoft Edge.
Guide 6: Remove MIRCOP ransomware from Safari.
Guide 7: Eliminate MIRCOP ransomware from Internet Explorer.
Guide 8: Disable MIRCOP ransomware Push Notifications in Your Browsers.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

How to Remove MIRCOP ransomware from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove MIRCOP ransomware

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows key() + R

2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".

Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

Step 2: Uninstall MIRCOP ransomware and related software 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:

1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by MIRCOP ransomware 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 MIRCOP ransomware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.

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.

IMPORTANT!
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: Scan for MIRCOP ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Get rid of MIRCOP ransomware from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall MIRCOP ransomware and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to MIRCOP ransomware:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to MIRCOP ransomware. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to MIRCOP ransomware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

Go to Finder.
In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.

In case you cannot remove MIRCOP ransomware via Step 1 above:

In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as MIRCOP ransomware. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:

→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.

Step 2: Scan for and remove MIRCOP ransomware files from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as MIRCOP ransomware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. SpyHunter for Mac offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for MIRCOP ransomware:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove MIRCOP ransomware from Google Chrome.

Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Erase MIRCOP ransomware from Mozilla Firefox.

Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window

Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

Step 4: After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red "X" button at the top right corner and start it again.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Uninstall MIRCOP ransomware from Microsoft Edge.

Step 1: Start Edge browser.

Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Remove MIRCOP ransomware from Safari.

Step 1: Start the Safari app.

Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".

Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.

Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the MIRCOP ransomware will be removed.

How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.

Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.

Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer Stop Push Pop-ups

Eliminate MIRCOP ransomware from Internet Explorer.

Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.

Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'

Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.

Step 4: Select the extension you want to remove and then click 'Disable'. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click 'Disable'.

Step 5: After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red 'X' button located at the top right corner and start it again.