The MOLE66 virus is the newest variant of the Cryptomix malware family. It was recently discovered in an ongoing attack campaign that is spread using different methods. Once it has compromised a target computer it would encrypt the users data with the .mole66 extension and extort the victims for a ransom fee.
Threat Summary
| Name | MOLE66 |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The MOLE66 virus is a Cryptomix strain that encrypts user data, encrypts it with the .MOLE66 extension and extorts the victims for a ranosm fee payment. |
| Symptoms | Computer users will be unable to access their data which is encrypted with the .MOLE66 extension. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, File Sharing Networks, Exploit Kits |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss MOLE66. |
MOLE66 Virus – Infection Spread
The Mole66 virus is newly released strain of the Cryptomix malware family which is being launched against victims worldwide. At the moment there is no information about the perpetrators, whether it is an individual hacker or a criminal collective.
The Cryptomix family and most of its strains are frequently delivered via spam messages. The most commonly used method is to send hyperlinks that lead to the virus infections. As always the hackers use social engineering tactics that attempt to coerce the victims into falling for the malware. A common way of doing so is by taking the text and graphics of famous sites and designing email messages that look like identical copies of them. The other method is to directly attach the Mole66 virus files to the messages.
Another convenient way to infect users on a mass scale is to spread the script directly onto payload files. In the last few years two file types have become the most widely used ones:
- Infected Documents — The criminals embed the code into macros and the files can be of various types: rich text documents, presentations and spreadsheets. Once they are opened by the intended users a notification screen appears that asks them to enable the built-in scripts. If this is done then the threat will be downloaded from an external site and executed on the local computer.
- Malware Installers — The hackers can the installer files of famous applications from their official vendors: utilities, creative apps and games. They are frequently placed on sites that imitate the legitimate download portals.
An effective solution that can be used with the MOLE66 virus is to embed the malware code into browser hijackers. They are malware browser plugins that claim to add beneficial features to the applications, while at the same time redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled page and harvest their personal data. The hackers use fake credentials, user reviews and an elaborate description in order to attract more interest. Furthermore the strains are available for the most popular web browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Microsoft Edge, Safari, Google Chrome and Internet Explorer.
The hackers can also create fraud download portals and various web scripts such as banners, pop-ups and etc.
MOLE66 Virus – Technical Data
The security analysis reveals that the MOLE66 virus is a new malware strain that is descendant from the Cryptomix family. It is very possible that the hacker or criminal collective behind it have acquired it from the black market.
The customized version does not follow the advanced behavior patterns found with other malware. We expect to see modules like the stealth protection which can protect the virus from being discovered by installed security software. The initial infection engine is programmed to scan for signatures belonging to anti-virus products, virtual machine hosts and sandbox environments. They are usually bypassed or entirely removed from the system. Some viruses also opt to delete themselves if they are unable to complete this step, this is done in order to avoid detection.
The next component that can be started is the data harvesting one. It is usually programmed to scan the whole contents of the infected machine for sensitive information. It is classified into two main groups:
- Anonymous Metrics — They are usually composed of information about the hardware components, the operating system configuration and certain region settings values.
- Private Data — The MOLE66 virus can be programmed into revealing data that can be used to reveal the victim’s identity — their name, address, interests, location, passwords and account credentials.
The next step would be to cause various system changes to the infected system, such steps lead to a persistent state of execution that makes it very difficult for the victims to restore their machines manually. The virus engine can impact the Windows registry, this can lead to application issues and overall perforamnce disruption. The ransomware can also impact the boot options thereby removing the possibility to boot into the startup recovery menu. That security analysis reveals that the Mole66 virus is programmed to delete all found Shadow volume copies of user data.
Advanced versions of the MOLE66 virus can institute a network connection with the hacker-controlled servers. When this is done the malware criminals may overtake control of the victim machines at any given time and spy on the users in real time. The network connection can deliver additional threats if such are intended.
MOLE66 Virus – Encryption Process
The ransomware module is started after all previous components have finished executing. Like previous Cryptomix variants it uses a prefenied list of target file type extensions:
- Archives
- Documents
- Images
- Backups
- Videos
- Music
- Databases
One all victim data has been processed it receives the .MOLE66 extension. A ransomware note is crafted in a file called _HELP_INSTRUCTIONS_.TXT which reads the following:
!!!All your files are encrypted!!!
What to decipher write on mail alpha2018a@aol.com
Do not move or delete files!!!!
—- Your ID: ***** —-
!!! You have 3 days otherwise you will lose all your data.!!!
Remove MOLE66 Virus and Restore Your Files
If your computer got compromised and is infected with the MOLE66 ransomware virus, you should have some experience with removing viruses before tampering with it. You should get rid of the ransomware fast before it can spread further on the network and encrypt more files. The recommended action for you is to remove the ransomware completely by following the step-by-step instructions written below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for MOLE66 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall MOLE66 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 MOLE66 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 MOLE66 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 MOLE66
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by MOLE66.
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 MOLE66 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.
MOLE66-FAQ
What is MOLE66 Ransomware?
MOLE66 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 MOLE66 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 MOLE66 Infect?
Via several ways.MOLE66 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 MOLE66 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 .MOLE66 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .MOLE66 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 .MOLE66 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".MOLE66" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .MOLE66 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 MOLE66 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 MOLE66 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .MOLE66 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 MOLE66 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 MOLE66 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MOLE66 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 MOLE66 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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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