Cocoslim98 is a newly emerged cryptovirus, which is called like that, because of the email that it leaves for contacting the criminals behind it. Malware researchers say that its real name is “Rotor”. The virus will encrypt files on a compromised machine and add the .tar extension to them and after that it will ask for 7 Bitcoins to be paid to the cocoslim98@gmail.com address. To see how to remove this virus and how you can try to restore your encrypted files, read the full article carefully.
Threat Summary
| Name | Rotor Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The virus will encrypt files and demand a ransom as payment for decrypting them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware puts the .tar extension appended to each file that is locked and asks for 7 Bitcoins and to contact the address cocoslim98@gmail.com |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Rotor Virus. |
| 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. |
Rotor Virus (cocoslim98) – Update February 2018
Rotor Virus (cocoslim98) – Infection
The Rotor virus a.k.a. Cocoslim98 ransomware can infect your computer machine using different ways. The payload file could be distributed with spam email campaigns. Through the emails the file can be attached and introduced as important. The whole email will look legitimate and will try to convince you that you need to download the attachment, because the full data could not be conveyed in the body of the email. If you open the file, however, deem your computer infected. That file can be obfuscated, but it is an executable in most cases.
You can see from the analysis report, shown above, of the VirusTotal site that the file is called GbMxybQN.exe and already being detected by many Antivirus vendors. The creators of the ransomware could be spreading that file with targeted attacks or via sharing services and social media platforms. Refrain from opening executables from suspicious emails and links, especially if they are with an unknown origin. Scan such files with a security program and check their signatures and size first. You should have a look at the ransomware prevention tips in our forum.
Rotor Virus (cocoslim98) – Analysis
Malware researchers have discovered that what many infected users call the Cocoslim98 ransomware is actually a previously known cryptovirus named “Rotor”. You can see that in the platform Payload Security, the detection for the malicious executable file is Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Rotor:
When the payload file of the Rotor virus is on a computer, it can wait up to two whole minutes before executing, according to malware researchers of Payload Security. The virus seems to primarily target servers, although basic Windows machines have been infected as well.
After execution Rotor could set up values in the Windows Registry for perseverance. These values are set in entries of the registry and make the ransomware start automatically with each boot of the Windows operating system. After files are encrypted a small note with instructions for paying the ransom is created. You can view that ransom note in the snapshot below:
The ransom message reads the following:
Good day
Your files were encrypted/locked
As evidence can decrypt file 1 to 3 1-30MB
The price of the transcripts of all the files on the server: 7 BitcoinRecommend to solve the problem quickly and not to delay
Also give advice on how to protect Your server against threats from the network
(Files sql mdf backup decryption strictly after payment)!
The Rotor ransomware does not give you a particular deadline for paying the cybercriminals to decrypt your data. It also offers free decryption of a few files for testing purposes. However, its demands are rather high with the amount of money that is asked and that the decryption of some files being only available after payment. The ransom price is 7 Bitcoins which amounts to a little more than 4400 US dollars.
You shouldn’t be thinking of paying the extortionists, as no one can give you a guarantee that you will get your files back after payment. The crooks will most probably use the money to make another ransomware or do other criminal acts. Besides, you should decrypt as many files as possible using their test decryption service and wait for a possible solution.
A full and official list of extensions being encrypted by the ransomware is not yet available, but the following file types have been reported to be encrypted by the Rotor virus:
→.csv, .doc, .ppt, .xls, .avi, .bak, .bmp, .dbf, .djvu, .docx, .exe, .flv, .gif, .jpeg, .jpg, .mdb, .sql, .mdf, .odt, .pdf, .png, .pps, .pptm, .pptx, .psd, .rar, .raw, .tif, .txt, .vob, .xlsb, .xlsx, .zip
All of the encrypted files will have the extension !____cocoslim98@gmail.com____.tar appended to them. That is where the contact email is stated and why the ransomware is known by that name among infected users. Although, there are also a few reports of files having the extension !____GLOK9200@gmail.com____.tar. The used encryption algorithm is unknown, but the .tar archive files do not seem regular. On top of that, usually, the MAC operating system has such files.
The Rotor ransomware is highly likely to delete the Shadow Volume Copies of the Windows operating system with the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Continue to read and see in what ways you can try to restore some of your files. Kaspersky may have a possible solution in the form of a decryptor tool.
Remove Rotor Virus (cocoslim98) and Restore .tar Files
If your computer got infected with the Rotor ransomware virus, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide given below. To see ways that you can try to recover your data, see the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by Rotor Virus.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Rotor Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Rotor Virus 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 Rotor Virus 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 Rotor Virus 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 Rotor Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Rotor Virus.
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 Rotor Virus 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.
Rotor Virus-FAQ
What is Rotor Virus Ransomware?
Rotor Virus 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 Rotor Virus 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 Rotor Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Rotor Virus 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 Rotor Virus 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 .Rotor Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Rotor Virus 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 .Rotor Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Rotor Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Rotor Virus 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 Rotor Virus 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 Rotor Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Rotor Virus 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 Rotor Virus 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 Rotor Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Rotor Virus 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 Rotor Virus 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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