CoV is a recently discovered ransomware infection. It has been causing severe damage and forcing victims to pay ransom money by encrypting their files. It is programmed to encrypt files (rendering them useless) until a certain ransom amount is paid.
This threat can be easily identified by the “.CoV” extension that it uses to rename files. For example, a file named “photo.jpg” would appear as “photo.jpg.CoV”, “work.doc” as “work.doc.CoV”, and so on. It also generates ransom notes on infected PC upon successful encryption of all the data.
Unfortunately, CoV virus infected files are not decryptable by any free software. Attackers force users to pay huge sums of money as ransom fees to buy decryption tools. Read this guide to know how to delete this virus and recover your files.
Threats like CoV virus keep getting back on the PC if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.
Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)
What is CoV Ransomware?
CoV is a powerful crypto locker virus. It uses an advanced encryption algorithm to lock files. It is designed to sneak into the targeted computer and encrypt the user’s data. Then it renames all the files by adding its own extension. Then this nasty virus generates a ransom note after rendering all the files inaccessible. CoV Ransomware aims to extort money from victims as payment for the decryption tools and private keys.
This nasty .CoV File Virus can encrypt all types of files (images, videos, music, documents, backups, etc.) on the infected machine. You will not be able to access any of the data without decrypting them. This virus can also affect files on connected USB drives and external hard drives. Ransom note instructs victims to contact attackers and pay the ransom fees through cryptocurrency. However, we strictly advise you not to co-operate with the cybercriminals behind this ransomware virus.
How Does CoV Virus Attack Users?
Attackers behind CoV virus use several mass targeting methods. The spam email campaign is one of the most used techniques to spread threats online. Cybercriminals send fake emails containing legit services and company names. These emails carry malicious attachments and links to suspicious sites. Opening such mail and downloading the attachment or clicking on links can trigger the download of malware.
CoV virus could also get distributed via Bundled freeware programs, social media, and peer-to-peer file-sharing services. Downloading pirated software or fake software and illegal patches can bring this threat to your PC. Clicking on misleading pop-up ads, alerts, banners, offers, etc. can redirect the browser to suspicious sites. Those websites could trigger the automatic download and installation of malware secretly. Check important tips at the end of this article to prevent such malware attacks in the future.
CoV Ransomware: Threat Analysis
Name | CoV |
Type | Ransomware, File-Encrypting virus |
Extension | .CoV |
Threat Level | High (Encrypt all your data and Restrict access to your files). |
Symptoms | Victims cannot access any files on their PC and find Ransom notes asking for money. |
Damage | CoV will encrypt your data by adding its extension to file names and demand ransom money for the decryption key |
Distribution | It is mainly distributed through spam emails, bundled freeware, porn, or torrent sites. |
Removal | Download SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware |
File Recovery | Download Data Recovery Software |
Working of Ransomware Virus
When a ransomware threat like CoV infiltrates a system, it immediately executes the file encryption process. Most of the time users don’t even notice until all their data gets locked. During this process, all the important files – documents, media, databases, backups, archives, etc. get encoded. After successful encryption, a ransom note is created to inform victims about the attack.
The main purpose of the ransom note is to demand money from users in return for the decryption of their data. It also contains information about how to contact the attacks and other warnings. CoV virus can also delete shadow files and restore points to prevent users from restoring their data. It can also disable your anti-virus and firewall security to make your system defenseless.
How to deal with .CoV Virus
.CoV Virus Ransomware is a dangerous computer malware. You should be removed it instantly to prevent further damage to your PC. Removing this infection will not restore your files but it will stop the encryption of any more data.
If you are thinking of paying then it’s a terrible idea. Do not trust cybercriminals to restore your files after getting paid. They often stop communicating after receiving the funds and there is no way to track cryptocurrency payments. Most of the ransomware victims get cheated and don’t get the decryption software.
You are advised to use a powerful Anti-Malware Tool to get rid of .CoV Virus from your computer. You can recover your files through backup. If you don’t have any backup of your data then you can use Data Recovery Software to restore the previous version of your files.
How To Remove CoV File Virus
Follow this guide carefully to remove this virus completely from your system. Below you can find step-by-step instructions on how to effectively get rid of this nasty threat easily. Removal of threats like CoV Virus is never easy, so we have simplified the process for you in several small steps.
Quick Summary of Removal Instructions:
- Automatic CoV Virus Removal Guide
- How To Decrypt .CoV Files
- Manual CoV Virus Removal Guide
- Start PC in Safe Mode With Networking
- Kill Malicious Process From Task Manager
- Remove Virus From Windows Registry Editor
- Remove CoV Virus via system restore
- Prevent CoV Virus in Future
Please Bookmark This Page by pressing the {ctrl+D} button or print it out on paper before you start the removal process because you may need to restart your PC or browser.
Automatic CoV Virus Removal Guide
It can be hectic to remove threats from an infected PC but the use of powerful Anti-Malware can make it quite easy. SpyHunter anti-malware can help you to remove Trojans, Ransomware, Spyware, Adware, PUPs, etc. easily. You can scan your system for CoV virus and all other hidden threats at once. All you need to do is to download this software and run a new scan on your PC.
It will find all the threats and viruses in no time and save you lots of time and effort. This amazing software also provides 24X7 customer support and one-on-one Spyware HelpDesk support for Custom Malware removal. Advanced System Guard feature detects and removes threats in real time. It has a very User-Friendly Interface and regular Malware definition updates make it most effective against the latest attacks.
How SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware Works
- You will begin by downloading the software on your system for which you have to click on the below download button.
Geek’s Recommendation
Threats like CoV Virus keep getting back on the machine if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.
Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)
- Once the software has been downloaded, double-click on SpyHunter-Installer.exe to install the Anti-Malware program on your PC and proceed with the setup.
- After installation, you will need to launch the Anti-Malware application. From the welcome screen click on the Start Scan Now button to initiate a new scan of your PC.
- Once the scanning process begins, it will take some time to run a thorough diagnostic of your PC and find all hidden threats and malware.
- Soon you will find a complete list of all the threats on your system screen. Then you will need to click on the Next button to delete all the viruses.
How To Decrypt .CoV Files
As there is no CoV ransomware decryptor available, you will need to use alternate options to restore your files. The first one is to use the backup. If you have created a backup of your important files then it is going to be quite easy. However, if you don’t have any backup files or they also got encrypted by the virus then you will have to try a data recovery software.
We recommend using Stellar Data Recovery software because it is a powerful and trusted data recovery software. Paying ransom money is not ideal because it will only motivate hackers to carry out more attacks. You can wait for any free decryptor to be launched but it can take forever. Download the free trial version of data recovery and scan your PC for files. It may be able to recover some of your files and save you lots of money.
- Click on the below download button to get started instantly with the data recovery process on your PC.
Download Data Recovery Software Now
- After the download click on the installer file and complete the software installation. Then launch the application and select the Data type to recover, and click the Next button.
- After the selection of data, you will need to select the location from where you want to recover data. Choose the location and then click on the Scan button.
- The software will take some time to scan your system. You will see a list of all the files that can be recovered. You can preview them or click on the Recover button to save them.
Manual CoV Virus Removal Guide
Attention! For the safety of your system, please confirm a few things before you begin manual removal:
- You have done this before, which means you have experience in removing the virus manually;
- That you know your way around PC and all necessary processes and applications;
- You know about Registry entry and the Serious repercussions of any mistake;
- Make sure you can reverse any mistake made during virus removal.
If you don’t attain any of the above standards, then manual removal could be a very risky idea. It is most likely best for you to use the SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware which is totally secure and efficient method.
Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)
Start PC in safe mode with networking
- Click on the Windows and R keys together on your keyboard to open the Windows Run Box.
- Now you will need to type in MSConfig and then click the OK button.
- The System configuration settings box will appear on your computer screen.
- Click on the Boot tab, check the Safe Boot option, and select the network box,
- Finally, you will have to click on Apply and then press the OK button.
Kill Malicious Process From Task Manager
- Open the Windows Rub box again on your PC by pressing the Windows and R keys together on your keyboard.
- This time you will have to type in taskmgr and then click the OK button to open Windows Task Manager. Look for any unknown or malicious running on your system.
- Select the process which is taking lots of systems resources and then click on the End Task button.
Uninstall CoV Virus from Control Panel
- Again you will need to open the Windows Run Box, so press the Windows and R keys together.
- This time you need to open the Windows Control Panel, so type in appwiz.cpl and then click the OK button.
- Programs and Features windows will appear on your computer screen with a list of all the installed applications.
- Now you need to look for any unknown or virus related program and then Uninstall it from your PC.
Remove CoV Virus From Registry Editor
- Again open the Windows Run Box on your PC by using the Windows and R keys.
- To open the Windows Registry Editor, type in Regedit and click the OK button.
- Now you will have to find the virus related registry files and remove them.
- Press CTRL and F keys together on the keyboard to start a Find query.
- Type the virus name and click on Find Next button to find malicious entries and delete them.
Warning: Meddling with Windows Registry files might not be a good idea if you don’t have advanced knowledge about registry files. Deleting the wrong file can break down your entire system. Proceed at your own risk, or just skip this step. You can choose the Automatic Removal method and avoid all the problems.
Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)
Remove Malicious IP addresses from Windows Hosts Files
- To open the Windows hosts file, simply press the Windows and R keys together on the keyboard.
- Type C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc in Run Box and then click the OK button.
- Now you will need to access the Windows hosts file using Notepad.
- Most threats add malicious IP addresses here to automatically connect to remote servers.
- Delete all the malicious IP addresses below the localhost and save the file.
Delete Virus related files from your PC
When malware infects your system, it normally creates several malicious files and spread them at different locations. After you remove the malware, these leftover files help them to get back to your computer. Remove all virus related files at once by following the below instruction :
- Open the Windows Run Box again by using the Windows and R keys together.
- Now you will open the below paths one by one using the Run Box and remove malicious files.
- %AppData%
- %LocalAppData%
- %ProgramData%
- %WinDir%
- %Temp%
For the first four options, look for any recent folder related to the CoV File Virus and remove them. For the Temp folder, you can delete all the files at once. Use Ctrl, Shift, and Delete keys together for permanent removal.
Remove CoV Virus via system restore
- You will again need the Windows Run Box, so press the Windows and R keys together.
- Open the Command Prompt by typing in cmd and then clicking the OK button.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter.
- The System Restore window will get opened instantly then click on the Next button.
- Choose a System Restore point you have created in the past and click the Next button.
- Finally, when you will hit the Yes button, the system restoration process with start immediately.
Note: System restore to remove a virus will only work if you have a restore point set on your PC. Otherwise, no changes will be made to your system and it will not remove any threats. Be advised, restoring the computer to a previous version does not always guarantee virus removal. Most viruses delete restore points, so don’t get disappointed if this trick does not work for you.
Prevent CoV Virus in Future
- Get a powerful Anti-Malware or Anti-virus to fight cyber threats. Free versions do not offer the best protection and cracked security programs can do more damage than good.
- Always keep your Windows firewall active, and your OS updated along with other important programs. Only download updates from official sites or reliable sources.
- Check HTTPS before entering your email, password, credit card details, etc. into any site. Do not visit sites that do not have SSL security. Also, don’t forget to Enable Phishing and Malware protection in Browser.
- Do not download or install any type of pirated software, games, or illegal patches. Avoid using shady sites to acquire freeware programs because they often use software bundling. Never install a program that asks you to inactivate your anti-virus software.
- Avoid opening spam emails from unknown senders. Always scan all the email attachments before opening them. Never click on any suspicious links with some too good to be true offers.
- Connecting your PC or mobile devices to unsafe public Wi-Fi is not a good idea. You can also avoid unwanted threats coming from malicious sites by using a VPN to spoof your connection.
- Keep regular backups of all your important data on external hard drives or cloud drives to avoid data loss in case of a ransomware attack. Also, create a system restore point on your system for security purposes.
Leave a Comment