Do you know what Ooss Ransomware is?
Ooss Ransomware adds “.ooss” as an additional extension to the files it corrupts. This extension can be deleted, and the name of the file can be changed. Unfortunately, the infection uses the extension only to mark the corrupted files. What is most important is that their data is ciphered, and that is why you cannot read them. Can you decipher them? It is unlikely that you can do that yourself. That being said, a free decryption tool might exist. This particular infection is part of the STOP Ransomware family, and a tool called ‘STOP Decryptor’ was created by security researchers. Ultimately, whether or not you can recover your files using this tool, we do not recommend fulfilling the demands that are introduced to you by cybercriminals. We review them further in the report. Our main goal is to inform you how to remove Ooss Ransomware, of course. If you want to learn, continue reading.
The STOP Ransomware family is very vast, and Ooss Ransomware has hundreds of clones, some of which include Nppp Ransomware, Righ Ransomware, Remk Ransomware, and Rezm Ransomware. They all spread in the same ways: via email (attachments), via social networking platforms (links), via downloaders (files), and via unpatched vulnerabilities. Once this malware is executed, the encryption of your personal files starts immediately. Besides ciphering your personal documents and photos, Ooss Ransomware drops its own files in the %localappdata% and %homedrive% directories. Here, you should find a folder named “SystemID” and also a file named “_readme.txt.” This is, arguably, the most important file because it informs what the victims of the infection need to do. According to the message, all victims need to pay a ransom of $490 for a decryption tool and a decryption key. To get information that would make it possible for you to pay the ransom, you need to email helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch first.
Hopefully, you understand that contacting the attackers is a terrible idea. If you do that, they will push you to pay the ransom for as long as needed. Beyond that, they might terrorize you in other ways as well. Remember that Ooss Ransomware itself can be spread via spam emails, and no one can stop the attackers from exposing you to other malware installers once they confirm your email address. You might be willing to pay the ransom if you are desperate to get the corrupted files back. Well, unfortunately, even if you do everything that the attackers tell you to do, you will not get your files back. Also, as you already know, there is a free tool that might be able to help you, and so that is the solution you should be focusing on instead of paying the ransom. If you have paid it already, note that you cannot get your files back.
Ooss Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
So, have you been able to restore your files using a free decryptor? Hopefully, you have, but that is not the only solution available. If you have copies of your files, you can replace the corrupted ones. This is why creating backup copies is extremely important. Backups act like insurance in case something happens to the original files. Of course, because some infection can corrupt internal backups as well, it is always best to rely on virtual/external drives for backup. If you are going to replace corrupted files with copies, delete Ooss Ransomware first. If you are interested in manual removal, follow the instructions below, but if you are looking at the bigger picture, we suggest installing anti-malware software. It will remove Ooss Ransomware and also secure your operating system to prevent new attackers.
Remove Ooss Ransomware
- Tap Win+E to access Explorer and enter %homedrive% into the field at the top.
- Delete the ransom note file named _readme.txt and also the folder named SystemID.
- Enter %localappdata% into the field at the top.
- Delete the infection’s folder (name is something like 0115174b-bd55-4caf-a89a-d8ff8132151f).
- Empty Recycle Bin and then immediately inspect the system for leftovers using a malware scanner.
In non-techie terms:
If your operating system has been attacked by Ooss Ransomware, you need to delete this malware as soon as possible. The problem here is that you cannot restore the files this malware corrupts by performing removal successfully. Hopefully, you can employ a free decryption tool offered by security researchers or replace the corrupted files with the copies you own. First, you must delete Ooss Ransomware from your operating system. While some might be able to remove this malware manually, it is easier and more beneficial to employ anti-malware software. Not only will it remove the threat automatically but will also ensure that your Windows operating system stands stronger against attackers.