Remove HotCofee Ransomware

The HotCofee Ransomware is a new file-locker, which does not appear to display significant activity. It's relatively low infection rate means that it is probably one of the less dangerous threats you may encounter online. However, if you do encounter it, it might quickly prevent you from using your important files. File-encryption Trojans like this one prioritize causing damage to popular types of files by encrypting their contents. Usually, they append a unique suffix as well, to make the files recognizable. In this case, the threat adds the extension '.hotcofee' to the names of the files this ransomware locks.

Just like other ransomware operators, the ones behind this project are also claiming to sell a decryptor. Of course, the price victims needs to pay is hundreds of dollars, and the criminals are not asking for a payment in dollars or gift cards. Instead, they wish to receive the money through Bitcoin. This ensures their anonymity, and makes it impossible to cancel or reverse the transaction once it has been dispatched. Relying on cryptocurrency for ransom payments is not unusual for cybercriminals.

How is the HotCofee Ransomware Spread?

Users must be careful when browsing low-quality sites, or when reviewing emails from unknown senders. The latter method is one of the most popular ways to propagate ransomware and other malware. Criminals often use spearphishing emails that urge users to download a file or attachment that supposedly contains important information. Often, these emails cover a wide range of relevant topics such as COVID-19 information, pending deliveries, taxes, invoices, etc. Always double-check the identity of the sender, and avoid opening attachments before scanning them with antivirus software at first.

Talking of antivirus software, this is the best way to keep threats like the HotCofee Ransomware away from your system. These security tools will scan all incoming files for harmful traits, and terminate their execution if necessary.