How to Decrypt Cowa Ransomware (.cowa) Files Safely?
Our Cowa Decryptor: Expert-Engineered, Malware-Specific
Our team reverse-engineered the Makop family encryption used by Cowa ransomware. We’ve developed a decryptor capable of safely restoring files by matching the unique victim ID and email from the ransom note.
Related article: How to Decrypt JustIce Ransomware and Recover .JustIce Files Safely?
How It Works?
AI‑driven decryption maps the unique identifier from the ransom note to your encrypted batch.
It operates entirely in a secure, sandboxed environment.
Optional universal decryptor available for unsupported or unknown variants.
Also read: How to Unlock .XXXX Files Encrypted by Bash 2.0 Ransomware?
Requirements
- You’ll need a copy of the ransom note (“+README‑WARNING+.txt”)
- All encrypted files, including any with .cowa extension
- An active internet connection for cloud‑based processing
- Administrative privileges on affected systems
Immediate Steps After a Cowa Ransomware Attack
Disconnect and Isolate
Immediately remove infected devices from the network to contain the threat and stop further encryption.
Preserve Evidence
Don’t delete the ransom note or alter encrypted files. Maintain logs, file hashes, and any traffic capture.
Avoid Rebooting
Rebooting or formatting may corrupt files further. Always keep systems offline yet powered off.
Contact Experts
Avoid DIY decryption from forums. Early engagement with trained experts improves recovery chances significantly.
How to Decrypt Cowa Ransomware and Recover Your Data?
Cowa is a variant of Makop ransomware; it encrypts and renames files to .cowa using strong asymmetric encryption. Decryption without the attackers’ private key is virtually impossible.
Recovery Options
Free Methods :
Backup Restore
Use offline or isolated backups that were never connected during the attack. Restore these clean versions to recover your files safely.
Shadow Copies (Volume Shadow Service)
If Windows Volume Shadow Copies remain intact, leverage file restore points before Cowa issued delete vssadminvssadminvssadmin commands. Act quickly—Makop-based ransomware often wipes these.
That said, it’s always advisable to periodically check repositories like No More Ransom or Kaspersky No Ransom—new tools can occasionally emerge for older strains.
Paid Methods
Paying the Ransom
This method is not recommended. There is no assurance of receiving a working decryptor, even after payment, and it funds criminal activity. In Makop/Cowa cases, victims have frequently reported no key delivery despite payment demands.
Third‑Party Negotiators
Professional negotiators engage attackers on your behalf through Tor-based communication channels. They can reduce ransom amounts, secure sample decryptions for verification, and improve trust—and delivery—risks. Be prepared for substantial fees and varied outcomes depending on the attackers’ behavior.
Our Specialized Cowa Decryptor
This tool uses a victim‑ID matching algorithm to align your ransom note data with the correct decryption key. It uploads encrypted files to a secure cloud platform where controlled decryption occurs, followed by audit‑logged integrity checks. We only charge after successful recovery confirmation.
Step‑by‑Step Cowa Recovery Guide with Our Decryptor
Assess the Infection
Confirm that encrypted files have .cowa extension, and verify the presence of +README‑WARNING+.txt.
Secure the Environment
Isolate machines and verify no further encryption scripts are active.
Engage Our Recovery Team
Send sample encrypted files and the ransom note. After validation, you’ll receive a recovery timeline.
Run the Decryptor
Launch the tool with administrator rights and enter the victim ID extracted from the ransom note. The decryptor restores files via cloud‑based engine and verifies integrity before returning them.
Also read: How to Decrypt Securotrop Ransomware (.securutrop) Files Safely?
Offline vs Online Decryption Methods
Offline options—restoring from physical backups or shadow copies—are suitable for air‑gapped environments. Our online decryptor provides faster recovery with expert support via encrypted uploads. We support both.
What Is Cowa Ransomware?
Cowa is a Makop ransomware variant that encrypts user files and adds a unique identifier and cyber criminal email to file names before appending .cowa. It displays a warning message and sets a ransom note as desktop wallpaper.
How Cowa Works: A Quick Overview?
Cowa encrypts files using strong cryptography, renames them (e.g., 1.jpg.[ID].[suppcowa@outlook.com].cowa), and drops +README‑WARNING+.txt with ransom instructions. If a victim does not communicate, their files are threatened with public release.
Ransom Note Dissected: What It Says and Why It Matters
The ransom note contains the following message:
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Your files are Stolen and Encrypted !!!
You need to contact us to get instructions. Your ID is listed below.By contacting us you will receive a guarantee of the return of your files
and security from the publication of your files on the Internet.|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Do not attempt to decrypt the data yourself, as this may result to file damage.
We guarantee success only if you contact us.
Other methods cannot provide a guarantee and will lead to the loss of your money.|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Our email address: suppcowa@outlook.com
Contact us right away to decrypt the data
and avoid publishing your data on the Internet!YOUR ID: –
Tools & TTPs Used by Cowa Ransomware (Makop Variant)
Initial Access Tools
Cowa (a Makop variant) affiliates primarily gain access via exposed Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) services. They use tools like NLBrute.exe to perform password brute‑force attacks on publicly accessible RDP endpoints.
Once inside, threat actors often deploy custom PowerShell scripts or NS.exe to scan for shared folders and map the network.
Lateral Movement Tools
After initial compromise, operators use tools such as Everything.exe to enumerate files, PsExec or PuTTY to execute actions on remote hosts, and Mouselock.exe to block mouse inputs during encryption activities,
Persistence Mechanisms
To maintain system access, Makop affiliates use the custom .NET tool PuffedUp for persistence and may employ ARestore.exe for local credential brute force, both built by the threat actors themselves and typically timestamped around 2020.
Privilege Escalation
The malware injects into system processes using DLL side‑loading and may employ process injection tools for privilege escalation. This aligns with MITRE techniques T1055 (Process Injection) and T1574.002 (DLL Side‑Loading).
Defense Evasion
Cowa packed its executable and obfuscated static strings in memory to avoid static detection. It skips encryption of Windows system directories (e.g., C:\Windows) and common executable file types like .exe or .dll to remain undetected.
The ransomware also deletes Volume Shadow Copies using commands like vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to prevent recovery from backups (MITRE technique T1490 – Inhibit System Recovery).
Execution & Encryption
Cowa launches with administrative privileges and sometimes displays a hidden GUI to begin encryption only when triggered. It uses AES-256 encryption via Windows API calls (e.g., CryptEncrypt, CryptGenRandom), and then renames files to include victim-specific IDs and attacker email before appending .cowa.
Indicators of Compromise & Data Exfiltration
While Cowa itself does not publicly operate a leak site, upon completion, the ransomware sends a request to an IP tracking service (e.g. IPLogger) to log the infected device’s location. This helps attackers monitor victims who view the ransom note.
The ransom note instructs victims to contact the attackers via email (suppcowa@outlook.com), threatening permanent data loss or public release if payment is not made.
MITRE ATT&CK® Techniques Used by Cowa/Makop
| Stage / Tactic | Technique ID | Technique Description |
| Initial Access | T1133 | External Remote Services (RDP brute force) |
| Execution | T1059 | Command and scripting interpreter (PowerShell) |
| Persistence | T1542.003 | Pre‑OS Boot: Bootkit / side-loading DLL |
| Privilege Escalation | T1055 | Process injection |
| Defense Evasion | T1027 | Obfuscated files or information (packing, runtime decryption) |
| Defense Evasion | T1490 | Inhibit System Recovery (delete shadow copies) |
| Impact | T1486 | Data Encrypted for Impact (AES‑256 encryption, renaming) |
These map directly to Makop/Cowa’s kill‑chain behavior, from infiltration through to encryption and extortio.
How These Tools Empower Cowa’s Attack Lifecycle?
- Initial Access: Threat actors brute force RDP to infiltrate, then map out network shares using NS.exe and scripting.
- Discovery & Lateral Spread: Utility tools like Everything.exe and PsExec help propagate encryption across shared directories.
- Persistence & Evasion: Custom .NET utilities ensure long‑term access, while packing and selective encryption help evade AV detection.
- Credential Harvesting: Tools like ARestore or internal enumeration scripts gather admin credentials.
- Encryption: Files are encrypted with AES-256, renamed to include .cowa, and victims are warned not to attempt manual recovery.
- Extortion: Note delivery via +README-WARNING+.txt and attacker email threaten data leak if no contact is made.
Mitigations and Best Practices
Disable macros in email attachments and train staff to recognize phishing. Install reputable antivirus and apply real‑time scanning. Backup data regularly to offsite or offline repositories. Segment networks to limit threat spread.
Statistics and Facts Regarding Cowa Ransomware
Countries Affected
Types of Organizations Affected
Timeline of Cowa Attacks (2023–2025)
Conclusion: Restore Your Data, Secure Your Infrastructure
Cowa ransomware poses a powerful threat—but with the right tools, timing, and expertise, decryption and recovery are possible without resorting to ransom payments. Trust proven methods, preserve your evidence, and act quickly. Our decryptor supports both Windows and Linux environments, ensuring secure restoration from .cowa‑locked files.
Frequently Asked Questions
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