CompuTips

What is MEOW ransomware?

MEOW is the name of a recently-discovered ransomware (a virus that encrypts your files and asks for money to decrypt them). Beyond encrypting the files, it also performs two other actions, both of which facilitate this digital ransom scheme.
Firstly, it renames the affected files, giving them .MEOW file extension. This is done to make it easier for the victim to recognize the actions of the virus as an intentional attack, not a computer error. Certain ransomware programs, such as HBM ransomware, make it even more obvious by adding the hacker’s e-mail to the filenames. MEOW is not one of them, though.
Secondly, it leaves a ransom note – nothing fancy, just a text file – containing the hacker’s contact information: several e-mails and Telegram handles. This note can be read on the image above.
If your files have been encrypted by MEOW ransomware, you might be thinking about writing to the hacker. Should you? It’s hard to tell, but doing so carries certain risks. For example, the hacker may decide to target you again in the future since you were willing to pay, or take your money and disappear without decrypting the files. The guide below will explain other ways to remove MEOW ransomware and decrypt .MEOW files so that you can make an informed decision.