What is CONTI Ransomware?
CONTI Ransomware shows a message saying that a victim’s system is locked, but, in reality, the malware locks particular files. To be more precise, the malicious application enciphers data, which is why it becomes impossible to open it without a unique decryption key and a decryption tool. The threat’s developers may offer to sell such decryption tools if you contact them via the email addresses that should be provided on the malware’s ransom notes. However, you should know that whatever cybercriminals may offer you, you cannot be sure that they will deliver it. In other words, if you pay a ransom, your money could be lost in vain, as you may never get the needed decryption tools. Therefore, we advise thinking carefully before you decide how to react to the malicious application’s note. If you want to get to know the threat better, you should read the rest of this article. Also, if you choose to delete CONTI Ransomware, you might want to have a look at the removal instructions available below.
Where does CONTI Ransomware come from?
CONTI Ransomware could be received via malicious emails and other messages or downloaded from unreliable file-sharing web pages. Thus, if you carelessly open data from the Internet even when you are not one hundred percent sure that it is safe, you could come across such a threat without realizing it. To avoid such an encounter, we recommend staying away from questionable files or at least checking suspicious files with a legitimate antimalware tool before you launch them. Investing a bit of your time in scanning a file, could protect you not only from ransomware but also from lots of other harmful applications. Thus, if you do not have a reputable antimalware tool that you could use to scan files from the Internet, we advise you to get one.
How does CONTI Ransomware work?
The malware does not create files after it enters the system, so it might start the encryption process right away. Our researchers at Anti-spyware-101.com, say that CONTI Ransomware ought to lock pictures, photos, text documents, and similar types of files. As soon as a file gets encrypted, it should receive an additional extension (.CONTI). For example, a file named text.docx would become text.docx.CONTI.
Next, CONTI Ransomware should create a file called CONTI_README.txt in every folder where locked files can be found. Inside of it, you should see a short message saying: “Your system is LOCKED. Write us on the emails: mantiticvi1976@protonmail.com fahydremu1981@protonmail.com. DO NOT TRY to decrypt files using other software.” As stated earlier, the threat does not lock systems; instead, it encrypts private users’ files located on infected systems. What could happen if you email the hackers behind this malware? Our researchers say that they would probably send instructions on how to pay a ransom and promise to send decryption tools in return. If you fear that the hackers could trick you, we advise ignoring their message.
How to eliminate CONTI Ransomware?
Whether you decide to contact the hackers or not pay any attention to the malware’s ransom note, we advise removing CONTI Ransomware. If you want to try to get rid of it manually, you could complete the steps provided below. In case the task appears to be more challenging than it seems, we recommend getting a legitimate antimalware tool that could delete CONTI Ransomware for you.
Erase CONTI Ransomware
- Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Pick Task Manager and select Processes.
- Locate a process belonging to the threat.
- Select it and click End Task.
- Exit Task Manager.
- Click Windows key+E.
- Locate these paths:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%\Downloads
%USERPROFILE%\Desktop - Locate the malicious application’s launcher (could be any recently obtained file), right-click it, and select Delete.
- Find documents called HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, right-click them separately, and select Delete.
- Exit File Explorer.
- Empty your Recycle Bin.
- Restart the computer.
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