What Is Colony Ransomware?
Colony Ransomware is a recently detected ransomware threat, currently making rounds in the wild. The primary method of distribution appears to be infected email attachments and phishing emails. If your files have been encrypted with the .colony96 extension, then you have become a victim of this ransomware, possibly by executing a malicious email attachment. You should also have the #Read-for-recovery.txt ransom note in the form of a text file, as well as multiple ransom notes in full-screen messages.
What should you do, if infected by Colony Ransomware? How should you remove the ransomware? Should you pay the ransom? Find out the answers in the following article…
![Colony Ransomware [.colony96 Files Virus]](https://cdn.sensorstechforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Colony-Ransomware-.colony96-Files-Virus-1024x585.jpg)
Threat Summary
| Name | Colony Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Ransom Note | “#Read-for-recovery.txt” |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .colony96 extension to them, along with a unique identification number and the criminals’ email address. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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.colony96 Files Virus – How Did I Get It and What Damage Has It Done?
Colony ransomware might spread its infection via a payload dropper, which initiates the malicious script for this ransomware. The ransomware might also distribute its payload file on social media and file-sharing services.
Freeware which is found on the Web can be presented as helpful also be hiding the malicious script for the cryptovirus.
.colony96 Files Virus is a cryptovirus that encrypts your files and shows a ransomware note with the following text:
Email 1:
support2022@cock.liEmail 2:
colony96@cock.liYour id: –
Send messages to both emails at the same time
So send messages to our emails, check your spam folder every few hours
If you do not receive a response from us after 24 hours, create a valid email, for example, gmail,outlook
Then send us a message with a new email
The extortionists want you to pay a ransom for the alleged restoration of your files, same as with the previous Dharma ransomware family variants. .colony96 Files Virus could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, and could launch or repress processes in a Windows system.
All encrypted will receive the .colony96 extension alongside a unique identifier number. That extension will be placed as a secondary one to each file. Audio, video, image files as well as documents, backups can be encrypted by the ransomware.
The .colony96 Files Virus could also be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
If your computer was infected with this ransomware and your files are locked, read on to find out how you could potentially restore your files.
Should You Pay the Ransom?
In ransomware attacks, paying the ransom usually is not recommended, due to several important factors:
- Paying the ransom does not guarantee that the attackers will provide a working decryption key or restore access to the encrypted data. In many cases, victims have paid the ransom only to receive faulty or incomplete keys, or none at all.
- Paying the ransom fuels the ransomware economy, encouraging attackers to continue targeting other organizations and individuals. It signals that such attacks are profitable, which can lead to more frequent and sophisticated attacks.
- Paying the ransom may make you a target for future attacks. Attackers may view victims who have paid once as likely to pay again, increasing the chance of repeated targeting.
- In some jurisdictions, paying ransom to cybercriminals may be illegal or against regulations, particularly if the attackers are affiliated with sanctioned groups. Moreover, by paying, funds may indirectly support further criminal or malicious activities.
Rather than involving yourself in ransom payment, focus on prevention and mitigation, such as maintaining regular data backups, implementing strong cybersecurity measures, and working with cybersecurity professionals to recover from the attack without paying the ransom.
In the event of an attack, reporting the incident to law enforcement and involving incident response experts is also critical.
Remove Colony Ransomware
If your computer got infected with the .Colony Files Virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
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Step 1: Scan for Colony Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Colony Ransomware and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Colony Ransomware on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Colony Ransomware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Colony Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Colony Ransomware.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Colony Ransomware aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Colony Ransomware-FAQ
What is Colony Ransomware Ransomware?
Colony Ransomware is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Colony Ransomware Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Colony Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Colony Ransomware Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Colony Ransomware is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Colony Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Colony Ransomware files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Colony Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Colony Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Colony Ransomware files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Colony Ransomware Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Colony Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Colony Ransomware files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Colony Ransomware Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Colony Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Colony Ransomware how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Colony Ransomware ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
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