Remove Comrade Circle Ransomware and Restore .comrade Files

RESTORE-FILES!_{ID}_.txt – this is what users who have been affected by Comrade Circle ransomware see after their files have been encrypted with an added .comrade file extension to them. The Comrade Circle virus does not waste any time In explaining what type of encryption it uses and what is encryption but gets down straight to the point. It also generates a unique amount of payment the affected user must pay which is somewhere around 2 BTC (BitCoins) to restore access to the encrypted files by this nasty cyber-threat. What is more, cyber-criminals interestingly enough claim half the profits will go to noble causes. Anyone who has been infected with this nasty malware, should not pay any ransom payment to cyber-criminals and instead, wait for a free decryptor to be released in the future. In the meantime, we advise you to follow the instructions after this article to remove Comrade Circle from your device and try alternative methods to restore your files.

Threat Summary

Name	Comrade Circle
Type	Ransomware
Short Description	The ransomware encrypts files with a strong cipher and asks a ransom payoff of approximately 2 BTC for decryption.
Symptoms	Files are encrypted and become inaccessible with an added .comrade file extension to them. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a RESTORE-FILES!{custom ID}.txt file.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
Data Recovery Tool	Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive.

Comrade Circle Ransomware – Spreading Technique

For it to be successful whist infecting user PCs’ Comrade Circle may use the conventional tested spreading methods most ransomware viruses tend to use – massive spam of phishing e-mails. For those uninformed, phishing e-mails tend to resemble legitimate e-mail addresses to get users to click on them. Example is the below-mentioned fake LinkedIn invitation containing a malicious web link.

Once the malicious web link or in some cases e-mail attachment, is opened it may cause the infection via an exploit kit, such as the Rig EK, for example. Such kits are very expensive because they locate weaknesses and bugs in Windows only to exploit them and infect the victim’s computer.

However, this may not be the only method of distribution Comrade Circle may use – the virus may also replicate via online file sharing services and software, like dropbox and social media as well. It may also be disguised as fake Adobe Flash Player update or a fake setup of a program that may be uploaded on a shady websites which displays results based on what you “googled” for (download free torrent of someting, etc.).

Comrade Circle Ransomware – More Information About It

As soon as Comrade Circle has been installed on your computer, the malware may immediately begin to modify it. For starters, one or more files may be dropped under different names in the following Windows folders;

• %Common%
• %Roaming%
• %Temp%
• %AppData%
• %System32%
• %UserProfile%

As soon as this is completed the Comrade Circle ransomware has to set up it’s auto launch. This can happen in two ways. One is do drop the file-encryption module directly on the %Startup% folder of Windows which is usually located in:

The other technique which may be used by Comrade Circle ransomware may be to add custom registry entries for the malicious executable that encrypts files. The usual targeted registry entries are the following:

After this has been performed and the encrypter of Comrade Circle ransomware runs, the following files may be encrypted and no longer openable, unless a decryption key is used to unlock them:

The strategy of the cyber-criminals is very clear when it comes to motivating users that have been affected by it. They not only claim that they will give profits to the poor but they also directly advertise their RaaS (ransomware as a service) scheme openly to the ransomware’s victims. This is a very unique strategy and it may actually be successful for them in the future. This is due to the fact that most victims may become cyber-criminals themselves out of desperation and begin to cause infections in multiple different distribution methods, even targeted attack. However, malware researchers strongly advise against following the demands in the ransom note, primarily because any cooperation with cyber-criminals is considered to be illegal and punishable by law. Also, it is no guarantee you will profit and that you will make any money by spreading the malware further and the cyber-criminals may not keep their word at all.

Not only this, but once a ransom is paid, the crooks have even developed a mechanism to keep the infected computer safe from further infections by giving the victim an icon of Stalin that will prevent re-infection by the Comrade Circle cyber-threat(at least according to the ransom note).

Comrade Circle Ransomware – Conclusion, Removal and File Restoration

The bottom line is that Comrade Circle is a very unique threat that aims to spread very quickly and it is not to be underestimated at all. Even though the promises in it’s ransom note may turn tempting, we strongly suggest against any type of cooperation with the cyber-criminals or paying the ransom money. Instead, advices are to immediately remove this ransomware virus and restore your files after they have been encrypted by it.

To remove Comrade Circle crypto-virus, we strongly advise you to follow our removal instructions that are illustrated below. They are methodologically arranged to help locate the files of Comrade Circle as and delete them. If you are having difficulties locating the malware-related objects manually, malware researchers always recommend scanning the computer automatically for Comrade Circle ransomware and removing every related object with advanced anti-malware software.

To attempt and decipher your files in case they have been affected by Comrade Circle, it is strongly suggested to avoid direct decryption with other tools, because similar to other devastating ransomware the virus might break the files permanently if it has CBC mode enabled during encryption. Having explained that, you may attempt the alternative file restoration methods in step “2. Restore files encrypted by Comrade Circle” below at your own risk and with no guarantee.

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

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• Step 5

Step 1: Scan for Comrade Circle with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

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2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

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3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

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4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide

Step 2: Uninstall Comrade Circle 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:

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1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

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2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

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3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.

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Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Comrade Circle 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 Comrade Circle there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

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2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

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3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it. 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.

IMPORTANT!
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 Comrade Circle

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

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1. Hold Windows Key + R.

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2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

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3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK". Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

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4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

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5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

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Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Comrade Circle.

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 Comrade Circle 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.

1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

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Comrade Circle-FAQ

What is Comrade Circle Ransomware?

Comrade Circle 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 Comrade Circle 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 Comrade Circle Infect?

Via several ways.Comrade Circle 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 Comrade Circle 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 .Comrade Circle files?

You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Comrade Circle 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 .Comrade Circle files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

Can I Restore ".Comrade Circle" Files?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Comrade Circle 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 Comrade Circle 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 Comrade Circle ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Comrade Circle 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 Comrade Circle 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 Comrade Circle Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Comrade Circle 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.

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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 Comrade Circle 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.

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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.
• Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
• Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.

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