Remove Comrade Circle Ransomware and Restore .comrade Files

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.

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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 Comrade Circle Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join our forum to Discuss Comrade Cirle Ransomware.
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:

After the files are encrypted the Comrade Circle ransomware virus drops a ransom note that is named “RESTORE-FILES!{ID}.txt” where ID is the unique identification number of the infected computer. Malware researcher Demonslay335 has identified the ransom note to have the following content:

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.

Note! Your computer system may be affected by Comrade Circle and other threats.
Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Comrade Circle.
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.

To remove Comrade Circle follow these steps:

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Comrade Circle files and objects

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

Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode

1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.

For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:

1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:

– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.

– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.

3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.

4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account

While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.

Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.

Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.

Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.

Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.

Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.

Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.

Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.

Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.

2. Find files created by Comrade Circle on your PC

Find files created by Comrade Circle

1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.

For Newer Windows Operating Systems

Step 1:

On your keyboard press  + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.

Step 2:

Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.

Step 3:

Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:

N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.

For Older Windows Operating Systems

In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:

Step 1:

Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.

Step 2:

After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.

Step 3:

After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.

Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.

Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs

3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Scan your PC and Remove Comrade Circle with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Comrade Circle and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Comrade Circle. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.

Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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.

Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.

Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future

IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup .

SOS Online Backup

4. Try to Restore files encrypted by Comrade Circle

Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Comrade Circle

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 several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.

Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software.
Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:

• Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery Technicians License(Pro version with more features)
• Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery
• Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery

Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors.
If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:

• Kaspersky Decryptors
• Emsisoft Decryptors

Method 3: Using Shadow Explorer

To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:

• Shadow Explorer

Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.

Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:

Instructions on How to Find Decryption Key for Files Encrypted By Ransowmare

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.

More Posts - Website

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.

More Posts - Website