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
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.

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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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.

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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OFFER

REMOVE IT NOW (PC)

with Anti-Malware

We recommend you to download SpyHunter and run free scan to remove all virus files on your PC. This saves you hours of time and effort compared to doing the removal yourself.

SpyHunter 5 free remover allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found. Read EULA and Privacy Policy

• Guide 1: How to Remove Comrade Circle from Windows.
• Guide 2: Get rid of Comrade Circle from Mac OS X.

Windows Mac OS X

How to Remove Comrade Circle from Windows.

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Step 1: 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 2: Uninstall Comrade Circle and related software 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 uninstall most 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: 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.

Step 5 (Optional): 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 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 reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.

Windows Mac OS X

Get rid of Comrade Circle from Mac OS X.

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Step 1: Uninstall Comrade Circle and remove related files and objects

OFFER

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

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

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2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

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3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Comrade Circle:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

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4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

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5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Comrade Circle. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

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6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Comrade Circle. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

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7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

• Go to Finder.
• In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
• Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
• If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.

In case you cannot remove Comrade Circle via Step 1 above:

In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Comrade Circle. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:

→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons

Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.

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Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for Comrade Circle:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

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Step 3 (Optional): 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 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 reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on 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 and how does it work?

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 algorithm how 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.

How does Comrade Circle ransomware infect my computer?

Via several ways.Comrade Circle Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.

After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.

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. At this point the .Comrade Circle files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.

Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?

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.

One way to restore files, encrypted by Comrade Circle ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.

How Do I restore ".Comrade Circle" files (Other Methods)?

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% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.

How do I get rid of Comrade Circle ransomware virus?

The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate Comrade Circle ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Comrade Circle files.

Also, keep in mind that viruses like Comrade Circle ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.

What to Do If nothing works?

There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:

• Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
• Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
• Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
• Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
• You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.

More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.

How to 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.