How to remove CONTI ransomware and decrypt .CONTI files

What is CONTI?

CONTI virus can be characterized as a file-encryption ransomware. This newest threat doesn’t belong to any already known family of ransomware viruses and it means, that it has a unique encryption algorithms. Everyone can possibly face this virus, as it spreads by the means of executable files, email attachments and through open ports. The most widespread one is the usage of executable files, as the rule in the form of an installer. Such files generally are shared by free file sharing services and torrent trackers, however, hackers often create special websites, which look like original websites of trustful companies. Such websites provide victims with pop-up messages, by the means of which hackers try to deceive victims into downloading of such installers. When the virus is in the system, it makes changes in the Registry and infects system processes to stay unnoticed. Then it modifies the structure of definite files and makes them unreadable. In this case the files get new “.CONTI” extension. Later, the virus drops the ransom note, called “CONTI_README.txt”. The purpose of this note is to lure a victim into purchasing of the decryptor, promoted by hackers. Unfortunately, the surest way to decrypt your files is to buy it, but hackers often just deceive their victims. They don’t respond to the messagec, once they’ve been paid, but still, there is a solution. In our article we’ve collected all possible ways to remove CONTI ransomware and decrypt .CONTI files for free!

CONTI_README.txt

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Article’s Guide

1. How to remove CONTI Ransomware from your computer
2. How to decrypt .CONTI files
3. Data Recovery
4. Automated decryption tools
5. Other software

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How to remove CONTI Ransomware from your computer?

We strongly recommend you to use a powerful anti-malware program that has this threat in its database. It will mitigate the risks of the wrong installation, and will remove CONTI ransomware from your computer with all of its leftovers and register files.

Solution for Windows users: our choice is Norton 360 . Norton 360 scans your computer and detects various threats like CONTI, then removes it with all of the related malicious files, folders and registry keys.

Download Norton

If you are Mac user, we advise you to use Combo Cleaner.

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How to decrypt .CONTI files?

Once you’ve removed the virus, you are probably thinking how to decrypt .CONTI files or at least restore them. Let’s take a look at possible ways of decrypting your data.

Restore .CONTI files with Data Recovery

1. Download and install Data Recovery
2. Select drives and folders with your files, then click Scan.
3. Choose all the files in a folder, then press on Restore button.
4. Manage export location.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

_{The download is an evaluation version for recovering files. To unlock all features and tools, purchase is required ($49.99-299). By clicking the button you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.}

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Decrypt .CONTI files with other software

Unfortunately, due to the novelty of CONTI ransomware, there are no decryptors that can surely decrypt encrypted files. Still, there is no need to invest in the malicious scheme by paying a ransom. You are able to recover files manually.
You can try to use one of these methods in order to restore your encrypted data manually.

Decrypt .CONTI files with Emsisoft decryptor

This software includes information about more than 100 viruses of STOP(DJVU) family and others. All that you need are two files or some luck. You can freely use it as it distributes free of charge. If it doesn’t work for you, you can use another method.