What is Combo ransomware?
Combo ransomware is one of the newest versions of Dharma ransomware, that is infectious and dangerous for any system. Combo ransomware can block all the personal files on your computer and make them unreadable. First Combo infiltrates your system, then starts encrypting procedure with AES-128 (CBC mode) encryption algorithm. This ransomware adds .combo file extension to the name of all the encrypted data. In this article you can learn how to remove Combo ransomware and decrypt .combo files.
Once data on your computer is encrypted, Combo will drop FILES ENCRYPTED.txt ransom note and display Info.hta lock-screen. You can find demands and instruction on how to pay the ransom for decryption key in this file. This is what Combo ransom note contains:
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail skynet45@cock.li
Write this ID in the title of your message 1C******
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to theese e-mails: skynet45@tutanota.com
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Combo is a typical ransomware, its main purpose is to force you to pay them. After finishing encrypting process, the ransomware will state that there are no ways to recover your files but to pay ransom in BitCoins. Once you’ve done payment, they are supposed to send you decryption key. But you should know that cyber criminals are not going to give you a decryption key. Mostly they are just ignoring their victims. That’s why there is no need to contact them, it wouldn’t help. Still, Combo ransomware does very complicated encryption, but it does not damage, move or delete your files, which means you have chance to restore your personal data.
How to remove Combo from your computer?
Unfortunately, there are no possible ways to remove Combo ransomware manually, because the infection goes too deep into your system. You can remove the virus only with automatic removal tools. You may try to use SpyHunter to clean your system from Combo ransomware.
SpyHunter provides an opportunity to remove 1 detected malware for free during trial period. The full version of the program costs $39,99 (you get 6 months of subscription). By clicking the button you agree to EULA and Privacy Policy. Downloading will start automatically.
How to decrypt files encrypted by Combo?
Once you’ve removed virus, you are probably thinking of recovering files from encryption. Let’s take a look at possible ways of decrypting your data.
Decrypt files with automated decryption tools
Unfortunately, due to novelty of Combo ransomware, there are no available automatic decryptors for this virus yet. Still, there is no need to invest in malicious scheme by paying ransom. You are able to recover files manually.
Decrypt files manually
You can try to use one of these methods in order to restore your encrypted data manually.
Recover data with Data Recovery
- Download and install Data Recovery
- Select drives and folders with your files, then click Scan.
- Choose all the files in a folder, then press on Restore button.
- Manage export location.
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.
Restore data with Windows Previous Versions
This feature is working on Windows Vista (not Home version), Windows 7 and later versions. Windows saves copies of files and folders which you can use to restore data on your computer. In order to restore data from Windows Backup, take following steps:
- Open My Computer and search for the folders you want to restore;
- Right-click on the folder and choose Restore previous versions option;
- The option will show you the list of all the previous copies of the folder;
- Select restore date and the option you need: Open, Copy and Restore.
Restore the system with System Restore
You can always try to use System Restore in order to roll back your system to its condition before infection infiltration. All the Windows versions include this option.
- Type restore in the Search tool;
- Click on the result;
- Choose restore point before the infection infiltration;
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
How to protect PC from Combo?
It’s pretty difficult task to get rid of any ransomware, including Combo. But you can easily prevent any infection of your PC. HitmanPro.Alert’s CryptoGuard can help you with this problem. It’s one of the best anti-ransomware applications. No matter how sneaky it is, HitmanPro.Alert’s CryptoGuard will stop Combo infiltration to your system. After detection, this program removes all the related to the ransomware data and prevents your file from being encrypted.