Remove CALVO Ransomware (Open Locked Files)

CALVO Ransomware: Simple Uninstall Steps

CALVO Ransomware is a very destructive crypto-malware that belongs to the family of Phobos ransomware. Once this hazardous threat penetrates the Windows computers, it encrypts all users’ essential files stored inside the machine and then forces them to pay the attackers a hefty sum of ransom to get the decryption key/tool. During the encryption process, this deadly virus also renames the contaminated data by adding the victims’ ID, the [email protected] email address, and appending the “.CALVO” extension with each of them. After that, victims will no longer be able to access those files until they employ a proper decryption tool which allegedly only attackers can provide.

CALVO Ransomware Shows Ransom Notes After Encryption:

Once the encryption process is completed, CALVO Ransomware displays couple of ransom notes named “info.hta” and “info.txt” and informs the affected people regarding the lethal attack. These notes also include details such as payment deadline, price of decryption, cryptocurrency wallet address, and an email address to contact the criminals. The pop-up window (“info.hta”) contains couple of email addresses [email protected] or [email protected]. It is also mentioned that the ransom amount depends on how quickly victims make payment to the crooks. They are also warned against using third-party software to decrypt files, or to modify those files may lead to permanent data loss.

Paying Ransom Is Not Worthy:

Here in such precarious situation, if you are considering dealing with CALVO Ransomware operators, we strongly advise against doing so. It has been at several occasions that victims paid the demanded fee but didn’t receive anything in return. Hackers usually disappear after taking the ransom or deliver shady software in the name of decryption tool. Moreover, paying ransom o such people will only strengthen the idea that Ransomware is a business model that works and is highly profitable. So, never make any sort of payment to the criminals and focus on CALVO Ransomware removal from the machine immediately.

Recover Data From Backups:

The best way to restore the compromised files is by using backups, stored on any external drive like SSD, SD card, pen drive, hard drive, cloud storage etc. If you have a proper backup in your hand, you can easily retrieve the infected files. However, even if you don’t, there is still a chance to recover the data. For this, you have to try a third-party file-recovery application. These recovery tools don’t always provide the desired results but can still be very handy.

Penetration Of CALVO Ransomware:

It has been tendency of threat artists that they spread file-encrypting viruses like CALVO Ransomware or others via phishing emails. In a large-scale campaign, they send thousands of deceptive emails that are disguised as ‘important’, ‘official’, or ‘urgent’. Yet, these spam mails contain vicious attachments or download links for spiteful files which once opened, triggers the download and installation of virus. The vicious file are in multiple formats such as: archive files like ZIP, RAR, Microsoft Office, PDF documents, executable files (like .exe), or JavaScript files.

Furthermore, using unofficial download sources, Peer-to-Peer networks, free file hosting sites, freeware download portals, third-party downloaders etc. also leads to the penetration of Ransomware. These channels present malicious files or programs as legitimate or regular in order to trick users into downloading them.

How To Prevent Such Attacks?

To prevent such lethal attacks, it is highly important to not open suspicious emails that are sent from unknown addresses, especially avoid downloading their attachments before scanning it with a dependable anti-malware tool. Moreover, rely only on official pages, trustworthy channels, and direct links to download software and stay away from unofficial pages and indirect links as much as you can. Also, avoid using third-party or unofficial tools to activate or update any software as these tools are malicious. Any installed software or operating system should be updated with tools or functions provided by its official developers only. In case your PC is already infected with this crypto-malware, you must remove CALVO Ransomware from the machine as soon as possible.

Text Presented In The “info.hta” file (pop-up window):

All your files have been encrypted!

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 [email protected]

Write this ID in the title of your message –

In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this e-mail:[email protected]

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 tool that will decrypt all your files.

Free decryption as guarantee

Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

How to obtain Bitcoins

The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.

https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins

Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:

hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/

Attention!

Do not rename encrypted files.

Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.

Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove CALVO Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete CALVO Ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove CALVO Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete CALVO Ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with CALVO Ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to CALVO Ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove CALVO Ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of CALVO Ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by CALVO Ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like CALVO Ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by CALVO Ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with CALVO Ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove CALVO Ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.