CONTI Ransomware

You might have let CONTI Ransomware in by accident, but that is not an accident you want to cause. That is because once this threat slithers into an operating system, it encrypts files, and once files are encrypted, they can no longer be read. Without a doubt, if your personal files are encrypted, you cannot just reinstall Windows to fix the situation. Removing CONTI Ransomware does not automatically restore your files either. So, what are you supposed to do? It seems like there is nothing you can do, but the attackers behind the infection want to make you think that there’s still hope. They want you to believe that you can recover your files by obtaining decryption software from cybercriminals. Hopefully, you understand already that trusting cybercriminals is a terrible idea, but if you do not know this yet, please continue reading the report to learn all about it. We also discuss how to delete the infection. So, if you are curious, read the report, and do not forget to add your questions to the comments section if you want them to be addressed by our research team.

It is most likely that you downloaded an unreliable file or opened an unreliable spam email attachment if CONTI Ransomware has managed to slither in. Once inside the operating system, this malware encrypts files, and it also attaches the “.CONTI” extension to their names to help you recognize the scale of the attack. Next to the encrypted files, you should find a text file containing a message. When our research team analyzed CONTI Ransomware, two files were linked to the infection. One of them is called “HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt,” and it seems to have been used for testing purposes only. The second text file is called “CONTI_README.txt,” and it contains the real message. According to it, all victims of the malicious ransomware have to email mantiticvi1976@protonmail.com and fahydremu1981@protonmail.com. There is no explanation as to what would happen if either of these email addresses was contacted, and so some victims might decide to send a message without thinking much about it. Well, if you decide to communicate with cybercriminals, you can expect to be exposed to new scams. First, however, you are likely to be pushed into paying a ransom in return for a decryptor.

It is hard to say what exactly the attackers behind CONTI Ransomware would demand from victims, but it is likely that all they want is money. If the requested ransom is small enough for you to pay, you might consider this option. However, our research team does NOT recommend giving your money away to cybercriminals. They will definitely take your money, but it is unlikely that they will give you anything in return for it. Unfortunately, that is the harsh reality behind ransomware. Just like OnyxLocker Ransomware, Kodc Ransomware, HackdoorCrypt3r Ransomware, MonCrypt Ransomware, and thousands of other file-encrypting threats, CONTI Ransomware was created by cybercriminals who could not care less about their victims. Unfortunately, files cannot be restored without the decryptor that only the attackers seem to have. This does not mean that you should take the risk of paying the ransom. We hope that you can replace the corrupted files with backup copies that are stored outside the computer. If you do not have such copies, make sure you start backing up all personal files once you remove the infection.

While it does not look like you can restore the files corrupted by CONTI Ransomware, we hope that you can replace them with copies stored outside the computer. First, of course, you want to remove the infection. Deleting CONTI Ransomware manually can be challenging, unless you know where the launcher file is. Do you know where this file is? If you do, follow the instructions below. If you do not, install a trusted and legitimate anti-malware program. It will automatically remove the infection and also reinforce Windows protection to keep other file-encryptors away. Of course, note that it is not enough to implement security software to ensure 100% safety against ransomware. You also want to install updates in time, stay away from unreliable downloaders and spam emails, as well as beware of any social engineering scams that cybercriminals could exploit. Additionally, you also want to backup your personal files to ensure that you have copies just in case something happens to the original files.

CONTI Ransomware Removal

1. Delete recently downloaded files that you suspect to be part of the ransomware.
2. Delete every copy of the ransom note file named CONTI_README.txt.
3. Empty Recycle Bin and then perform a complete system scan using a trusted malware scanner.