Calix Ransomware

No one wants to deal with Calix Ransomware, but sometimes such programs reach their target systems. Such programs are extremely dangerous because it is often impossible to reverse whatever they have done on your computer. As far as we know, currently, there is no public decryption tool available for this infection. Therefore, when you remove Calix Ransomware from your computer, you might have to start building your data library anew. Do not let that discourage you. If you feel that you need help with file recovery, feel free to address a local professional who would guide you through a list of file recovery options.

Also, while we are at it, we should look at all sorts of preventive measures that actually work against ransomware. Most of the time, people don’t understand how important it is to be ready for a malicious infection. They just think, oh, it won’t happen to me. Well, here’s a news flash for you: it CAN happen to you, and it WILL if you’re not careful enough. So, before the likes of Calix Ransomware enter your system, do yourself a favor and transfer all of your files into an external hard drive or some other storage.

For example, most of the latest operating systems offer you to create a cloud drive storage where you can back up your files automatically. If you set up a cloud storage, you will be able to protect your files from encryption. That is actually the best way to mitigate the damage that can be caused by a ransomware infection.

Aside from that, you should be able to recognize the most common ransomware distribution tactics. For instance, we know that Calix Ransomware might spread via spam email attachments. It means that users open these dangerous files themselves. Why? Because ransomware installer files often look like legitimate documents received from reliable third parties. Maybe it looks like an online shopping invoice, or maybe it looks like some business proposal. Whichever it might be, users get tricked into opening those files, and then Calix Ransomware enters their systems.

It would be a good idea to scan the received files with a reliable antispyware tool. If the file is safe, you can open it. If the tool detects something suspicious about it, remove it at once. If you fail to delete dangerous files, something like Calix Ransomware will enter your computer again.

Our research suggests that Calix Ransomware is a variation of Phobos Ransomware. Likewise, Phobos Ransomware is based on the Crysis/Dharma Ransomware family that has quite a few infections under its belt. So, we can only expect this program to work like most of the other infections from this group.

After the file encryption, Calix Ransomware adds a very long extension to all the affected files. The extension contains the infection ID, the email address you have to use to contact these criminals, and the name “calix.” As a matter of fact, most of the ransomware names these days are determined based on these extensions.

Just like most of the ransomware infections, Calix Ransomware also displays the ransom note that tries to convince the affected users to pay the ransom fee:

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-ail painplain98@protonmail.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 tool that will decrypt all your files.

Would Calix Ransomware actually issue this decryption tool? It’s very doubtful. Instead, you should invest in a licensed antispyware tool that would help you remove Calix Ransomware for good. If there is a public decryption tool available for this application, you can sure restore your files. But let’s not forget that it’s a very unlikely scenario, so you have to be ready to say bye-bye to your data, too.

You might want to consider addressing a local professional for other file recovery options. Also, if you have most of your recent files saved on your mobile device, you can most certainly get them back. But the best way to deal with Calix Ransomware and other similar intruders is to avoid them altogether.

How to Remove Calix Ransomware

1. Remove the Info.hta file and all the other recent files from Desktop.
2. Press Win+R and type %HOMEDRIVE%. Click OK.
3. Delete the Info.hta file from the directory.
4. Remove the most recently downloaded files from the Downloads folder.
5. Press Win+R and type regedit. Click OK.
6. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
7. On the right side, right-click and delete a value with a random-name EXE file.
8. Use the Win+R command and remove the same random-name EXE file from these directories:
   %LOCALAPPDATA%
   %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
   %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
   %ALLUSERSPROFILE5\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
9. Scan your computer with the SpyHunter free scanner.