How to remove CARLOS ransomware

CARLOS ransomware is a damaging cyber threat existing in the cybersphere since the start of February 2020

CARLOS ransomware, found by S!Ri^[1] in the first half of February, is a complex computer virus that is in the search for encryptable files. The malware developers are seeking to collect monetary income from their victims. First of all, the ransomware virus employs a symmetric or asymmetric encryption cipher and runs it on all components found. This can include images, word documents, audio, video, and other files. When the encryption is finished, CARLOS ransomware drops a ransom note named readme-warning.txt that is written in a Notepad blank. The users are introduced to what has just happened and how to deal with it.

Crooks state that they absolutely do not care about the users (that is true) because it is only a business and they will get their decrypted files back after the payment anyway (not always true). However, CARLOS ransomware developers try to provide some type of evidence of the existing decryption software by allowing the victims to send 2 files that include simple extensions such as .jpg, .xls, or .doc. For cooperation, these people include the carlosrestore2020@aol.com email address where both parties have to talk about the conditions of the payment. Afterward, crooks claim that they will deliver detailed instructions on how to use the decryption software.

Once all of the existing files and documents are locked by CARLOS ransomware it appends an extension that is completed from three parts to all the filenames of encrypted data. The malware appends a random mix of 7 symbols that can be letters or numbers, crooks' given email address, and the extension – .CARLOS. For example, if you had a file that was named database.xls, after the encryption, it would turn to database.xls.[GY67HU8].[carlosrestore2020@aol.com].CARLOS.

CARLOS virus is categorized as dangerous and complex malware as it can make a person completely use his files and experience other harmful malware infiltration. Email spam campaigns, cracked software, exploiting OS flaws, and vulnerable RDP configuration create the best conditions for this cyber threat to spread. The potential victims can receive the malicious payload looking like a legitimate file at first and notice that something is wrong just when it is too late.

CARLOS ransomware aims to alter the Windows Registry by adding suspicious keys into it that allow the malware to bring on its malicious module. Also, it performs changes on the Windows Task Manager by injecting malicious processes in order to launch its payload too. Sometimes the included executables might not create any concern as they can come looking as completely normal components of some type of legitimate software.

Furthermore, CARLOS ransomware might disable antivirus programs once it settles on the Windows PC. If this happens, some tools might not be able to detect or remove the malicious software. However, according to VirusTotal,^[2] 45 AV engines do spot this malware and provide it as suspicious, malicious, malware, trojan, or ransomware. These types of results are kind of good considering the fact that 45 is out of the total 71 which is more than half.

Additionally, CARLOS ransomware will ensure that its module is launched every time when the computer is booted. This can include scanning the system for encryptable documents once in a while. The threat uses unique encryption keys to lock up all the files that are found on the computer. Afterward, criminals store both encryption and decryption tools on remote servers that are accessible only for their owners.

The ransom note that is provided by CARLOS ransomware will also try to convince you to pay the ransom price. Even though there are no particular demands provided in that message, criminals can ask anywhere from $50 to $2000 or even more if they are very greedy. However, in most of the cases, they urge for Bitcoin or another type of cryptocurrency for the payment to stay anonymous. Here, take a look at the full ransom message:

::: Greetings :::

Little FAQ:
.1.
Q: Whats Happen?
A: Your files have been encrypted and now have the “CARLOS” extension. The file structure was not damaged, we did everything possible so that this could not happen.

.2.
Q: How to recover files?
A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay in bitcoins.

.3.
Q: What about guarantees?
A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities – nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.
To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc… not databases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee.

.4.
Q: How to contact with you?
A: You can write us to our mailbox: carlosrestore2020@aol.com

.5.
Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?
A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use. With this program you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files.

.6.
Q: If I don't want to pay bad people like you?
A: If you will not cooperate with our service – for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause only we have the private key. In practice – time is much more valuable than money.

:::BEWARE:::
DON'T try to change encrypted files by yourself!
If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions – please make a backup for all encrypted files!
Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.

A piece of advice would be to stay away from contacting CARLOS ransomware developers. As these people already mentioned, they do not care about the victims as they are orientated toward their own business. When you proceed with the payment and it reaches the crooks, you can get scammed. Simply, hackers might provide you with a fake tool or just take the money and leave you with no decryption software at all.

It might be hard to understand that your files can get permanently lost, but there are always some alternatives that you can try. First, focus on CARLOS ransomware removal that you need to complete as soon as you see encrypted files and the provided ransom note. You should use reliable antimalware software that will scan your system fully and get rid of all malware-laden components that were brought to your computer.

However, if you are having trouble with the elimination or if the virus is blocking your anti-spyware program, you should run your machine in Safe Mode with Networking or activate the System Restore feature that could help you to fix things. When you successfully remove CARLOS ransomware from your Windows computer and the malware is no longer causing any problems, go to the end of this article and there you will find some data recovery tips.

Beware that CARLOS ransomware might have deleted your Shadow Volume Copies of the encrypted software, so a particular tool that requires the Shadow Copies to remain safe might not work. Also, if the virus managed to damage your Windows hosts file in order to prevent you from visiting security-related sources, you should delete this file while eliminating the ransomware virus, otherwise, the access will remain blocked.

Exploited OS vulnerabilities distribute ransomware

This ransomware can have different types of distribution sources. However, experts have discovered that the ransomware virus is widely distributed by misusing operating system flaws. This includes products such as Microsoft Office, web browsers, the operating system itself, and other third-party applications.

Furthermore, crooks' can pretend to be from reliable shipping companies and decide to spam you with fake order delivery or shipping information notifications. It can look like the message is coming from a reputable source but it truly is not. Do not open any attached files or documents before scanning them with antimalware software. In addition, ransomware can get distributed through other sources such as:

• Cracked software. These products appear on p2p networks such as The Pirate Bay, eMule, and BitTorrent.
• Vulnerable RDP.^[3] If the configuration does not include a reliable password or includes none security codes at all, the hackers can easily access the port.
• Malvertising ads. If you are a frequent visitor of third-party networks and like clicking on various advertisements, there is a risk to get infected with malware.

According to cybersecurity experts from Virusai.lt,^[4] all computer systems need to include reliable antimalware protection. The more the security features the anti-spyware has, the better it is for the device. Also, do not forget to update the product regularly, otherwise, it cannot be able to operate properly and might include flaws.

CARLOS ransomware deletion steps and data recovery alternatives

We have introduced you to all the unwanted effects that ransomware infections can bring, and now it is time for you to get rid of the cyber threat before more damage appears. You should remove CARLOS ransomware with the help of anti-spyware software and avoid trying manual steps because this type of process can relate in making dangerous mistakes. 

If you are having trouble with CARLOS ransomware removal, try booting your computer in Safe Mode with Networking or activating the System Restore feature to diminish all malicious activities. When you get rid of the malware, scan your system with SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to find if there is any damage. If you discover any altered components, try repairing them with FortectIntego. Also, below you will find some data recovery alternatives that might be helpful for restoring your files.