How to remove Captcha ransomware

Captcha ransomware is a data encrypting malware that belongs to Makop ransomware family

Captcha ransomware is a cryptovirus that, upon landing on victims' computers, start encrypting their commonly used files with a military-grade encryption algorithm^[1] and demands a ransom to be paid for decryption of the computer data. If a user had a document named a.pdf, it would now appear as, e.g., a.pdf.[9B83AE23].[garantos@mailfence.com].captcha. Encryption of the computer data will make it inaccessible. After this process is completed, victims will find ransom note files named “build note.txt” in all affected folders.

Perpetrators state in the ransom note that victims' files are encrypted, and the only way to regain access to the data if you pay them. Each infected computer system receives its unique user ID. Cybercriminals provide two emails to get a hold of them – garantos@mailfence and element444@keemail.me. If victims haven't received an answer within 24 hours after writing to the first email, they should use the second one to get the solution for Captcha ransomware encrypted files.

The Captcha ransomware encryption process starts right after the system is infected and files affected by the infection receive identification pieces. The virus appends a three-part extension to all non-system files:

• a unique victim' ID in brackets
• the cybercriminals' contact details also in brackets
• .captha extension

Crooks urge users not to use any third-party tools to try and decode the encrypted data as it might damage it and could cause permanent data loss. However, it is strongly recommended never to communicate with developers of Captcha ransomware or any similar virus developers. Immediately after detection,^[2] the malware should be deleted.

To remove Captcha ransomware and malicious software alike, use a powerful and reliable tool like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. It will not only automatically delete it but safeguard from future threats. A full system scan significantly improves the performance too since threats get removed.

Viruses encrypt only users' personal data, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't touch other files. After the Captcha ransomware removal, make sure to check for virus dagame. Victims' devices system files might get altered, causing the device to work improperly. To return the virus-free system to its normal state, use a tune-up tool FortectIntego or any other similar trustworthy app.

Whole Captcha file virus ransom note states:

We took advantage of your server's weakness and blocked your files.
Server protection is an important part of successful and trouble-free
use of files and sharing of your company's private information.

PLEASE note that third-party recovery programs will DAMAGE your files
and cause permanent loss of important data. Any experiments on recovery
are done at your own risk.

When requesting recovery assistance, please specify the KEY
that can be found in the name of the blocked files.

If you refuse to restore your files, they will remain locked forever.

=======Mailing address for communication =======

Main = garantos@mailfence.com (we respond within 24 hours)
Spare = element444@keemail.me (write here if you have not received a response from the main email address)

Please pay attention
We will also help you protect your server from threats from the
network and point out errors made by the administrator and moderators.

–The time limit for recovery is limited!–

Ways different malware spreads on the internet

Developers of malware use many deceptive methods to reach their goals. Ransomware is usually delivered via social media platforms, file-sharing portals, spam emails, etc. Soon to be victims are tricked into clicking on shady hyperlinks that upon opening will take them to malicious sites packed with viruses. When users visit such sites, a payload file can be sent to their devices, and infection starts. 

Another popular way for computer viruses to spread is via spam mail. Cybercriminals execute so-called spam campaigns.^[3] During them thousands of infected spam emails are sent out to unaware users.

The emails might seem as genuine letters from your employers, banks, shipping or shopping companies, etc., but ransomware is hidden in the attached files. If users open them without having them scanned with some sort of anti-malware software, the viruses get in the computer systems and start their dirty business.

Captcha ransomware removal and system tune-up

In this day and age, users should always have protection against cybercriminals. If, or better, when you decide to remove Captcha ransomware from your infected device, you should use a dependable anti-malware software like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes., for it will not only automatically remove the virus, but it will protect your system from future hazards.

However, the bad news is that eliminating the virus won't decrypt your files. Computer users should always keep backups of all their essential data. You might get another threat not only Captcha ransomware virus that damages important files or functions.

Although ransomware encrypts only personal user files, it also could damage system files, thus making the system slower, experiencing crashes, and other abnormal activity. After Captcha ransomware removal, we advise using a tool like FortectIntego to undo the harm the virus might have caused.