Code ransomware (virus) - Recovery Instructions Included

Code virus Removal Guide

What is Code ransomware?

Code ransomware targets businesses and encrypts their important documents

Code ransomwareHaving a security tool is essential because it can detect threats

To encrypt users' personal files, such as photos, videos, and documents, Code ransomware employs advanced encryption algorithms. The .code extension is appended to affected files. So, if a file was previously named picture.jpg, it would look like this after encryption – picture.jpg.code.

The icons are also changed to white pages, making thumbnails unavailable. It becomes impossible to open or use the files. Ransomware attacks can cause irreversible data loss. The files can only be decrypted using a decryptor that only cybercriminals have. A ransom note is generated on the machine shortly after the encryption process is completed.

NAME Code
TYPE Ransomware, cryptovirus, data locking malware
DISTRIBUTION Email attachments, peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms, malicious ads
FILE EXTENSION .code
RANSOM NOTE !!!HOW_TO_DECRYPT!!!.txt
FILE RECOVERY It is almost impossible to recover the files if you do not have backups. We provide a third-party recovery option in our guide.
MALWARE REMOVAL Scan your machine with anti-malware software to eliminate malicious files. This will not recover them.
SYSTEM FIX Windows reinstallation can be avoided with FortectIntego maintenance tool, which can fix the damaged OS

The ransom note

Code ransomware drops a ransom note !!!HOW_TO_DECRYPT!!!.txt which reads as follows:

Your network has been infected ! We have you corporate data.

Thousands of all your client cases with all personal information, evidences, e-mails, addresses, SSNs,

financial information, accounting, Outlook PST archives of your attorneys and staff.

Really we have almost mirror of your servers in our network.

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The only way to restore your files is to buy our special software. Only we can give you this software and only we can restore your files!

We value our reputation. If we do not do our work and liabilities, nobody will pay us. This is not in our interests.

All our decryption software is perfectly tested and will decrypt your data. We will also provide support in case of problems.

==================================================
If no payment will be arranged or you will ignore negotiations:

– we will start randomly notify some of you active 2021 clients about incident sending them link on their private data.

– we well resell data on dark-web marketplaces, cause there is a thousands of personal confidential records

– we will post data on few top data-leaks resources, well-known among journalists

==================================================

You can contact us by downloading and installing TOX chat (hxxps://tox.chat/download.html)

Support TOX ID: F0EC47657B9144F5161C7E343BA85401C43826C A0907309FF67513538B0ACD585A07D4A979DC

According to the note, the attackers have copies of thousands of personal client cases, including sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, financial information, and Outlook archives of the company's attorneys and staff. The attackers demand money in exchange for the decryption software required to restore the victim's files.

Victims should not pay the ransom because even if the ransom is paid, there is no guarantee that the attackers will provide the decryption software or restore the files. Paying the ransom may also encourage the attackers to target the victim and others in the future. Instead, victims should concentrate on securing their network and data, as well as seeking assistance from law enforcement and cybersecurity professionals to mitigate the impact of the attack.

Code ransom noteCybercriminals want to get paid for a decryption key

Distribution methods

Fraudsters use a variety of methods to spread their malicious programs. However, email attachments are the most common way ransomware spreads. Criminals use social engineering techniques to trick people into downloading and opening the infected attachment. Some hacker groups target specific organizations and individuals, so they may create an email for that purpose.

Software “cracks”[1] are another popular method for ransomware distribution. Users frequently obtain them from risky websites such as torrent sites or peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms.[2] They are ideal breeding grounds for all types of malware because they are unregulated. It is impossible to tell whether or not the downloads contain malicious files.

Even if it is more expensive, it is best to use official web stores and developer websites. You may save money in the long run by not losing your files and permanently damaging your operating system. There is also a large selection of free apps to choose from, so you should be able to find something that meets your requirements.

Remove ransomware

Attempting to recover your data first may result in permanent loss. It also has the ability to encrypt your files a second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files that are causing it. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself. Scan your system with anti-malware software such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. This security software should automatically detect and remove all related files and entries. Because there is less risk of leaving some traces behind, automatic removal is the best option.

Malware could prevent you from using antivirus software by turning it off. In that case, you should proceed with accessing Safe Mode first:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.Windows XP/7

Windows 10 / Windows 8

  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.Update & Security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.Recovery
  6. Select Troubleshoot.Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options.Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings.Startup settings
  9. Click Restart.
  10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.Press F5 to enable Safe Mode with Networking

File recovery using third-party software

Only hackers have the decryption key[3] that can unlock your files, so if you did not back them up beforehand, you may have lost them forever. You can try using data recovery software, but it is not always possible for third-party programs to decrypt the files. We recommend that you at least try this method. Before proceeding, you must copy the corrupted files to a USB flash drive or another storage device. Remember, you should only do this if you have already removed the Code ransomware.

  1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
  2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
    Code ransomware
  3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.Install program
  4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
  5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.Select what to recover
  6. Press Next.
  7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.Select Deep scan
  8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.Scan
  9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
  10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.Recover files

Fix the operating system

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required, are expected after a malware infection. These types of infections can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not able to repair it.

This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

  • Download the application by clicking on the link above
  • Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
    Reimage download
  • If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
  • Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation processReimage installation
  • The analysis of your machine will begin immediatelyReimage scan
  • Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
  • You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
  • If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.Reimage results

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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Code virus. Follow these steps

Isolate the infected computer

Some ransomware strains aim to infect not only one computer but hijack the entire network. As soon as one of the machines is infected, malware can spread via network and encrypt files everywhere else, including Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. If your computer is connected to a network, it is important to isolate it to prevent re-infection after ransomware removal is complete.

The easiest way to disconnect a PC from everything is simply to plug out the ethernet cable. However, in the corporate environment, this might be extremely difficult to do (also would take a long time). The method below will disconnect from all the networks, including local and the internet, isolating each of the machines involved.

  • Type in Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter
  • Go to Network and Internet Network and internet
  • Click Network and Sharing Center Network and internet 2
  • On the left, pick Change adapter settings Network and internet 3
  • Right-click on your connection (for example, Ethernet), and select Disable Network and internet 4
  • Confirm with Yes.

If you are using some type of cloud storage you are connected to, you should disconnect from it immediately. It is also advisable to disconnect all the external devices, such as USB flash sticks, external HDDs, etc. Once the malware elimination process is finished, you can connect your computers to the network and internet, as explained above, but by pressing Enable instead.

Report the incident to your local authorities

Ransomware is a huge business that is highly illegal, and authorities are very involved in catching malware operators. To have increased chances of identifying the culprits, the agencies need information. Therefore, by reporting the crime, you could help with stopping the cybercriminal activities and catching the threat actors. Make sure you include all the possible details, including how did you notice the attack, when it happened, etc. Additionally, providing documents such as ransom notes, examples of encrypted files, or malware executables would also be beneficial.

Law enforcement agencies typically deal with online fraud and cybercrime, although it depends on where you live. Here is the list of local authority groups that handle incidents like ransomware attacks, sorted by country:

Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3

If your country is not listed above, you should contact the local police department or communications center.

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Protect your privacy – employ a VPN

There are several ways how to make your online time more private – you can access an incognito tab. However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of Private Internet Access VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise. Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and Private Internet Access VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals. 

No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool

If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers – human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence. In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.

If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. Data Recovery Pro is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market – it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.

About the author
Julie Splinters
Julie Splinters - Anti-malware specialist

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References