How to remove Comrade Circle ransomware virus

Comrade Circle ransomware virus copies Fantom virus tactics

Comrade Circle virus is a sly computer malware variant that seems surprisingly comparable to Fantom virus. Both these viruses belong to ransomware category, which means that they are programmed to take victim’s files hostage and demand a ransom. What is interesting is that Comrade Circle ransomware, just like Phantom, pretends to be a Windows Update once executed. Once the malicious executive is run, the entire computer screen disappears, and a blue screen appears, saying “Configuring critical Windows Updates.” This technique helps to keep the victim calm and silently encrypt important data stored on the computer. When encrypting files, it scrambles the filenames and adds .comrade file extension. Once it corrupts all files, it saves ransom notes in several folders and, after closing the bogus Windows Update screen, automatically launches the ransom note called RESTORE-FILES[random symbols].txt on the screen. Now, the ransom note looks quite differently than typical ransom notes left by ransomware Trojans. The virus greets the victim with the following statements:

YOU FILES ARE ENCRYPTED BY Comrade Circle!

Your personal ID

[The unique identification number here]

YOU HAVE 3 OPTIONS!

There are actually only two options offered by this ransomware – the victim can buy the decryption software by sending “donation” to provided Bitcoin wallet, and then sending an email to recoverfiles@mail2tor.com. The second option sounds bizarre. The criminals address the victim with such line: “If you do not need your files or already restore them, please send us as much money as you can. Comrade Circle good people that help poor people getting jobs and great things, thanks.” It seems that authors of this ransomware attempt to pose as Robin Hoods who rob rich and give to the poor, which is unlikely to be true. What also sounds funny is that the virus’ authors suggest trying the decryption tool by sending one file to them, but calls such distrustful people as “evil.” Besides, the ransom note states that “after decryption, we will give you icon of Stalin that will protect you in future from others proud members of Comrade Circle.” Judging from the text ransom note includes, authors of this virus seem strange, to say at least. We do not recommend you to pay the ransom and remove Comrade Circle ransomware as soon as you can. FortectIntego can uninstall this malware from the system securely, so we highly recommend using it. In case the virus blocks your anti-malware software, follow Comrade Circle removal instructions provided under the article.

How did you get infected with this malicious virus?

Users get infected with this malicious software after ignoring safe browsing practices. Typically, ransom-demanding viruses are sent to victim’s via email, and in most cases, crooks tend to conceal malicious executable files like Word documents, JS files, which they entitle as invoices, bills, reports or similarly. We heartily advise you to keep suspicious email letters unopened and delete them from your email inbox instead of opening them and exploring files attached to them. No matter how curious you are, protect your PC and ignore letters sent by individuals or organizations that you are not familiar with.

How to uninstall Comrade Circle ransomware and get rid of all files related to it?

If you cannot remove Comrade Circle virus using your anti-virus tool because you simply cannot open it or it crashes during the system scan, we strongly recommend you to follow instructions provided below. For successful Comrade Circle removal, you need to start your PC in Safe Mode with Networking first. Do everything as the guide below says, and you will eliminate the ransomware from the system. To decrypt files encrypted by Comrade Circle ransomware, try data recovery options explained under the removal instructions.