How to remove CoNFicker ransomware virus

CoNFicker ransomware gets a backup: Saramat version emerges

CoNFicker virus operates as a crypto-virus ^[1] which encodes files and demands payment. Interestingly, it is not related with the notorious Conficker worm ^[2] which was one of the most active cyber infections in 2008 and 2009. Back then, the parasite has infiltrated millions of private and even state computers which resulted in the loss of over 9 billion dollars. 

The virus continued to live on and evolved into a complex malware of different shapes and sizes that continues its legacy to this day. The experts are not sure whether the ransomware that shares its name also shares the same creators or the criminals have simply chosen this title due to its infamous history. Both these viruses are equally bothersome and infecting your device with either of them may result in financial losses, system damage and corrupted data.

While the activity of the malware was low since its appearance on the cyber space, developers have revived it by releasing .saramat variation. It is created on the basis of HiddenTear^[3], though it has links to Ryzerlo malware as well. It presents the same old GUI.  Besides its saramat.exe file, the malware also drops decrypt.txt, autorun.inf, and img.jpg files. French users^[4] should be especially wary of the infection.

Thus, in this article, we will explain how to remove CoNFicker from the infected device ASAP. You can start the computer recovery by running a thorough scan of your system with antivirus software such as FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. After you are done, you may then try applying the techniques suggested at the end of the article to recover the encrypted files.

The working principle of this ransomware is simple: it infiltrates computers, encrypts the files it finds saved on it and then demands the victim to pay ransom for their recovery. Nevertheless, there is a lot in between that defines this particular threat. For instance, when the virus is done encrypting files, it appends .conficker extensions next to them. It also drops a ransom note called Decrypt.txt on the infected computer. The note contains the following text:

C_o_N_F_i_c_k_e_r R_A_N_S_O_M_W_A_R_E
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Attention! Attention! Attention! Your Files has been encrypted By C_o_N_F_i_c_k_e_r R_A_N_S_O_M_W_A_R_E
#####
Send 0.5 Bitcoin To @ 1sUCn6JYa7B96t4nZz1tX5muU2W5YxCmS @
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If Send 0.5 Bitcoin We will send you the decryption key C_o_N_F_i_c_k_e_r Decryptor
#####

Of course, you should not send Bitcoin ^[5] to the criminals’ account, nor should you use C_o_N_F_i_c_k_e_r Decryptor to unlock your files. Complying with the extortionist's demands may cause more trouble than benefit. Thus, we recommend you to perform CoNFicker removal instead. You will find suggestions on how to do that at the end of this article. So, do not waste time and get on with it!

Ransomware distribution trends

It is no longer a secret that ransomware like CoNFicker often employ Trojans ^[6], exploits and other deceptive techniques to spread around and infiltrate computers. Obtaining antivirus software and upgrading your general computer security may diminish the risk of such attacks, but there is always a chance you might be encroached upon.

You should acknowledge such possibility and prepare for it before it’s too late. One of the best ways to protect your data is to make a backup ^[7] of it and save it on some separate storage device. Data protected this way can be recovered in cases when it is accidentally deleted, corrupted or, in this particular case, encrypted by CoNFicker ransomware.

Eliminate CoNFicker infection

If you want to prepare for the CoNFicker removal in the best way possible, you should first obtain a software that you could rely upon to perform the virus elimination from the system. When such program is installed, run the full system scan with it and observe the procedure.

If you notice your antivirus cannot initiate the scan, it might be the virus is blocking it from doing that. In such a case, you will have to go through some manual decontamination steps before you are able to remove CoNFicker virus from the computer properly. Follow the instructions below not to get lost in the elimination process.