How to remove CryptConsole 3 ransomware

CryptConsole 3 — ransomware virus that demands 50 USD for decrypting modified files

CryptConsole 3 is a dangerous crypto-virus hailing from CryptConsole ransomware family. This ransomware is based on money extortion,^[1] so it starts its activity by encrypting victim's files and then displaying a ransom note, usually called Readme.txt, asking to pay the money in exchange for a special decryption key. People who are hiding behind this virus claim that they are the only ones who can decrypt your files, but this might be not true. You can easily recover your files encrypted by CryptConsole3 ransomware. Encrypted files are usually marked using heineken@tuta.io_ [hex], sequre@tuta.io_ [hex], sequre@tuta.io_ [random_0-9A-Z] or [ransom_email] _ [0-9A-Z] pattern.

To convince people into paying, ransomware developers suggest their victims to add a few files to test their decryption service. This one also advises you to contact these criminals and send one file for a quick decryption. However, you should not contact them in any way because these guys are cyber criminals. It is known that sometimes, after the payment is done, hackers disappear and ignore their victims.^[2] This means that you can lose your data and your money.

CryptConsole 3.0 developers can also hide additional tools or programs on your computer. It is possible that this ransomware is spreading around in a bundle with cryptocurrency miners, such as JS:Cryptonight or JS:Miner-C. To get rid of this malware pack and consequences that it can lead you to, you need to take care of virus elimination. Only then you should worry about files' decryption and recovery. At the moment, security experts are not offering a safe-to-use decryption tool, so you need to rely on your files' backups or other methods mentioned below while trying to recover your data. 

The best and the most trustworthy way for data recovery is replacing your files encrypted by CryptConsole3 from backup. That's why you should always keep extra copies of your files saved on the external hard drive (it should be disconnected from the machine to avoid encryption), CD or similar device. However, you need to take care of virus elimination before trying file recovery methods. 

To remove CryptConsole 3 ransomware from the system, you need only a reliable anti-malware tool which is professional and up-to-date. You shouldn't try performing manual removal on the system as it may lead you to unexpected problems related to this process. Besides, as we have mentioned, the virus is spreading in a bundle with other apps that should be eliminated as well.

For a full CryptConsole 3 removal, we recommend using FortectIntego or tools that are provided in the end of this article. Of course, you can choose any other reputable anti-virus that you have on your system. Just make sure that it is up-to-date and has a full database of virus definitions. However, if you decided to use P2P networks for downloading the removal software, keep in mind that you can get other malware on the system.^[3]

The virus is mostly spread via misleading emails

While checking your emails, you should be aware that not every letter that comes to you is important and safe. Your inbox can often be filled with more than just intrusive and annoying commercial content. Note that letters from legitimate-looking companies can be not real, so you should double check each of them. Hackers who are working behind ransomware tend to use well known names so that they can trick people easier.

To avoid falling for fake email messages and malware which is hiding inside, double check every message that has a link, MS Word or Excel file attached. You should look at these signs, typically showing that there is a macro virus hiding inside:

• Company's name is not the same and an email address;
• You don't know the sender;
• Email message is full of typo and grammar mistakes;
• Email is actively asking to download the attachment;
• Message is asking to enable macros on your computer.

Typically, this is how malware like ransomware gets on your computer unknowingly. People from Avirus.hu^[4] also note that it is vital to keep your antivirus software up-to-date to prevent unexpected appearance of ransomware in the future.

CryptConsole 3 ransomware elimination requires running a full system scan

To remove CryptConsole 3 ransomware, you need to rely on professional tools that could refresh your whole system. Additionally, patiently try all methods that are provided in our Data recovery section. No matter that files' recovery process may take some time, it is possible to recover at least some part of your data using Shadow Explorer, Data Recovery Pro and similar tools.

For a full CryptConsole 3 removal, we recommend FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. These programs will help you find the ransomware and all related pieces just by launching them for a full system scan. If you see that the ransomware virus is blocking you and keeping you disabled while trying to launch programs given in this guide, use a step-by-step guide below. This will help you to clean your PC thoroughly.