.combo ransomware decryptor and removal

Numerous files with the .combo extension sprinkled all over a computer are a sign of the CrySiS/Dharma ransomware attack, so learn how to sort things out.

No matter what some computer security analysts may optimistically claim, ransomware is still afloat. This category of malicious code stealthily enters systems, encrypts the most valuable data and won’t undo the harsh impact unless the victim pays up, although there is no certainty that the recovery solution will be provided at the end of the day. The victims deal with criminals, and the latter don’t necessarily carry through with their promises. Zooming out, file-encrypting threats have actually declined by the numbers since last year, but there are prolific strains like CrySiS, or Dharma, that stick around regardless. This particular family is regularly spawning new variants, one of the recent spinoffs being the mod that blemishes encrypted files with the .combo extension.

A recognizable quirk of this particular lineage is the way it trespasses on Windows machines. The invariable entry point is via hacked remote desktop services. In other words, the extortionists scan the Internet for open or poorly authenticated RDP connections and then manually drop the harmful entity into the vulnerable systems. As opposed to the overwhelming majority of blackmail viruses, this one reportedly does not involve spam in its distribution mechanisms. Therefore, users who leverage remote connections for whatever purposes are definitely better off applying robust security techniques to prevent easy breach.

As soon as the dangerous binary is in, it invokes a predefined compromise scenario. First, the culprit disables VSS (Volume Snapshot Service) so that the prey cannot restore files from their shadow copies later on. Then, it traverses the hard disk, mapped network drives and removable media for data in specific formats, focusing on the most common extensions that are likely to correlate with important personal files.

Every single match found during the scan is subject to encryption. Unfortunately, the crooks at the helm of the Dharma campaign have gotten the hang of cryptography good enough, so the crypto is strong and properly implemented. The tip of the iceberg is that these files become completely inaccessible and also change on the outside. The get appended with a string composed according to the following pattern: id-[8 random characters].[attacker’s email].combo. For example, a sample item named File1.pdf will turn into something like File1.pdf.id-8421915F.[bitpandacom@qq.com].combo. The email addresses in brackets vary, and some alternative ones include combo@tutanota.de, dcr@airmail.cc, and lok07@tuta.io.

In spite of the fact that the perpetrators’ contact details are a clear clue that the victim should reach out to them for further instructions, the .combo ransomware also provides separate rescue notes in two different formats. One of them is named FILES ENCRYPTED.txt. It says, “All your data has been locked us. You want to return? Write email bitpandacom@qq.com”, where the address, again, is variable. The other edition of ransom notes is named Info.hta. It is launched automatically and provides basically the same instructions, plus includes an option of decrypting up to five files for free. However, relying on the malefactors’ mercy is the wrong tactic. First off, the ransom tends to be at least $1,000 worth of Bitcoin. Secondly, the victims who elect to pay the money leave it all to chance as they won’t be able to claim their decryptor in case the felons refuse to provide it. Anyway, before opting for the ransom be sure to check whether all the other workarounds work.

.Combo ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like .Combo, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download .Combo remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

.Combo ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the .Combo virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of .combo files

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid .Combo ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download .Combo removal tool