How to remove CONTI Ransomware and decrypt .CONTI files

What is CONTI Ransomware

CONTI is a ransomware-type virus that encrypts user’s data and keeps it locked until the ransom is paid. Some security experts indicate, that it can be a successor or Ryuk Ransomware. Whilst the encryption is being made, all files including photos, videos, documents, and other regular data will be altered with the new .CONTI extension. This means that the affected files will look like 1.mp4.CONTI or similarly depending on the original name. After this, successful encryption is followed up with a text file (CONTI_README.txt) that is dropped on the desktop of victims.

The note itself does not contain anything extraordinary, it simply says that your data was locked, and to decrypt it, you should contact cyber criminals via attached e-mails. It is also claimed that third-parties software will not seal the deal and might lead to permanent loss. It is partially true because ransomware developers create self-destruction mechanisms against the involvement of extraneous impact. For the moment, it is almost unreal to decrypt your files for free with the help of additional tools. If possible, you can restore your data from backup storage that was created before the infection. Either way, we recommend you to get rid of CONTI Ransomware to prevent further encryptions.

How CONTI Ransomware infected your computer

When it comes to ransomware infiltration, extortionists abuse e-mail spam with malicious attachments. They send these messages to random users and force them to open contained links or files (MS Office documents, PDFs, executables, and JavaScript files). If done, your system will be infected in the background mode without your consent. To prevent this, you should avoid clicking on suspicious content and downloading software from unwanted resources. It is also worth installing some anti-malware utilities to reinforce the shield against malware attacks. Besides that, there are other distribution channels like backdoors, keyloggers, trojans, exploit of unprotected RDP configuration, fake software cracking tools, and others. Check our guide below to learn more about safety measures and removal instructions.

1. Download CONTI Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .CONTI files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like CONTI Ransomware

CONTI Ransomware files:


CONTI_README.txt
{randomfilename}.exe


CONTI Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .CONTI files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .CONTI files. Download it here:

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .CONTI files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with CONTI Ransomware and removed it from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .CONTI files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like CONTI Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storages, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storages can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. CONTI Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails is the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.