RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Clown Virus (+Decrypt .clown+! files)

Clown Virus – Details

The Clown stands for a ransomware-type infection. Clown was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Clown adds the “.clown+!” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by Clown, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.clown+!“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, Clown places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Clown text file requesting the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It actually discusses that the info is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by Clown is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of Clown is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is stored on a specific server run by the frauds associated with Clown ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, irrespective of the asked for amount, people need to stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to completely ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom usually does not give any positive outcome and people simply lose their money for nothing.

We strongly advise that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Clown ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Hence, the only right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameClown Ransomware
File Extension.clown !
TypeRansomware
Short DescriptionThe ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special clown+! extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Clown ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt important information and to state the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to generate the special decryption key for information decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your essential data is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they need to be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are a number of ways used by online frauds to distribute Clown ransom virus. Although it doubts how exactly Clown injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

  • integration with third-party apps, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unidentified senders;
  • websites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Often Clown ransomware may be presented as some genuine software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some crucial software application updates. This is the common technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Clown infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may describe different e-mail spam methods to inject malicious codes into systems. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some receipts, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade informs may result in Clown ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of harmful codes causing Clown secret installation. Finally, injection of Clown may occur by methods of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and set up destructive utilities without the user’s consent.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of Clown ransom virus?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to share with with you. First off, be extremely careful when you browse the web and especially while downloading free programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be malicious. Make sure that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in essential damage to be made for your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render better services of defending your system.

Screenshot of files with “.clown+!” extension added by the ransomware:
Clown Ransomware - encrypt files with .clown+! extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Clown ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

Sending
User Review
0 (0 votes)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sending

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button