Djvu VirusRansomwareRemoval Guide

Carj Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .carj files)

Carj – Ransomware

Carj is a harmful software working as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known virus researcher, first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Carj was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Realistically, as quickly as the file encryption is successfully accomplished, the users are unable to get access to them. Carj ransomware includes its own “.carj” to all the encrypted files. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, as soon as crypted by Carj, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.carj”. When the file encryption is accomplished, Carj puts its own distinct text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.

The message mentioned by document requesting the random os extremely comparable to the notices offered by other ransomware threats belonging to the DJVU family. The warning generally shows that the files have been secured and the only service to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is definitely real.

The technique to secure the files utilized by Carj is not entirely investigated. However, there is no doubt that each computer owner may be issued a special decryption key, which is definitely distinct. It is very tough to recuperate the data without the appropriate key in location.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:

Don't worry, you can return all your files! virus

One more peculiarity of the Carj infection is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the complete control by the crooks who have actually launched the Carj infection into the internet. In order to acquire the key and restore the essential data, the users are told to connect with the scams through e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message likewise states that the people ought to contact the Carj authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the information encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so the people will get a 50% discount rate, therefore, the ransom amount drops down to $490.

No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we strongly advise that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online scoundrels will keep their promises, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is gotten into their accounts. Hence, paying ransom frequently does not result in an effective healing. So, the users may simply lose their money for nothing.

Likewise, we advise you not to call the frauds as they instruct. Do not move loan into their wallets. There are no applications that could split the Carj ransomware or restore the data at no charge. For that reason, the only appropriate decision is to restore the information from possible backups (if available).

Virus Summary

NameCarj Ransomware
File Extensioncarj
TypeRansomware
FamilyDJVU
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-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .carj extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodAdware bundles and software cracks
Similar InfectionsLokas, Besub, Nusar
Carj Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware
Carj Decryption Tool   Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor

Do not forget that the Internet is now loaded with infections similar to the Carj virus. For instance, this particular threat is essentially similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These destructive utilities have been developed in order to secure the important data and express the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to create the particular key for effective information decryption.

Unless the Carj ransomware is still under the development process or has actually got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information by hand. Hence, the only working service to prevent the loss of your essential data is to routinely maintain updated backups of all your important files.

Another important piece of guidance is to save the backups on unique storage not linked to your primary device. For example, you might keep it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your routine drive is very risky, because the backup might also be secured by the Carj virus.

Leaks for the Carj ransomware attack.

Carj uses many courses to penetrate the vulnerable computer systems. It is not specific what particular technique was used in your case, nevertheless, the intrusion may occur via the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, primarily free apps;
  • spam emails from the unidentified senders;
  • sites supplying complimentary hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.

There are times when the Carj may disguise itself as some genuine application, for example, through the misleading notifies requiring setup of some software application update. This is the most typical trick used by the scams to inject the Carj ransomware files into the system. This way users partly take part in its installation, without plainly comprehending the threat.

In addition, the scams may send out unsolicited spam e-mail with difficult alerts motivating individuals to open suspicious accessories or click some download links, for instance, those motivating the people to open particular photos, text files, tax documents and other information.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking the malicious links may essentially damage the system. Fake Acrobat Reader update notices may result in the Carj ransomware seepage. Likewise, downloading the broken software application might additionally consist of the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, setup of Carj might occur through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent and even authorization.

Preventing the Carj virus attack.

Of course, there is no outright warranty that your computer will be always without any malware attacks, nevertheless, we want to share some helpful tips with you to make it safer. Make certain to pay really close attention while browsing the web and particularly while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious e-mail accessories, specifically if the sender is not known to you.

Do not forget that particular freeware installer might likewise contain some other additional apps in the bundle. These additional applications might be extremely damaging. It is of utmost value to keep your anti-virus software and your os in general to be constantly effectively updated.

It is rather logical that downloading pirated programs is illegal, however, in addition, such unauthorized software application usage may likewise bring serious damage to your system. Thus, do not download any broken programs. Plus, the fact that your existing anti-virus did not protect the system from the Carj ransomware is a good factor for you to reevaluate your options and change to another program that can render the securing functions on a much better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Carj text file:

ATTENTION!

 Don't worry, you can return all your files!
 All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
 The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
 This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
 What guarantees you have?
 You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
 But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
 You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
 https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f
 Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
 Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
 Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
 Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.


 To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
 restorealldata@firemail.cc

 Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
 gorentos@bitmessage.ch

 Our Telegram account:
 @datarestore

Screenshot of files with “.carj” extension added by the virus:”

Carj Ransomware - encrypt files with .carj extension

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

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can get 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

Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore carj files

You can get Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:

  Emsisoft Decryptor

  1. Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
  2. Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
  3. By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
  4. Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
  5. After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
  6. The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
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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.

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