Remove Caleb Virus (+Decrypt .[Unlockfiles@qq.com].Caleb files) – Phobos Ransomware

Caleb Virus – Details

The Caleb mean a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Phobos ransomware family. Caleb was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Caleb adds the “.[Unlockfiles@qq.com].Caleb” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by Caleb, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[Unlockfiles@qq.com].Caleb“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, Caleb places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Caleb text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the Phobos family. It literally 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 sort of cryptography mechanism applied by Caleb is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

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

Nevertheless, regardless of the requested amount, people need to keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not provide any positive result and people simply waste their money for absolutely nothing.

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

Virus Summary

Name Caleb Ransomware
File Extension .[Unlockfiles@qq.com].Caleb
Type Ransomware
Family Phobos
Short Description The 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.
Symptoms File 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 [Unlockfiles@qq.com].Caleb extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar Infections Acton, 1500dollars, Acute
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Caleb ransomware. It is similar Acton and many other ransomware-type threats. Harmful programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt crucial data and to state the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to create the special decryption key for information decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is just not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your crucial files is to routinely create backups of your important information.

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

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are several methods used by online scams to distribute Caleb ransom virus. Even though it is uncertain how precisely Caleb injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Typically Caleb virus might be presented as some genuine software application, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some crucial software application updates. This is the typical trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Caleb infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals might describe different email spam strategies to inject harmful codes into PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some photos, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in Caleb ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of destructive codes causing Caleb secret installation. Finally, injection of Caleb may happen by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up destructive utilities without the user’s consent.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of Caleb ransomware?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to share with with you. To start with, be extremely cautious when you browse the web and especially while downloading totally free apps. Stay 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 consist of other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be harmful. Make certain that your current anti-virus and your entire operating system is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in necessary damage to be made for your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render better services of protecting your system.

Below please find the quotation from the Caleb text file:

!!! All of your files are encrypted !!!
To decrypt them send e-mail to this address: Unlockfiles@qq.com.
If we don\'t answer in 24h., send e-mail to this address: leeming.derick@aol.com
If there is no response from our mail, you can install the Jabber client and write to us in support of waitheisenberg@xmpp.jp

Screenshot of files with “.[Unlockfiles@qq.com].Caleb” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Caleb 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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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.

View Comments

  • Now some info on how to decrypt the files? All this does is remove the ransomware. It doesnt decrypt the files.

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