RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove CARLOS Virus (+Decrypt .CARLOS files)

CARLOS – Ransomware

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

The message given by CARLOS text file asking for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It literally points out that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by CARLOS is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is definitely particular that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of CARLOS is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds related to CARLOS ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nonetheless, irrespective of the requested amount, people must stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, 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 typically does not give any positive outcome and people just waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We highly encourage 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 CARLOS ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Therefore, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameCARLOS Ransomware
File Extension.CARLOS
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 CARLOS extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to CARLOS ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt essential 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 comparable algorithm to create the special decryption key for data decryption.

Hence, 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 way to prevent the loss of your crucial data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be placed 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 save your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are several methods used by online frauds to distribute CARLOS ransom virus. Even though it doubts how exactly CARLOS injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Frequently CARLOS ransomware might exist as some genuine software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some important software application updates. This is the common technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing CARLOS infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might describe different email spam tactics to inject destructive codes into PC. So, they may refer to 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 motivating users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in CARLOS virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain destructive codes causing CARLOS secret installation. Lastly, injection of CARLOS may take place by methods of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and set up harmful utilities without the user’s authorization.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of CARLOS ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to share with with you. First off, be really mindful when you surf the web and particularly while downloading totally 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 consist of other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Make certain that your current anti-virus and your entire operating system is always duly updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to important damage to be produced your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly advised to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render better services of defending your Windows.

Screenshot of files with “.CARLOS” extension added by the ransomware:
CARLOS Ransomware - encrypt files with .CARLOS extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove CARLOS 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

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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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