Remove CLOUD Virus (.CLOUD Files Ransomware) – Thanos Ransomware

CLOUD – Ransomware

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

The message given by CLOUD text file requesting the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the Thanos clan. It actually discusses that the information is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by CLOUD is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of CLOUD is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is kept on a specific server run by the frauds connected with CLOUD ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the asked for amount, people must stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely 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 just lose their money for nothing.

We highly recommend 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 CLOUD ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Hence, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name CLOUD Ransomware
File Extension .CLOUD
Type Ransomware
Family Thanos
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 CLOUD extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to CLOUD ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt crucial data and to set forth the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to produce the special decryption key for files decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your crucial files is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Remember 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 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 together with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are numerous methods used by online scams to distribute CLOUD ransom virus. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how exactly CLOUD injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Frequently CLOUD ransomware might be presented as some legitimate software, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some important software application updates. This is the common technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing CLOUD infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might refer to various email spam tactics to inject harmful codes into PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some receipts, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in CLOUD ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also contain destructive codes causing CLOUD secret installation. Finally, injection of CLOUD may occur by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install harmful tools without the user’s authorization.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of CLOUD ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to share with with you. Firstly, be really mindful when you browse the web and especially while downloading complimentary apps. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may consist of other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Ensure that your current anti-virus and your entire operating system is always duly updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to vital damage to be produced your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your system.

Below please find the quotation from the CLOUD text file:

------------------
| What happened? |
------------------
 
Your network was ATTACKED, your computers and servers were LOCKED,
Your private data was DOWNLOADED:
 - Contracts
 - Customers data
 - Finance
 - HR
 - Databases
 - And more other...
 
----------------------
| What does it mean? |
----------------------
 
It means that soon mass media, your partners and clients WILL KNOW about your PROBLEM.
 
--------------------------
| How it can be avoided? |
--------------------------
 
In order to avoid this issue,
you are to COME IN TOUCH WITH US no later than within 3 DAYS and conclude the data recovery and breach fixing AGREEMENT.
 
-------------------------------------------
| What if I do not contact you in 3 days? |
-------------------------------------------
 
If you do not contact us in the next 3 DAYS we will begin DATA publication.
We will post information about hacking of your company on our twitter https://twitter.com/RobinHoodLeaks or tublr https://robinhoodleaks.tumblr.com/
 
-----------------------------
| I can handle it by myself |
-----------------------------
 
It is your RIGHT, but in this case all your data will be published for public USAGE.
 
-------------------------------
| I do not fear your threats! |
-------------------------------
 
That is not the threat, but the algorithm of our actions.
If you have hundreds of millions of UNWANTED dollars, there is nothing to FEAR for you.
That is the EXACT AMOUNT of money you will spend for recovery and payouts because of PUBLICATION.
You are exposing yourself to huge penalties with lawsuits and government if we both don\'t find an agreement. 
We have seen it before cases with multi million costs in fines and lawsuits,
not to mention the company reputation and losing clients trust and the medias calling non-stop for answers. 
 
--------------------------
| You have convinced me! |
--------------------------
 
Then you need to CONTACT US, there is few ways to DO that.
 
   ---Secure method---
 
   a) Download a qTOX client: https://tox.chat/download.html
   B) Install the qTOX client and register account
   c) Add our qTOX ID: 671263E7BC06103C77146A5ABB802A63F53A42B4C4766329A5F04D2660C99A3611635CC36B3A
   d) Write us extension of your encrypted files .CLOUD
 
Our LIVE SUPPORT is ready to ASSIST YOU on this chat.
 
----------------------------------------
| What will I get in case of agreement |
----------------------------------------
 
You WILL GET full DECRYPTION of your machines in the network, DELETION your data from our servers, 
RECOMMENDATIONS for securing your network perimeter.
 
And the FULL CONFIDENTIALITY ABOUT INCIDENT.
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 

Screenshot of files with “.CLOUD” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove CLOUD 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.

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