How to remove Contacto Ransomware and decrypt .Contacto files

What is Contacto Ransomware

Contacto Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to encrypt files on a victim’s computer, demanding a ransom for the decryption key. Once it infiltrates the system, it appends the .Contacto extension to all affected files, rendering them inaccessible to the user. As is typical with ransomware, Contacto uses sophisticated encryption algorithms, which makes decrypting the files without a key nearly impossible. To inform victims of their predicament, it generates a ransom note titled Contacto_Help.txt. This note is strategically placed on the victim’s desktop and in folders containing the encrypted files, providing instructions for contacting the attackers via email and detailing the payment process to supposedly retrieve the decryption tool.

Unfortunately, no public decryption tools are available for Contacto as of now. Encryption used by such ransomware typically ensures that only the attackers can provide the key, which they claim to offer after receiving the ransom payment. It’s important to note, however, that paying the ransom does not guarantee file recovery, as cybercriminals may choose not to provide the decryption tool even after payment. For victims looking to decrypt .Contacto files, options are limited to restoring files from backups created before the infection, using professional data recovery services, or waiting for security experts to potentially develop a decryption solution in the future. In the meantime, maintaining up-to-date backups and employing robust security measures are vital to protecting against future ransomware attacks.

How Contacto Ransomware infects computers

Contacto Ransomware, like many other ransomware variants, primarily infiltrates computers through deceptive tactics designed to trick users into executing malicious files. A common method is through phishing emails that contain infected attachments or links, often masquerading as legitimate communication from trusted sources. When users click on these attachments or links, the ransomware is unwittingly downloaded and executed. Additionally, cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software or operating systems, allowing the ransomware to infiltrate systems without any user interaction. Peer-to-peer networks, compromised websites, and malicious ads are also popular vectors, disseminating the ransomware via downloads that appear innocuous. Once inside the system, Contacto Ransomware encrypts files, appending the “.Contacto” extension, and demands a ransom for decryption, further emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity practices and regular software updates.

1. Download Contacto Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .Contacto files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Contacto Ransomware

Contacto Ransomware files:


Contacto_Help.txt
{randomname}.exe


Contacto Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .Contacto files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .Contacto files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .Contacto files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Contacto Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .Contacto files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Contacto Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Contacto Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro