Geek's Advice

Calix ransomware is a variant of Phobos crypto-virus

Calix ransomware is a file-encrypting virus that is capable of locking all files on the infected computer or server. It is a version of Phobos ransomware which was first discovered on October 3rd, 2019. The virus uses AES/RSA ciphers to lock victim’s data, marks files with .[Victim’s ID].[painplain98@protonmail.com].calix extensions, and leaves ransom notes called info.txt and info.hta. These files contain instructions on how to pay a ransom and get the Calix decryptor.

Once installed, the malicious program encrypts all databases, documents, photos, programs, and other files so that the victim could no longer access them. This program aims to cause frustration for the victim because one can no longer open .calix file extension files. Consequently, the virus shows a message from the attackers.

The ransomware launches info.hta file on screen, which says “All your files have been encrypted!”. The following lines suggest contacting the cybercriminals via the provided email: painplain9@protonmail.com, specifying the ID in the email title. If no answer is received with 24 hours, criminals suggest using patern32@protonmail.com email to contact them.

The cybercriminals demand a ransom in Bitcoin cryptocurrency. To prove that Calix decryptor exists and is fully functional, they suggest sending them up to 5 files for free decryption.

However, it is extremely important to point out that if you actually decide to pay up, criminals can still refuse to send you decryption tools and forget about you. All they care about is money, and once they infect the computer, all they expect is money flow.

Threat Summary

Your files have been infected with this Phobos ransomware version and you can see the specified extensions on your files without being able to open them? Undoubtely, you need to remove Calix ransomware virus now. Please follow instructions given at the end of this post to delete the virus from the system successfully.

Explanation of ransomware attack vectors

Many victims can’t remember how did ransomware infect their computers. However, it is important to be aware of the attack methods used because this knowledge can save your computer from a similar infection in the future. The most common ransomware distribution methods are these:

• Infected files are distributed via malicious email spam. Once the victim opens a deceptive email attachment or URL, the virus reaches the computer. Sometimes further user interaction is required – for example, launching the file or enabling its editing, or Macros.
• Untrustworthy downloads. Many people land ransomware or Trojans on their computers by attempting to download paid products for free, using keygens, cracks and other illegal files downloaded from shady web sources.
• Compromised websites. Sometimes the attackers infect legitimate websites to serve malicious payloads to their visitors.
• Hacked Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections. Phobos ransomware family is known to be distributed via hacked RDP connections, which are sold on the dark web.

The most trustworthy ransomware prevention combo is an up-to-date antivirus with real-time protection, data backup stored on an external storage device, and user’s attentiveness. Following this statement, we strongly suggest reading more about ransomware prevention here. Be aware that STOP/DJVU malware is extremely active nowadays, so you simply must protect your PC against it and similar threats.

How to decrypt ransomware?

If you’re looking for ways on how to decrypt ransomware, we have bad news for you. Ransomware-type viruses use complex encryption scheme and are usually created by expert-level programmers (cyber criminals), and the damage these viruses do to your files can only be reversed with a special decryption key held by criminals. This key cannot be recovered from criminal’s servers. In fact, the only way that ransomware can be decrypted if:

• There are some flaws in the ransomware source code;
• There are flaws in the encryption algorithms and researchers can use it to create a decryption tool;
• If authorities manage to identify the attackers and seize their hardware (servers, computers, etc.)

Remove Calix ransomware virus and recover files

Calix ransomware removal is your top priority if you want to protect yourself from further malware damage. Therefore, we suggest reading the tutorial given below and clear malicious remains from your system. Speaking of decryption of the affected files, we are afraid that currently there are no ways to do it. 

You can only recover your encrypted files if you have a data backup. However, if you do not want it to get encrypted, you must clean up the ransomware infection from your computer first. It is extremely important! Connect it to your computer ONLY after a successful Calix ransomware virus removal.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7.. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

Read full review here.

STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.