Remove .Calum file ransomware

Is this a dangerous infection

.Calum file ransomware will effect your device in a very negative way because it will lead to file encryption. Due to how ransomware acts, it’s very dangerous to have ransomware on the system. When a contaminated file is opened, the ransomware immediately starts the encryption process of certain files. It is likely that all of your photos, videos and documents were encrypted because those files are very vital. A decryption key will be required to decrypt files but unfortunately, the hackers who locked your files have it. In some cases, malicious software analysts are able to crack the ransomware and release a free decryption application. If backup isn’t a possibility to you, waiting for the said free decryption tool is probably your only option.

Among the files that have been affected or on your desktop, you’ll find a ransom note. The note you’ll see should explain why you cannot open files and how much you should pay to get a decryptor. You won’t be shocked when told this but engaging with crooks isn’t recommended. A much more likely scenario is hackers taking your money but not providing a decryptor in exchange. That money will also go towards making future malicious software. Seeing as you’re considering paying hackers, perhaps purchasing backup would be a better decision. If backup is an option for you, you can just uninstall .Calum file ransomware and proceed to file recovery.

Download Removal Toolto remove .Calum file ransomware

If you recall recently opening a spam email attachment or downloading a program update from an unreliable source that is how it gained access into your device. Both methods are popular among ransomware makers/distributors.

Ransomware distribution ways

The most likely way you got the contamination was via spam email or false program updates. If you opened a weird email attachment, you need to be more careful. When you run into unknown senders, you have to cautiously check the email before opening the file attached. It is also not unusual for criminals to pretend to be from notable companies, as a well-known company names would make people lower their guard. They could claim to be Amazon, and that they’re emailing you a receipt for a purchase you didn’t make. Nevertheless, these kinds of emails are easy to check. Simply find the real email addresses used by the company and see if your sender’s is among them. Furthermore, use a malware scanner to check the file before you open it.

False program updates may have also been how you got the ransomware. Those types of malicious software update offers typically pop up on questionable sites. They also appear as ads and wouldn’t necessarily cause doubt. For those that know how updates are generally suggested, however, this will immediately look suspicious. You ought to never download anything from advertisements, because you’re needlessly risking your device. When a application needs an update, you would be notified via the program itself, or updates may be automatic.

What does this malware do

While you have probably already realized this, but your files are not openable. The encryption process was launched soon after the infected file was opened and you might not have even noticed, seeing as the process is pretty quick. Files that have been affected will have a file extension added to them, which will help you differentiate between encrypted files. As a powerful encryption algorithm was used for file encryption, don’t even attempt to open files. You will then see a ransom note, where cyber criminals will explain what happened to your files, and how you could get them back. Ransomware notes ordinarily follow the same pattern, they inform the victim about file encryption and threaten them with file deletion if a payment is not made. Even if the criminals have the decryption tool, you won’t see many people suggesting paying the ransom. Take into account that you would be relying on the people who locked your files in the first place to help you. The same criminals might target you particularly next time because they might believe if you’ve paid once, you may pay again.

Your first course of action ought to be to try and recall if any of your files have been stored somewhere. Because malware researchers sometimes make free decryptors, if one isn’t available now, back up your locked files for when/if it is. Whatever the case might be, you’ll still need to erase .Calum file ransomware.

While we hope you will get your files back, we also would like this to be a lesson to you about how critical routine backups are. If you don’t, you could end up in the same exact situation again, with file loss becoming a pretty real possibility. In order to keep your files safe, you will have to purchase backup, and there are several options available, some more costly than others.

.Calum file ransomware removal

If you’re not certain about what you’re doing, do not try manual elimination. Allow anti-malware program to take care of the ransomware because otherwise, you may end up doing additional damage. Usually, users need to boot their computers in Safe Mode so as to launch malicious software removal program successfully. The malware removal program ought to work properly in Safe Mode, so there should be no problems when you uninstall .Calum file ransomware. Anti-malware program won’t help you with file decryption, however.

Download Removal Toolto remove .Calum file ransomware

Learn how to remove .Calum file ransomware from your computer

• Step 1. Remove .Calum file ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.
• Step 2. Remove .Calum file ransomware using System Restore
• Step 3. Recover your data

Step 1. Remove .Calum file ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.
• b) Step 2. Remove .Calum file ransomware.

a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.

For Windows 7/Vista/XP

1. Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options appears.
3. Choose Safe Mode with Networking

For Windows 8/10 users

1. Press the power button that appears at the Windows login screen. Press and hold Shift. Click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

b) Step 2. Remove .Calum file ransomware.

You will now need to open your browser and download some kind of anti-malware software. Choose a trustworthy one, install it and have it scan your computer for malicious threats. When the ransomware is found, remove it. If, for some reason, you can't access Safe Mode with Networking, go with another option.

Step 2. Remove .Calum file ransomware using System Restore

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
• b) Step 2. Restore files and settings.

a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

For Windows 7/Vista/XP

1. Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options appears.
3. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

For Windows 8/10 users

1. Press the power button that appears at the Windows login screen. Press and hold Shift. Click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

b) Step 2. Restore files and settings.

1. You will need to type in cd restore in the window that appears. Press Enter.
2. Type in rstrui.exe and again, press Enter.
3. A window will pop-up and you should press Next. Choose a restore point and press Next again.
4. Press Yes.

While this should have taken care of the ransomware, you might want to download anti-malware just to be sure no other threats are lurking.  

Step 3. Recover your data

• a) Using Data Recovery Pro to recover encrypted files.
• b) Restore files through Windows Previous Versions
• c) Using Shadow Explorer to recover files

While backup is essential, there is still quite a few users who do not have it. If you are one of them, you can try the below provided methods and you just might be able to recover files.

a) Using Data Recovery Pro to recover encrypted files.

1. Download Data Recovery Pro, preferably from a trustworthy website.
2. Scan your device for recoverable files.
3. Recover them.

b) Restore files through Windows Previous Versions

If you had System Restore enabled, you can recover files through Windows Previous Versions.

1. Find a file you want to recover.
2. Right-click on it.
3. Select Properties and then Previous versions.
4. Pick the version of the file you want to recover and press Restore.

c) Using Shadow Explorer to recover files

If you are lucky, the ransomware did not delete your shadow copies. They are made by your system automatically for when system crashes.

1. Go to the official website (shadowexplorer.com) and acquire the Shadow Explorer application.
2. Set up and open it.
3. Press on the drop down menu and pick the disk you want.
4. If folders are recoverable, they will appear there. Press on the folder and then Export.

* SpyHunter scanner, published on this site, is intended to be used only as a detection tool. More info on SpyHunter. To use the removal functionality, you will need to purchase the full version of SpyHunter. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, click here.