Charon Ransomware

Charon ransomware is a data-encrypting threat that locks your files and demands a ransom in exchange for a decryption key. Once it infiltrates a system, Charon appends a specific extension to encrypted files and drops a ransom note demanding payment in Bitcoin. Victims often find themselves locked out of essential documents, images, and system files, with little recourse unless they’ve prepared backups.

Below is a full breakdown of the Charon ransomware threat:

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Charon Ransomware Overview

Threat Type	Ransomware (File Encryption)
Encrypted File Extension	.charon
Ransom Note Filename	read_it.txt
Email Contact	charon.decrypt@onionmail.org
Detection Names	Trojan.Ransom.Charon, Win32/Filecoder.Charon, Ransom:Win32/Charon.A
Symptoms	Files encrypted with .charon, ransom note appears, files become inaccessible
Damage + Distribution Methods	Encrypts local and network files, spreads via malicious email attachments, cracked software, or exploit kits
Danger Level	🔴 High – severe data loss and extortion risk

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How Did I Get Infected With Charon Ransomware?

Charon typically enters through phishing emails, fake software cracks, or malicious downloads. Victims may unknowingly open a file disguised as an invoice, resume, or PDF, which launches a hidden executable. In other cases, it’s bundled with pirated software or spread through RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) brute-force attacks. Once inside, it executes quietly in the background while encrypting files.

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What Charon Ransomware Does to Your Files

Once activated, Charon scans your drives for specific file types—documents, media, spreadsheets, databases—and encrypts them using strong AES or RSA algorithms. It then renames the files with a .charon extension, rendering them unusable. A ransom note named read_it.txt is dropped into every affected folder, instructing users to contact the attacker via email and pay in cryptocurrency for a decryption tool.

There’s no known public decryptor for Charon at this time, making data recovery difficult without backups.

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Should You Be Worried About Charon Ransomware?

Yes—Charon is a high-risk ransomware. Not only does it encrypt important files, but it may also delete Shadow Volume Copies to prevent easy recovery. Paying the ransom does not guarantee that you’ll receive a working decryption key. Many victims report being ghosted after payment.

Charon can also be part of a larger infection chain, potentially paired with spyware, data stealers, or trojans. Leaving it on your system risks further compromise.

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Ransom Note Dropped by Charon Ransomware

Here’s the full text from the ransom note read_it.txt:

All your files have been encrypted with a strong encryption algorithm.
To restore your files, send an email to: charon.decrypt@onionmail.org
Include your ID (see below) in the email subject.
After payment, you will receive a decryption tool.
Do not try to modify encrypted files or use third-party recovery tools – this may cause permanent damage.

This message is designed to create urgency and discourage victims from seeking help elsewhere.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

If you’ve been hit by Charon ransomware, disconnect the affected device from the network immediately to prevent further spread. Do not pay the ransom—there’s no guarantee the attacker will respond. Instead, use reputable anti-malware tools like SpyHunter to remove the ransomware, then attempt data recovery from backups or shadow copies (if available).

Proactive cybersecurity, including regular backups and safe browsing habits, is the best defense against threats like Charon.