ComboCleaner Ransomware

ComboCleaner ransomware is a deceptive malware threat that encrypts files and demands payment from victims for decryption. What sets this ransomware apart is its deliberate attempt to impersonate reputable cybersecurity entities—specifically Combo Cleaner and PCRisk.com—to tarnish their reputation and mislead users. This tactic reflects a broader strategy used by cybercriminals to exploit trust in legitimate software brands for malicious gain.

What is ComboCleaner Ransomware?

ComboCleaner ransomware is designed to lock users’ files by encrypting them with a strong cryptographic algorithm. Once files are encrypted, the malware changes filenames by prepending them with “PCRISKyCOMBOCLEANER.”, making the victim believe that legitimate cybersecurity products are responsible for the damage. For instance, a file named photo.jpg would be renamed to PCRISKyCOMBOCLEANER.photo.jpg.

Additionally, the ransomware drops twenty ransom note files in each affected directory, named incrementally from:

python-replCopyEditPCRISKyCOMBOCLEANER.Read.Me.1.tXt
...
PCRISKyCOMBOCLEANER.Read.Me.20.tXt

Text of the Ransom Note

Here’s the exact message that victims will find in each of the ransom note text files:

sqlCopyEdit!!! PCRISK y COMBOCLEANER !!!

Hi brother, your user of system. - .
Do you find Windows 11 Pro PC of yours very precious?
We have taken every one of the info from you now!
Photo, Document, any Nice thing that belong to your.

We have got Decryption key for only 7 day so hello.
Since I am not patience, you will contact fast or not.
If paid before 7 days price is 5000₹ otherwise 10000₹!

Contact that, leave your id - in the contact to me!

pcrisk@onionmail.com
combocleaner@onionmail.com

If they do not contact back in 5 days contact to me:

key299@nigge.rs  
keblo55@dnmx.su

Summary: ComboCleaner Ransomware

Category	Details
Threat Name	ComboCleaner Ransomware
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	Prepended with PCRISKyCOMBOCLEANER.
Ransom Note File Name	PCRISKyCOMBOCLEANER.Read.Me.[1-20].tXt
Ransom Demand	₹5000 within 7 days, ₹10000 afterward
Associated Emails	pcrisk@onionmail.com, combocleaner@onionmail.com, key299@nigge.rs, keblo55@dnmx.su
Detection Names	Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.76202013), Avast (Win32:MalwareX-gen), ESET (MSIL/Filecoder.BHK), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.MSIL.Encoder.gen), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml)
Symptoms	Inaccessible files, ransom notes in folders, changed desktop wallpaper
Damage	Permanent file loss, potential for additional malware like password stealers
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments, torrents, cracked software, drive-by downloads
Danger Level	High – deceptive branding, file encryption, data extortion

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.

Conclusion

ComboCleaner ransomware is a calculated attack not only on users’ data but also on the integrity of respected cybersecurity tools. It uses aggressive tactics—like false branding, multiple ransom notes, and pressure through time-sensitive demands—to manipulate victims. Although the ransom amount is relatively low compared to other ransomware strains, payment does not guarantee recovery and may lead to further risk.

This malware emphasizes the importance of vigilance in software downloads, email interactions, and browsing activity. While removing the infection is crucial, the irreversible damage to files highlights the need for reliable backup strategies and proactive cybersecurity.