How to remove Charon (.Charon) ransomware

What kind of malware is Charon?

Charon is a ransomware-type program. This piece of malicious software is designed to encrypt data and demand ransoms for the decryption.

After we executed a sample of Charon on our test machine, it encrypted files and added a ".Charon" extension to their filenames. For example, a file originally named "1.jpg" appeared as "1.jpg.Charon", "2.png" as "2.png.Charon", etc. Once the encryption was completed, identical ransom notes titled – "How To Restore Your Files.txt" – were dropped into all drives, networks, and folders.

Charon malware is used in highly targeted attacks, and the message within its ransom notes differs between infections. This ransomware has been used to target the public sector and the aviation sphere in the Middle East. There is some evidence linking Charon to Earth Baxia operations, but as of the time of writing, there is nothing definitive known about the connection.

Screenshot of files encrypted by Charon ransomware:

Ransom note overview

As mentioned in the introduction, Charon attacks are targeted, and the message in its ransom note varies. The victim is identified by their company name in these messages. The version we tested stated that the corporate network had been breached, and important files were encrypted.

The affected data includes critical business data, such as proprietary programs and code, databases, backups, communications, employee and client information, legal documents, and finance-related data.

Additionally, the note informs the victim that confidential information was stolen, and the attackers claim to be able to maintain persistent access to their network.

The victim is instructed to pay a ransom of 500,000 USD in Bitcoin cryptocurrency (sums may vary between attacks). If they refuse to pay, the locked files will remain inaccessible, and the exfiltrated data may be leaked. The victim is given 72 hours to pay, and before complying with the ransom demands – they can test decryption on several files for free.

The message warns against attempting to manually decrypt the compromised files since that will render them undecryptable. And if the victim contacts the authorities – the attackers will leak the stolen information.

Charon ransomware overview

Charon ransomware employs the DLL side-loading technique – wherein the Windows DLL search order mechanism is utilized to leverage a legitimate application that executes the malicious payload. In the known attacks, this malware used a browser-related file – "Edge.exe" (originally titled cookie_exporter.exe) – to side-load "msedge.dll" (SWORDLDR). This Dynamic Link Library (DLL) introduces Charon into the system.

Before proceeding with the encryption, the ransomware uses its anti-detection and anti-recovery mechanisms. Charon terminates active services, including processes associated with security software. Ending processes related to open files (e.g., database programs, file readers, etc.) prevents encryption exceptions due to files being considered "in use".

The ransomware also empties the Recycle Bin contents to prevent the victim from restoring deleted files. Charon deletes Volume Shadow Copies to eliminate this recovery option.

The malicious program encrypts both local and network-shared data. The malware itself might also be capable of self-spreading to local networks. Charon avoids double encryption on the files it has already locked. The ransomware does not encrypt its ransom notes and the EXE and DLL format files.

Based on our extensive experience researching ransomware infections, we can conclude that decryption is rarely possible without the attackers' interference. The only exceptions are cases involving deeply flawed ransomware-type programs.

However, paying the ransom does not guarantee data recovery. Cyber criminals often do not send the decryption key/software despite receiving the money. Therefore, we strongly advise against complying with their demands. Keep in mind that paying the attackers supports their illegal activities.

While removing Charon ransomware from the operating system will prevent it from encrypting more files, removal will not restore those that have already been encrypted. The sole solution is to recover them from a backup (if one was created prior and is stored elsewhere).

Remember that it is best practice to keep data backups in multiple separate locations (e.g., remote servers, unplugged storage devices, etc.).

Ransomware examples

We have analyzed thousands of ransomware-type programs; 707, Solara, KREMLIN, and CyberHazard are merely some of our newest articles. This malicious software operates practically the same throughout, i.e., by encrypting data and demanding payment for the decryption.

However, ransomware-type programs have two major differences: different cryptographic algorithms (symmetric or asymmetric) and the ransom size. The sums can vary significantly (from three to eight digits in USD) depending on the intended victims – home users or large entities (e.g., corporations, companies, institutions, organizations, etc.).

How did ransomware infect my computer?

Ransomware and other malware are primarily distributed using phishing and social engineering tactics. Malicious programs are usually disguised as or bundled with regular software/media files. They come in various formats, e.g., archives (ZIP, RAR, etc.), executables (.exe, .run, etc.), documents (PDF, Microsoft Office, Microsoft OneNote, etc.), JavaScript, and so forth.

The most prevalent malware distribution techniques include: drive-by downloads, trojans (backdoors/loaders), malicious attachments or links in spam emails/messages, online scams, malvertising, suspicious download channels (e.g., freeware and third-party sites, P2P sharing networks, etc.), pirated content, illegal software activation tools ("cracks"), and fake updates.

Furthermore, some malicious programs can self-proliferate through local networks and removable storage devices (e.g., external hard drives, USB flash drives, etc.).

How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?

We highly recommend vigilance when browsing since the Internet is rife with deceptive and malicious content. Incoming emails and other messages must be approached with caution. Attachments or links present in dubious/irrelevant mail must not be opened, as they can be virulent.

Another recommendation is to download only from official and verified sources. Additionally, all programs must be activated and updated using legitimate functions/tools, as those acquired from third-parties can contain malware.

It is essential to have a reputable antivirus installed and kept up-to-date. Security software must be used to perform regular system scans and to remove detected threats and issues. If your computer is already infected with Charon, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.

Appearance of Charon ransomware's ransom note "How To Restore Your Files.txt" (GIF):

Text presented in this message:

================================================================================
ATTENTION [redacted]
YOUR NETWORK HAS BEEN COMPROMISED
================================================================================

Dear [redacted] Management,

Your corporate network has been successfully infiltrated and encrypted by our
advanced ransomware system. All critical business data, including:

• Financial records and accounting databases
• Customer information and contact lists
• Employee personal data and HR records
• Proprietary software and source code
• Business contracts and legal documents
• Email archives and communication logs
• Backup systems and recovery files

...have been ENCRYPTED and are currently INACCESSIBLE.

================================================================================
WHAT HAPPENED?
================================================================================

Our team has gained complete access to your network infrastructure through
sophisticated penetration techniques. We have:

1. Encrypted all critical business files using military-grade encryption
2. Exfiltrated sensitive data as insurance against non-payment
3. Disabled your backup and recovery systems
4. Maintained persistent access to your network

Your current security measures were insufficient to prevent this breach.

================================================================================
RECOVERY OPTIONS
================================================================================

You have TWO options to recover your data:

OPTION 1: Pay the ransom fee of $500,000 USD in Bitcoin
- Fast and guaranteed recovery of all encrypted files
- Deletion of all exfiltrated data from our servers
- Complete removal of our access from your systems
- Detailed security report to prevent future breaches

OPTION 2: Attempt recovery without payment
- Risk permanent data loss
- Potential public release of sensitive information
- Continued vulnerability to future attacks
- Significant business disruption and downtime

================================================================================
PAYMENT DETAILS
================================================================================

Ransom Amount: $500,000 USD (Bitcoin equivalent)
Payment Deadline: 72 hours from this notice

Bitcoin Wallet Address: bc1qzhnwl8dx5c7rekplhn4vq7jjxee6depthy9f98

Current Bitcoin Price: Check hxxps://coinbase.com or https://blockchain.info
Payment Confirmation: Send transaction ID to OopsCharon@proton.me

================================================================================
IMPORTANT WARNINGS
================================================================================

DO NOT attempt to decrypt files yourself - this may cause permanent damage
DO NOT contact law enforcement - this will result in data publication
DO NOT ignore this message - deadline is strictly enforced
DO NOT try to restore from backups - they have been compromised

================================================================================
PROOF OF ACCESS
================================================================================

As proof of our capabilities, we have prepared samples of your encrypted data:

• [SAMPLE_FILE_1] - Encrypted on [DATE]
• [SAMPLE_FILE_2] - Encrypted on [DATE]
• [SAMPLE_FILE_3] - Encrypted on [DATE]

We can provide decryption of 2-3 small files as proof that recovery is possible.
Send your test files to OopsCharon@proton.me with subject "PROOF REQUEST".

================================================================================
CONTACT INFORMATION
================================================================================

For payment confirmation and decryption key delivery:
Email: OopsCharon@proton.me
Tox: 42E4DD67CCFDA605BC8F578BA1D47F05250B52EF388C28882A7A1052AFD33126DEB96372BE58
Subject Line: "[redacted] - Payment Confirmation"

Response Time: 12-24 hours
Languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Chinese

================================================================================
BUSINESS CONTINUITY
================================================================================

We understand the critical nature of your business operations. Upon payment:

1. You will receive the master decryption key within 6 hours
2. Step-by-step recovery instructions will be provided
3. Technical support will be available during recovery
4. All exfiltrated data will be securely deleted
5. Security recommendations will be provided

================================================================================
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
================================================================================

Q: Can we negotiate the price?
A: The price is final and non-negotiable(Except in special circumstances).

Q: How do we know you'll provide the decryption key?
A: Our reputation depends on successful transactions. We always deliver.

Q: What if we pay but don't receive the key?
A: This has never happened. We provide 24/7 support until full recovery.

Q: Can we recover without paying?
A: Technically impossible. Our encryption is unbreakable without the key.

Q: Will you attack us again?
A: No. Payment includes permanent removal from our target list.

================================================================================
FINAL WARNING
================================================================================

This is a business transaction, not a personal attack. We are professionals
who simply want to be compensated for demonstrating your security weaknesses.

Your cooperation will ensure:
✓ Quick resolution of this incident
✓ Complete data recovery
✓ Minimal business disruption
✓ Confidential handling of this matter

Failure to cooperate will result in:
✗ Permanent data loss
✗ Public exposure of sensitive information
✗ Significant financial and reputational damage
✗ Potential legal complications

================================================================================

Time is critical. Contact us immediately at OopsCharon@proton.me

Remember: We are your ONLY option for data recovery.

================================================================================
This message will self-destruct in 72 hours
================================================================================

Video showing how to remove Charon ransomware using Combo Cleaner:

Charon ransomware removal:

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Removal and file recovery procedure

If your files are encrypted with a new extension and a ransom note has appeared, you've been hit by ransomware. Don't pay. The procedure below works in order: contain the infection, identify the variant, remove the ransomware itself (so anything you restore doesn't get re-encrypted), and try to recover files using free decryption tools, Windows Volume Shadow Copies, or backups. Run a full system scan with Combo Cleaner to remove the infection - then move on to file recovery.

Common ransomware behaviors

VisibleEncrypts your files and renames them

The ransomware reads each file, encrypts the contents with the attacker's public key, and writes the encrypted bytes back to disk. Most variants also rename the file by appending a new extension - .net, .locked, .crypt, .lockbit, .djvu, etc. Without the matching private key, the encrypted files cannot be opened normally. Recovery depends on a free decryption tool, a recoverable Volume Shadow Copy, or a clean backup.

VisibleDrops a ransom note in every encrypted folder

A text or HTML file (usually named HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, _readme.txt, or similar) is placed in every folder that contains encrypted files. The note explains the situation, lists a payment amount in cryptocurrency, gives a deadline, and provides a contact email or .onion site. Save the note - don't delete it. Its exact wording, the email address, and the bitcoin wallet are how you identify the variant in the next phase.

VisibleReplaces the desktop wallpaper

Many ransomware variants change the Windows wallpaper to a black or red image with the ransom message and instructions. The wallpaper is just a visual scare tactic - it doesn't add any actual capability and reverts to normal once the ransomware is removed. Photograph it before removal in case the contact details are useful for variant identification or for reporting to authorities.

HiddenDeletes Volume Shadow Copies

One of the first things modern ransomware does after launching is run vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to wipe Windows' built-in Volume Shadow Copies - the snapshots that Previous Versions and System Restore rely on. Some ransomware doesn't fully succeed (especially on systems where the user lacks full admin rights), leaving partial shadow copies recoverable. Phase 4 step 11 covers how to check what survived.

HiddenDisables Windows Defender and other security tools

Before encrypting, the ransomware tries to silence anything that could alert you or block it - Windows Defender real-time protection, third-party antivirus services, backup agents (Veeam, Acronis), and sometimes the Windows Event Log service. It often modifies Group Policy or registry keys to keep these off after reboot. Phase 3 step 9 explicitly turns Tamper Protection back on so the next ransomware attempt can't repeat the trick.

HiddenSpreads laterally to other PCs on the network

Network-aware ransomware (LockBit, Conti, BlackCat, Akira families) doesn't stop at the first machine. It scans for SMB shares, mapped drives, and other PCs on the same network, then encrypts whatever it can reach. On Windows domains, a single compromised user with admin rights can lead to all-domain encryption. This is why Phase 1 step 2 disconnects the network as the very first action - it stops the spread immediately.

HiddenSteals data before encrypting (double extortion)

Modern ransomware (LockBit, BlackCat / ALPHV, Akira, Cl0p, Royal) almost always exfiltrates data before encrypting. The attacker then runs a "double extortion" play: pay the ransom for decryption, plus pay again to prevent the stolen data from being leaked on the group's leak site. Paying the first ransom does not get the leaked data back - assume that anything the ransomware could read was uploaded. This is one more reason not to pay: the data is already out.

Tools you'll need

Combo Cleaner Antivirus 7-days free trial

Recommended primary scanner. VB100 certified. Removes the ransomware infection so file recovery doesn't get re-encrypted.

Microsoft Defender Offline Free · built-in

Built into Windows. Scans before Windows fully loads to catch persistence the running scanners miss.

Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT) Free

Microsoft's free on-demand scanner. Always-current signatures - the binary expires every 10 days.

ID Ransomware Free · web

Upload a ransom note and a sample encrypted file - identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.

No More Ransom Project Free · web

Joint project of Europol, Dutch Police, and security vendors. Free decryption tools indexed by ransomware family.

Shadow Explorer Free

Browse Windows Volume Shadow Copies as a normal file tree - useful when ransomware partially failed to delete them.

Recuva Free

Deleted-file recovery. Long-shot for ransomware - only helps if the variant deleted unencrypted originals before encrypting copies.

Phase 1~ 5 min

Don't pay & contain

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1

Don't pay the ransom

1 min · read⚠ Do not skip

Paying the ransom does not guarantee you'll get your files back. Major ransomware response studies consistently show that a meaningful percentage of paying victims either receive a non-working decryptor, only partial decryption, or no decryptor at all. Beyond that:

• Paying confirms you as a willing target - re-attack rates within 12 months are high
• Several ransomware groups have been sanctioned (US OFAC, UK OFSI). Paying these groups may be illegal under sanctions law in your country
• The ransom funds the next attack - on you or someone else
• Modern ransomware almost always exfiltrates data first, so paying doesn't get the leaked data back. Assume anything the malware could read was uploaded
• Decryptors, even when they work, often leave files corrupted because the encryption itself was buggy or rushed

The path below tries every legal, free recovery option first. Pay only as an absolute last resort, after consulting a lawyer and your country's cyber crime authority.

2

Disconnect from the network and log out of cloud storage

2 minNo tool needed

Pull the Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi on the affected PC. If multiple computers share the network, do the same on every machine you suspect could be affected, including any servers and NAS units.

Then sign out of cloud storage clients (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud) from their app settings. If you can, pause the sync. Some ransomware uses the running sync client to push encrypted versions over your clean cloud copies.

Why this matters

Modern ransomware spreads laterally across SMB shares, mapped drives, RDP, and reachable network neighbors. Disconnecting stops the spread the moment you do it. Logging out of cloud sync clients prevents the ransomware from encrypting the cloud copies of your files via the sync API.

3

Unplug external drives and USB storage

1 minNo tool needed

Safely eject any external drives, USB sticks, SD cards, and network-attached storage shares - then unplug them. If a drive was connected when the ransomware ran, the files on it may already be encrypted, but unplugging stops further damage.

Critically: don't reconnect any drive (including your most recent backup) to this PC until the ransomware is removed in Phase 3. Reconnecting an external backup to an actively-infected PC is the most common way that backup gets encrypted too.

Phase 2~ 5 min

Identify the variant

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4

Save the ransom note and a sample encrypted file

2 min

Copy the ransom note and one small encrypted file (under 1 MB) to a USB stick, or photograph the note with your phone. You'll need both for the variant identification step.

The ransom note is usually one of:

• A .txt file in every encrypted folder (typically HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, or _readme.txt)
• An .html file with the same purpose
• A changed desktop wallpaper - photograph it
• A lock-screen interrupt that runs at startup - rarer

Important

Don't delete the note. Variant identification depends on its exact wording, the contact email, and the bitcoin wallet address. The note is also evidence if you report to authorities.

5

Identify the variant with ID Ransomware

Tool: ID Ransomware3 min

From a clean device (your phone is fine, or another PC that wasn't on the affected network), visit id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com. Upload the ransom note and the sample encrypted file. The site identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.

Pro tip

ID Ransomware is run by the Malware Hunter Team. Files you upload are kept private - they're used for analysis, not published. If you're concerned about uploading data anyway, you can paste the contact email and bitcoin wallet from the note - those are often enough for identification.

Phase 3~ 30-45 min

Remove the ransomware

---

The ransomware itself must be removed before any file recovery. If it's still active, anything you restore in Phase 4 gets re-encrypted within minutes.

6

Boot to Safe Mode with Networking and download the scanners

5 min

Safe Mode loads only the minimal Windows drivers, which prevents most ransomware from auto-running while you set up the scanners.

Windows 11: open Settings → System → Recovery, click Restart now next to Advanced startup. After the restart, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press 5 or F5.

Windows 10: click the Windows logo, hold Shift, click the Power icon and choose Restart. From the Choose-an-option screen, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press F5.

Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in step 8) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in step 9). Save both installers to your Desktop, then disconnect Wi-Fi again before scanning.

7

Run Microsoft Defender Offline

Tool: Built into Windows15 min

Reboot to normal Windows. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads.

Why this comes first

Some ransomware variants drop bootkit components or kernel hooks that hide from any scanner running on the same Windows session that's already infected. A pre-boot offline scan sees the disk before the malware can load itself.

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.

Download Combo Cleaner

8

Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

Tool: Combo Cleaner20-40 min

Run the installer you downloaded in step 6 and start a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete, review what it detected, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner quarantines the ransomware executable and the registry / scheduled-task entries that re-launch it on reboot.

9

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner and re-enable Defender

Tool: MSERT15 min

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe) as a second-opinion full scan. The binary expires every 10 days so the copy you downloaded has the latest signatures.

Once it finishes, open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Many ransomware variants disable Defender during the attack - this is where you switch it back on so the next attempt can't repeat the trick.

Why a second scan

Different scanning engines catch different threats. Running an additional Microsoft scan after Combo Cleaner is the most underused verification step in malware removal - and free.

Phase 4~ 30-60 min · results vary

Try to recover files

---

Try the steps in order. The first decryptor that works ends the recovery process - no need to do all four.

10

Check the No More Ransom Project for a free decryptor

Tool: nomoreransom.org★ Cleanest path if listed5 min

Visit nomoreransom.org and search the Decryption Tools list for the variant name returned by ID Ransomware. The project is run by Europol, the Dutch Police, and security vendors - everything listed is legitimate and free.

If a decryptor exists, download it onto a clean PC, copy it across, and follow its instructions exactly. Decryptors usually want you to point them at a sample encrypted file plus its known unencrypted version (sometimes any image you previously had a backup of works).

Free decryptors exist for parts of the STOP/Djvu, GandCrab, REvil, Avaddon, Conti and Hive families, among others. Most modern variants don't have public decryptors - if yours isn't listed, that's expected; move to the next step.

11

Try Windows Volume Shadow Copies

Tool: Shadow Explorer / vssadmin15 min

Windows automatically creates Volume Shadow Copies of files when System Restore points are made or scheduled backups run. Most ransomware tries to wipe these (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet), but the deletion sometimes fails partially - especially if the running user doesn't have full admin rights. When it does fail, snapshots survive that contain pre-encryption versions of your files.

First, check what's there. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

vssadmin list shadows

If you see entries listed, shadow copies survived. To restore from them:

• Built-in: right-click any folder → Properties → Previous Versions tab. Pick a snapshot dated before the infection and restore.
• Better tool for browsing: install Shadow Explorer (free). It shows all snapshots as a normal file tree and lets you copy out only the files you want.

Why check this even when there's a decryptor

Shadow Copies recover the original files exactly, with no risk of decryption errors. If they survived, this is faster and cleaner than running a decryptor on the encrypted set.

12

Restore from cloud or external backup

Tool: your backup software30 min

If you have a backup that pre-dates the infection, this is the cleanest recovery available. Important precautions:

• Don't reconnect a backup drive until Phase 3 is complete. If the ransomware is still active, plugging in the backup encrypts it too.
• For cloud backups (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud), use the Version History feature to roll individual files back to pre-encryption versions.
• OneDrive specifically has a "Restore your OneDrive" feature: if it detected mass file changes, you can roll back the entire account up to 30 days. Sign in at OneDrive on the web, click the Settings gear, and choose Restore your OneDrive. Microsoft 365 subscribers also get ransomware detection alerts; non-subscribers get one free recovery.
• Verify the restored files open correctly before you delete the encrypted set. Test a few documents, photos, and any database / project files.

13

Try Recuva as a last-resort recovery

Tool: Recuva30 min

Recuva is a long shot, not a primary recovery tool. Most modern ransomware encrypts files in place - it reads the original, encrypts the data, and writes the encrypted bytes back to the same disk location. In that case, the original isn't deleted, just rewritten - and Recuva has nothing to find.

But for older or simpler variants that deleted originals before creating encrypted copies (rather than encrypting in place), Recuva can sometimes pull the originals from unallocated disk space. Worth trying as a last resort, especially before you use the disk much further.

If you try it:

• Stop using the disk as much as possible - every disk write reduces recovery odds
• Run Recuva from a USB stick, not from the affected disk
• Use Deep Scan mode (slower but the only mode worth running for this scenario)

Don't skip the steps above expecting Recuva to bail you out. It works in maybe 5-20% of cases, depending on the variant and how soon you try.

Phase 5~ 20 min + ongoing

Report & prevent re-infection

---

14

Report the attack to authorities

10-20 min

Even if your files aren't recovered, your report helps authorities track variants, attribute groups, and warn future victims. In some jurisdictions (especially the US and UK) early reporting can sometimes help recall a wired ransom payment via banking partners.

United States: ic3.gov (FBI) + stopransomware.gov (CISA)

United Kingdom: reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud) + NCSC

Canada: antifraudcentre.ca

Australia: ReportCyber

Spain: Policía Nacional (Oficina Virtual de Denuncias)

France: cybermalveillance.gouv.fr

Germany: BKA

Italy: Polizia Postale

Netherlands: Politie

Poland: CERT Polska

Portugal: CNCS

EU (other): your national CERT

Save the report number - banks, insurers, and credit bureaus will ask for it. If you operate a business, you may also have legal disclosure obligations (GDPR in the EU, state breach laws in the US) that run on a 72-hour clock.

15

Plan 3-2-1 backups going forward

30 min initial

The single best defense against ransomware is a tested backup. Use the 3-2-1 rule:

• 3 copies of your data
• 2 different storage media (e.g., internal drive + external drive)
• 1 offline / air-gapped copy (an external drive that isn't always connected)

Recommended cadence:

• Daily: cloud sync (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive) - convenient, but vulnerable if the ransomware reaches the sync folder. The Version History feature is what saves you
• Weekly: external drive that you connect briefly, then disconnect - the air-gap is what protects against ransomware
• Monthly: a second external drive stored off-site (different physical location) - protects against fire, theft, flood

Important

Test the backup at least once. Open a few files from it, check sizes match, restore one to a different folder. An untested backup isn't a backup - it's a hope.

16

Patch the entry point and monitor for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

Most reinfections happen via the same vector that worked the first time. Until you've patched the entry point, watch for:

• Unusual disk activity, unexpected file modifications, or unfamiliar processes in Task Manager
• Unexpected reboots or new accounts you didn't create
• Defender or your antivirus turning itself off again

Common entry vectors and what to do about each:

• Phishing email with a malicious attachment - review email filters and train yourself / staff to recognise the patterns - see pcrisk's Phishing/Scam reference
• Exposed RDP with weak passwords - disable Remote Desktop from Settings → System → Remote Desktop if you don't need it. If you do, put it behind a VPN and require a long password plus MFA
• Unpatched VPN appliances or public-facing apps - check the vendor's advisories page and apply the latest firmware
• Cracked / pirated software - was the most common vector for STOP/Djvu in particular. Don't run software from torrent sites

Run a Combo Cleaner scan weekly for the first month. Update Windows, browsers, and applications aggressively.

Important: Removing a ransomware infection requires a full system scan, not a manual file delete. If you're not confident with the manual procedure, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there - that combination removes the vast majority of consumer ransomware variants. Then move to Phase 4 for file recovery, or to Phase 5 if your files are unrecoverable and you need to start fresh from a clean Windows install.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How was my computer hacked and how did hackers encrypt my files?

Victims themselves often open ransomware executables, as they are usually disguised as regular files. This ransomware is mainly spread via trojans, drive-by downloads, untrustworthy download sources (e.g., freeware and third-party websites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), malvertising, spam emails/messages, online scams, fake updates, and illegal software activation ("cracking") tools.

How to open ".Charon" files?

Encrypted files cannot be opened/used unless they are decrypted.

Where should I look for free decryption tools for Charon ransomware?

In case of a ransomware infection, we recommend looking up the No More Ransom project website (more information above).

I can pay you a lot of money, can you decrypt files for me?

We do not offer decryption services. In fact, aside from cases involving seriously flawed ransomware, recovering encrypted data is usually impossible without the attackers' interference. Therefore, third-parties offering paid decryption are often scams or aim to act as middlemen between victims and criminals.

Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Charon ransomware?

Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate active ransomware infections. Keep in mind that while using antivirus software is the first step in ransomware recovery, security programs cannot decrypt their files.