Combo Ransomware - A New Variant Of Dharma Family
Many times we see our computers getting slow. When we try to start or boot in the computer, some freezes and some may not respond. If this happens a lot to your machine then your computer is in infection from some foreign program or software that should not have existed in it.
Due to this unwanted program, you could have suffered data loss, file loss, slow internet speed and importantly data theft. And one category of such program is Ransomware that infiltrates the computer using AES algorithm, cheat users and makes an illegal profit.
A classified malicious variant of Dharma ransomware named .Combo Ransomware containing all features of malware, viruses, scareware and keyloggers is attacking Windows-based computers.
Ransomware has now become a very basic tool to carry encryption technique into your computers so that manipulation of computer system becomes easy while infecting servers and internet networks.
You might ask if this threat is infectious then how to remove Combo ransomware? The answer lies in the below ransomware removal guide.
Detailed Analysis Of Combo Ransomware
It is a new Dharma .Combo ransomware variant that injects .Combo files virus into the system. First configures the system then encrypt(lock) the files which you executed last time. It then adds .Combo ransomware extension to locked files itself and set an execution pattern.
The Dharma Combo Ransomware family manually install the ransomware by hacking into the remote computers connected to the internet. On getting access to the computer, the attackers start encryption and changes the file names.
For example, after encryption, test.jpg is renamed to test.jpg.id.EFBCB.Combo
Every time you try to open a locked file, a ransom note opens and says;

However, according to security experts, a victim should not contact the developers as it could lead to money extortion. The threat developers demand money and make fake commitments to decrypt .Combo files.
Being said, if not to make payment then what is the option to restore .brr files? The only answer is to prevent the entry of Dharma .Combo ransomware into your computer.
But, to do this, you must understand how a ransomware works? What are the possible ways to deal it before it causes more damage to your computer?
The ransomware infection begins with a data harvesting module by infecting IP address, phone number, location, stored account credentials etc.
The collected data is then processed under stealth protection against services like anti-virus products, sandbox environments or virtual machine hosts)that might stop the proper execution.
Once data is successfully obtained, manipulation of the Windows Registry files takes place.
The hackers program the ransomware to delete the backup data, System Restore information and Shadow Volume Copies of identified user data. An infected machine suffers more and the ransomware starts ransom module.
It establishes a connection with the attacker-controlled server (C2) and spy on the victims in real time. It further advances its attack and targets the data such as archives, backups, audio - video files, documents, images, databases etc.
However, it is possible to stop this infection. Even more, one can prevent Combo Ransomware from infecting windows computing machine. To fight against such malicious threat, one must use a strong antimalware tool that makes .Combo files recovery possible.
We recommend a strong robust tool, Malware Crusher.

Impacts Of Combo Ransomware
It quickly spreads through spam emails, websites, peer to peer file sharing, freeware (fake software updates), cracked or pirated software and social hijacking. It degrades the computer performance and compels you to pay money for your own files within some time limit.
Once victimized, the ransomware attacks your system, web browsers settings and corrupts hard drive of the computer. Applications do not respond properly and sometimes applications lack few important program files.
Cybercriminals via these threats steal information like IP address, URL’s Search, browser history, search queries, username, ID, passwords, banking information and ATM Card information.
Therefore, we suggest victims to follow the below-mentioned Combo ransomware removal tool guide for
deleting Combo Ransomware easily and completely.
If you can’t access your computer due to Combo attacks then removing ransomware becomes impossible. However, system reboot in Safe Mode is a short trick that gives you entry into the computer.
Gain Entry In Computer By Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Steps to be followed to enter the safe mode Win XP/Vista/7
- Click start, then shut down, then restart.
- While the computer is booting up at the very first screen start tapping F8 until you see the advanced boot options.
- In the advanced boot option’s, you need to select safe mode with Command prompt from the list of given options.
Steps to be followed to enter safe mode in Win 8/10
- On the windows login screen, you need to press the power option.
- Now, press and hold the shift key on the keyboard, and then click Restart.
- Now, among the list of options you need to select Troubleshoot, and then advanced options, then startup settings and finally press restart.
- Once your computer restarts and gives you the list of startup options you need to select Enable Safe Mode with Command prompt.
Restore System
- Once you see the command prompt windows, type in cd restore and hit enter on the keyboard.
- Now, type rstrui.exe and hit Enter again.
- Then you would see new windows, click on next over there and select a restore point that is before the date of infection.
- Then, click next and followed by yes.
At present, your computer is in a state that has its file and data backed up at a safe restore point. We also suggest you to make a copy of your backed up data into some external hard drive.
It is now time, to reinstall your Windows via an external source such as pen drive, CD or DVD.
While installing Windows, allocates disk space to C,D and E drive. After completing the installation, update your all drivers and download malware removal tool: Malware Crusher.
After scanning your computer with this tool, we would recommend putting the backed up data from external drive to your computer.

Prevent Entry Of Combo Ransomware
Malware Crusher is the most commonly used anti-malware software for the Windows computer. It’s malware removal capabilities makes it the most impactful tool and prevents you before the ransomware starts infecting your system because:
- It’s real-time protection feature, performs a deep scan, detects malicious software and infected encrypted files within your system.
- The Quarantine feature of the tool removes all infected files from your computer. Additionally, keeps a record of all deleted malicious program.
- Malware Crusher also creates a shield against Ransomware, Adware, Malware, Browser Hijackers, Viruses, Extensions and Trojans from entering into your system.
- The 24X7 online protective shield works as an anti-exploit technology and blocks the ransomware component before they hold files as a hostage.
- Malware Crusher tirelessly visits all domains, URLs and web pages to secure your online presence from fraudulent entities.
- Malware Crusher becomes fiercer in detecting keylogging, remote connections and saving your session data from being recorded.
To get a better security awareness on preventing cyber attacks and cyber security threats keep visiting us, forget not to download Malware Crusher.
Its 5-minute function could be a savior for your Windows computer!
Tips to Prevent virus and malware from Infecting Your System:
- Enable your popup blocker: Pop-ups and ads on the websites are the most adoptable tactic used by cybercriminals or developers with the core intention to spread malicious programs.
So, avoid clicking uncertain sites, software offers, pop-ups etc. and Install a powerful ad- blocker for Chrome, Mozilla, and IE
- Keep your Windows Updated: To avoid such infections, we recommend that you should always keep your system updated through automatic windows update.By doing this you can keep your device free from virus.According to the survey, outdated/older versions of Windows operating system are an easy target.
- Third-party installation: Try to avoid freeware download websites as they usually install bundled of software with any installer or stub file.
- Regular Backup: Regular and periodical backup helps you to keep your data safe in case the system is infected by any kind of virus or any other infection.Thus always backup important files regularly on a cloud drive or an external hard drive.
- Always have an Anti-Virus: Precaution is better than cure. We recommend that you install an antivirus like ITL Total Security or a good Malware Removal Tool like Download Virus RemovalTool