.CAROTE File Extension
Carote Ransomware Encrypted File
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What is a CAROTE file?
A file with a .carote extension is a file that has been encrypted by a variant of Carote ransomware, a type of malware utilized by cybercriminals. It is encrypted so it is not possible to open the file by simply changing the file extension.
More Information
Carote ransomware renames standard files that are important to you with a .carote extension. The files are typically documents, images, videos, and backup files, such as .DOCX, .PDF, .TIFF, and .DB files.
The purpose of ransomware is to take your files hostage and force you to pay the perpetrator to unlock your files. It may be introduced to your computer through an executable file disguised as another type of file. This is typically done using email spam with attached files disguised as bank receipts or company invoices.
Once the executable file is run, it begins scrambling your files, encrypting them, and appending the .carote extension onto the files. For example, an example.docx file becomes example.docx.carote. The virus then generates a .TXT ransom note (_readme.txt) informing you of the takeover and what you are meant to do to recover your files.
NOTE: CAROTE files became prevalent in August 2019 and are similar to encrypted .BLOWER files.
How to open a CAROTE file
No known program can restore CAROTE files to their original state. The best way to recover your files is to retrieve them from a recent backup or perform a System Restore to a point before your computer was infected.
Warning
FileInfo.com recommends you never pay a ransom to decrypt files encrypted by ransomware. Paying a ransom encourages ransomware distributors to continue their efforts, and there is no guarantee that paying a ransom will give you access to your files. Instead, you should restore your data from a recent backup created before the ransomware infected your computer.