Cerber 2.0 ransomware / virus (Virus Removal Instructions)

What is Cerber 2.0 ransomware virus?

Cerber ransomware virus version 2 has been released. What should you know about it?

Cerber2 virus virus is an updated version of Cerber ransomware. The authors of this ransomware project have decided to step up the ransomware game and create an even more complicated variant that would differentiate from other crypto-ransomware viruses and, of course, surpass them. The second version of the indicated virus cannot be decrypted with Cerber Decryptor anymore, as the flaws in the ransomware code were patched. This threat also has also been secured with a different packer to aggravate malware researchers’ work and prevent them from analyzing the virus.

Just like the previous version, the second version encrypts victim’s files and instead of adding .cerber file extension, it appends .cerber2 file extension to them. Another important fact is that this variant uses Microsoft API CryptGenRandom to create an encryption key, which is twice longer than the one that was used in the previous version of the virus – now the key weights 32 bytes. Our researcher has discovered that the virus has been programmed not to encrypt computers that have these languages set as default:

Armenian, Azerbaijani, Belarusian, Georgian, Kirghiz, Kazakh, Moldovian, Russian, Turkmen, Tadjik, Ukrainian, Uzbek.

If it detects that the computer user speaks one of these languages, it exterminates itself, in other words, implements Cerber 2.0 removal. Otherwise, it begins the encryption procedure. The virus is set not to encrypt default system folders and leave basic program unencrypted (such as basic Internet browsers, Flash Player, local settings, sample music, videos, pictures and similar default computer data). The rest of personal victims files get encrypted with a powerful encryption and become useless. It is impossible to manipulate these files anyhow unless the victim has a decryption key, which, unfortunately, has to be bought from cyber criminals who have created this virus.

The Cerber 2 virus creates # DECRYPT MY FILES #.txt and # DECRYPT MY FILES #.html files and leaves them on the computer, besides, it changes the wallpaper, and activates .vbs file, which speaks to the user, stating that all documents, photos, and databases have been encrypted. These files left by the virus can be called ransom notes; both .html and .txt files begin with such lines:

Cannot you find the files you need? Is the content of the files that you looked for not readable? It is normal because the files’ names, as well as the data in your files, have been encrypted.

The rest of the text in ransom notes explains what happened and provides instructions on how to decrypt .cerber2 files. Traditionally, the victim is instructed to download Tor browser and pay the ransom in Bitcoins. No matter what, we advise you not to pay the ransom and remove Cerber 2.0 virus without any hesitation. By paying the ransom, you would support cyber criminals, who already live a wealthy lifestyle because of victim who pay them for decryption tools. To remove the virus, use anti-malware program, for instance, FortectIntego.

Distribution methods

Ransomware distribution methods vary, but the most popular ones are still these two:

• Spam email campaigns;
• Malvertising.

It is not a secret that crooks often send deceptive emails to computer users, pretending to be employees or representatives of well-known organizations or institutions. They commonly attach several attachments to the letter and kindly ask the victim to open them. Obviously, such attachments contain malicious attachments and can execute the virus immediately. The next malware distribution method – malvertising is an efficient technique for those cyber criminals who want users to click on malicious links and activate codes that can plant malware on victim’s computer. We strongly recommend you to stay away from ads that urge you to install updates, apps, or that try to threaten you by stating that your computer is severely infected. After clicking on such ad, you can end up downloading a malicious software bundle that contains a virus like ransomware.

How to remove Cerber 2.0 ransomware virus and decrypt files?

If you have become a victim of Cerber 2.0 ransomware virus, you should have seen statements in its ransom note, stating that you should not rely on antivirus companies and use their products as they cannot decrypt your files. Indeed, antivirus products cannot restore encrypted data, but they CAN protect your computer from malware attacks (if they have real-time protection feature). To remove this virus from your computer, we suggest using one of the tools that are provided below. We do not recommend you to try and decrypt your files using random decryption tools; you can corrupt your data this way. We suggest waiting until malware researchers discover a free Cerber 2.0 decryption tool so that you could recover your data safely. Of course, you can recover your files from backups; before you do that, you must complete Cerber 2.0 removal first.