Cerber 4.1.1 ransomware / virus (Removal Guide) - updated Nov 2016

What is Cerber 4.1.1 ransomware virus?

Cerber 4.1.1 ransomware attack users. What is known about it?

Cerber 4.1.1 ransomware virus showed up on the same day as Cerber 4.1.0 ransomware. Each of these viruses belongs to an infamous family of malware called Cerber virus which has already been updated for several times. This group of ransomware viruses is still on top, so you must be very careful if you want to avoid it. What new features are presented in the latest, Cerber 4.1.1 virus? It seems that the main thing that changed is the customized wallpaper on victim’s desktop that informs about the encryption of specific files and a need to purchase the special decrypter for this version. Earlier versions of the virus could be recognized by file extensions added to encrypted data – they use .cerber, .cerber2 and .cerber3 extensions. If you can find them next to your files, make sure you remove Cerber 4.1.1 virus or similar version of ransomware from your computer. You can do that with the help of an up-to-date anti-malware program, such as FortectIntego.

As we have already mentioned, Cerber 4.1.1 ransomware is the latest version this infamous crypto-ransomware virus, and it works absolutely silently. Once executed, it starts digging for target files starting from deeper system directories. This way, the user cannot notice anything suspicious, because the only thing that might raise user’s suspicion is a slower computer’s performance during the encryption. During this process, it generates and appends certain file extension to encrypted files – personal records become marked with unique 4-symbol extension, for example, .dep3. Once 4.1.1 version encrypts all folders, it finishes the malicious procedure by encrypting files on the desktop, drops README.HTA file (the ransom note) on the desktop, plays a .vbs file that plays an audio message, and then changes the desktop background with an image that displays the following text:

Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted by “Cerber ransomware 4.1.1”!
[…]
There is a list of temporary addresses to go on your personal page below:

The virus does not provide much information on the new desktop wallpaper, but it leaves URLs that lead to so-called “payment page,” where victims can learn how to purchase Bitcoins and then transfer them to criminals’ Bitcoin wallets. Same URLs and more information about the attack can be found in the .hta file. These URLs normally cannot be opened via regular web browsers and need to be launched via Tor browser. The ransom note provides detailed information on how to open these websites so that even inexperienced PC users can open them. Each of these URLs leads to a page that presents Cerber Decryptor. Just like previous versions of this ransomware, 4.1.1 version asks to select language, then complete a short confirm-you-are-human task and only then it reveals information on how to buy the decrypter. Surprisingly, it turns out that Cerber ransomware version 4.1.1 demands a lower ransom than its predecessors. It asks to pay 0.1188 Bitcoin (≈ $84) within 5 days of attack or 0.2376 Bitcoin (≈ $169) after 5 days.

It is not a secret that Cerber stands out of other ransomware projects because it is precisely programmed and designed to convince the victim to pay up. The ransom payment website has sections such as “FAQ,” “Support,” and also “Decrypt 1 File for FREE,” where victims can upload one encrypted file to test the decrypter and understand that it actually exists and works. If your computer has been infected with this malicious ransomware, we recommend you not to pay the ransom, although it is your decision whether to pay up or not. Please remember that cyber criminals keep creating new viruses as long as victims agree to pay the ransom – do not fuel up their motivation by following their commands. If you are still willing to pay up, you should know that only 20 percent of victims, who paid for the decryption service, received the code that they needed. In case of infection, make sure you perform Cerber 4.1.1 removal at first. Then, take care of your files by using Data Recovery steps given below.

How does this malicious virus enter victim’s PC?

According to the latest news, Cerber is delivered via pseudo-Darkleech campaign, which targets WordPress websites. If the victim enters a compromised website, he or she gets rerouted to the site that contains RIG exploit kit. The exploit kit explores vulnerabilities in victim’s computer (inspects outdated programs and takes advantage of the security gaps) and then silently installs malware into user’s computer. The attack is well-organized and can be completely incomprehensible to computer users that are not familiar with stratagems that advanced malware creators use. However, authors of this ransomware also use an old but still very efficient technique to infect computers – they send insidious emails that contain destructive attachments. Once the victim opens such attachment, the malicious file downloads the malware and begins the encryption procedure. Please stay clear of vague emails and do not let your curiosity win – do not open that shady email that claims you need to accept a payment of $500 that supposedly was sent to you recently via Paypal, and avoid shady invoices, documents, and other suspicious files that unknown individuals send to you via email. If you feel that the author of such letter urges you to open email attachments, better do not do it!

Cerber 4.1.1 removal procedure

Cerber 4.1.1 virus is a new ransomware, and it can be eliminated only with an updated antivirus or anti-malware software. Make sure you use an appropriate and powerful anti-malware software for this procedure because leaving malicious components on the system can damage your files without leaving you a chance to restore them. Besides, automatic Cerber 4.1.1 removal guarantees a full elimination of this malware, so it won’ show up on your computer after some time. Finally, we would like to add that you shouldn’t try to remove Cerber 4.1.1 ransomware manually because this task can be considered as an option only if you can call yourself tech savvy. Files encrypted by this virus can be restored from a backup, but if you do not have one, most likely there are no chances of recovering encrypted data. Nonetheless, we suggest you try data recovery options provided below.