How to remove CerberTear ransomware virus

Should you be afraid of CerberTear ransomware?

CerberTear virus seems to be trying muscle in Cerber’s bad reputation and appear scarier in computer users’ eyes. The name of this ransomware-type virus reminds us of HiddenTear ransomware, and in fact, both these viruses have a similar code because CerberTear is based on HiddenTear, which is an educational ransomware. However, bad guys quickly take advantage of such information and use it for malevolent purposes. This is how this ransomware has been created; to become more frightful without having to put a lot of effort, its developers have decided to dub it after Cerber virus. Since several new Cerber’s versions were released one after another recently, users might actually believe that this is the real one. However, the “Tear” version is just a poor copy of this virus and is likely to be decryptable. Now, let us explain how this virus acts.

Once installed, the virus starts scanning the system for target file extensions ( the full list of extensions is provided below) and encrypts all files that have them. Encrypted files get .cerber extensions added after the original one, so for example, a song.mp4 file becomes song.mp4.cerber. However, the real virus changes the desktop background after the encryption, and this bogus version does not. It only launches a ransom note called HOW_TO_RESTORE_YOUR_DATA.html (this ransom note can be found in every folder with encrypted files), which presents Cerber Ransomware Decryptor. This ransom note does not look like the real one at all. However, just like the real one, it asks to pay the ransom in Bitcoins using Tor browser. It wants 0.4 Bitcoin, which is around $285 USD. We encourage you to test all data recovery methods explained below CerberTear removal tutorial before even thinking about paying the ransom.

Target file types: .aaf, .aepx, .aet, .ai, .aif, .accdb, .aep, .as, .asf, .asx, .avi, .asp, .bmp, .c, .csv, .class, .cpp, .cs, .dat, .db, .dbf, .doc, .docx, .docb, .docm, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .dwg, .dxf, .efx, .eps, .fla, .flv, .gif, .grle, .game, .h, .idml, .indl, .indt, .inx, .jar, .java, .jpeg, .iff, .indb, .indd, .jpg, .m3u, .m3u8, .m4u, .max, .mlx, .mov, .mdb, .mid, .mp3, .mp4, .mpg, .msg, .mpa, .mpeg, .pdb, .pdf, .php, .plb, .pmd, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .rtf, .sav, .sdf, .ses, .prel, .prproj, .ps, .psd, .ra, .raw, .ppj, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .rb, .sldm, .sldx, .slot, .spv, .sql, .sv5, .3dm, .3g2, .3gp, .svg, .swf, .tif, .txt, .vcf, .vob, .wps, .xla, .xlam, .wav, .wma, .wmv, .wpd, .xll, .xlm, .xls, .xlsb, .xltx, .xltm, .xlw, .xqx, .xlsx, .xlt.

How did you infect your PC with this malware variant?

Although your first thought might be “No, I didn’t!,” please read this paragraph thoroughly. Ransomware uses Trojan horse’s technique to enter the target location without being identified as a dangerous object. It means that ransomware distributors offer victims to open safe-looking files, stating that they hold some important information that needs to be read. Typically, scammers craft legitimate-looking emails to deceive victims, impersonate employees of known and trustworthy companies and illegally speak on behalf of them. They pretend to be delivering relevant information, while in reality, they deliver malicious scripts in email attachments entitled as “Invoice,” “CV,” “Payment,” or “Urgent_information.” Please do not open such suspicious emails – check sender’s email first. If you have doubts if the sender is actually an employee of a particular company, check that company’s website. It is very unlikely that johnbell27294@protonmail.ru is an official representative of some legitimate company. As you probably know, official email addresses typically look similarly to [name.surname]@[company’s website]. Avoid emails that come from shady senders and definitely, do not open attachments that come alongside them!

How to remove CerberTear ransomware virus?

It is time to speak about CerberTear removal techniques and .cerber decryption methods. First of all, you must remove CerberTear virus before trying to recover your files. For that, use a strong and trustworthy software like FortectIntego. Next, create a backup of encrypted data and export it to a removable storage device (USB or similar). Then follow data decryption guidelines provided below this article. You might successfully recover your files without paying the ransom, so take actions now!