What we know about the Cry ransomware:
Cry virus infects computers led by one basic purpose – to encrypt the containing data and profit for its decryption. The decryption part, though, still remains highly questionable: the decryption key the hackers provide might be unfunctional, or you may not receive one at all. Unfortunately, the virus experts have not come up with a solution either. The virus is still undecryptable because it uses a complex algorithm to lock the victims’ data. The same codes are used by the notorious ransomware viruses like Locky or Cerber. Sadly, this suggests that you might just have to wipe away a few tears and come to terms with the idea that your precious files will not be redeemed. Although, at the end of the article, right below Cry removal instructions we discuss a few techniques you can try to recover your data. To fix your computer, we recommend using FortectIntego.
To elaborate more on the workings of this ransomware infection, we should point out that it is no different from the rest of the programs in this category. Once it infects the PC, it starts scanning the disk for certain file types and encrypting them. The encryption may last a couple of hours or days, and after it is done, an additional “.cry” extension will be appended to the regular ones. So, the affected files will look something like “randomfilename.jpg.cry.” Also, the virus will swipe your desktop clean, adding all the documents to a newly created “old_shortcuts” folder. Next to this folder, you will also find .txt and .html documents labeled “!Recovery_[6 random characters]”. These documents contain the ransom note and data recovery instructions.
It turns out, you can learn quite a lot about a ransomware looking at the ransom note it delivers. It usually reflects the seriousness of the hackers’ intentions. And the Cry ransomware seems to be designed for some very dirty deeds. It asks the victims to pay 150$ in Bitcoins over the next 100 hours and threatens to increase the ransom by half if these conditions are not met within the given period. The anonymous payment system also ensures that the identities of the hackers remain secret and untrackable. Cry malware tries to assure the victims that it is up for some serious business by allowing to decrypt one desired file before paying the ransom. Nevertheless, this does not ensure that when you do pay, you will retrieve your files as well. The hackers are only interested in your money, and they can soon disappear once the cash is in their hands. Thus, we do not recommend attempting to redeem your files this way. You will have more use if you remove Cry virus from your computer and try our data recovery methods.
Ransomware prevention:
Most users complain that there was nothing they could have done to stop the Cry virus from entering their computers. That is not quite true. Though ransomware infections are a bit more complex, they can be prevented just like the more light-weight parasites, such as adware or browser hijackers. Of course, you cannot fight this war on your own. You need additional skill and equipment to make this work. We recommend investing in a professional, reputable and reliable antivirus software first. Then, you can start practicing on your own skills. You have to realize that nothing is going to protect you from Cry, Locky or other malicious viruses if you do not act cautiously online yourself. Do not expect your email providers to sift out potentially dangerous emails or rely on your antivirus to warn you about potentially dangerous ads or websites. You must stay informed and keep a lookout yourself.
How can you remove Cry and recover your data?
There are several options you can try to recover your data after the Cry virus attack. You can use specialized software, such as PhotoRec, R-Studio or Kaspersky virus-fighting utilities to recover some of your files automatically. Or, you can try extracting your data following the methods we provide below. But an important thing we should note before you rush to the recovery is that you must remove Cry from your PC first. This can also be achieved either automatically or manually. Manual removal tutorial is provided below, while the automatic Cry removal can be executed by installing an antivirus software on your computer.
Was this guide helpful?
Be the first to comment