Crypt0 ransomware / virus (Tutorial)

Crypt0 virus Removal Guide

What is Crypt0 ransomware virus?

What do we know about the Crypt0 ransomware virus?

Crypt0 virus is a “freshly-baked” cyber infection that the virus analysts have found at the beginning of September. This virus is named after the “_crypt0” insertion it adds to the affected files. It is also interesting that soon after the virus was released, the experts come up with the decryption tool which completely decontaminated the infection. Such quick defeat may be related to the fact that Crypt0 malware is a variant based on the DetoxCrypto ransomware with which the virus researchers were already familiar with. The link to this decryption tool is provided at the end of this article, next to the Crypt0 removal and file recovery instructions.

Talking about the virus itself, we should remind you that it is a type of infection that takes over computers with the purpose of locking the containing files and making the profit from the users who decide to get them back. The files on the computer are locked using the public key while unlocking them is only possible with the private one. Unfortunately, this key must be obtained by purchasing it from the virus creators. And this is exactly how this ransomware makes money. Luckily, you can easily make their evil plan go to waste by simply deleting the program and decrypting the locked documents with the already mentioned decryptor. By scanning your device with FortectIntego virus-fighting software, you will remove Crypt0 from your PC and stop the criminals from generating illegal profit.

An illustration of the Crypt0 ransomware

You may be wondering, how can you tell if you are dealing with the Crypt0 virus in particular. Well, there are several specific signs this ransomware possesses. First, it drops a ransom note on your desktop labeled HELP_DECRYPT.TXT. Keep in mind that this virus is bugged so the file name may be distorted and feature the same title two or more times. Such text files will appear in every folder of the infected computer that contains infected files. Typically, this document contains data retrieval instructions and provides contact information needed to get in touch with the criminals. These particular hackers use Gmail which again justifies that they are amateur because this email provider is very rarely used among the serious ransomware creators.

Another feature you should recognize the Crypt0 ransomware by is the already mentioned _crypt0 insertions. All the encrypted files will have _crypt0 added just before the extension name. An example of such file may look something like this: “picture_crypt0.jpg”. Most ransomware viruses use similar techniques to indicate the affected files allowing the user understand the scope of the infection a little better. Nevertheless, you should not be scared and keep your head cool. As soon as you start seeing similar changes happening on your computer disconnect it from the Internet and proceed with the virus removal.

Take ransomware prevention steps:

The virus removal is undoubtedly crucial, and you can find tips on how to do it safely at the end of the article. However, it is also very important to keep yourself informed about the means of ransomware distribution and, hopefully, use this information to prevent similar attacks in the future. Though it is not yet known for sure how the Crypt0 ransomware spreads, we can presume that its distribution is no different to other ransomware viruses. It most likely uses spam emails, fake ads and software update notifications to spread around. Unfortunately, even the most professional anti-malware gear cannot fully prevent Crypt0 from accessing your computer via the mentioned channels. Thus, stay away from the unknown or suspicious content, double-check the legitimacy and reliability of the email attachments, downloads or software updates that you are willing to install on your computer.

How do you remove Crypt0 ransomware from your PC?

If Crypt0 virus has taken over your computer, the only thing you are probably interested in is file recovery. But do not rush into that just yet. You can recover your files only when the Crypt0 removal is done, and there is no risk of the secondary encryption. A way to make sure all the potentially hidden virus files are dragged to the daylight is by scanning the computer with legitimate and updated antivirus utility. Do not try removing the virus manually – the instructions provided below this article are only there to help you decontaminate the infection and initiate the system scan.

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Crypt0 virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.

Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking

Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment. 

Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes

Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

Step 4. Delete virus files

Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):

    %AppData%
    %LocalAppData%
    %ProgramData%
    %WinDir%

After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.

Remove Crypt0 using System Restore

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Crypt0. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that Crypt0 removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Crypt0 from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by Crypt0, you can use several methods to restore them:

Recover your data encrypted by Crypt0 by employing Data Recovery Pro

Data Recovery Pro is a tool specifically designed to deal with the effects of ransomware. It helps people restore the encrypted data or files deleted by accident. It can recover a variety file types, so you may try using it for your retrieving your locked files as well. To learn how to use this program properly and restore your files, follow the steps below:

  • Download Data Recovery Pro;
  • Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
  • Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Crypt0 ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Retrieve your files with the Windows Previous Versions feature

You can recover your files using the Windows Previous Versions feature. Just make sure System Restore function was enabled before the virus hit your computer. When you make sure everything is in order, follow these instructions:

  • Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
  • Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
  • Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

Use ShadowExplorer to recover your files after Crypt0 infiltration

 

ShadowExplorer recovery strategy will only work if the Crypt0 virus does not target the Volume Shadow Copies on the infected computers. It is yet unknown whether the virus is capable of such activities, but you can still try this method by following these steps:

  • Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
  • Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
  • Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
  • Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Crypt0 decryption using special decryptor method

The best and the most guaranteed way of decrypting the Crypt0 is by downloading and running the Crypt0 decryptor.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Crypt0 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet. 

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.

About the author
Alice Woods
Alice Woods - Likes to teach users about virus prevention

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