CryptoDevil ransomware / virus (Removal Instructions) - Tutorial
CryptoDevil virus Removal Guide
What is CryptoDevil ransomware virus?
CryptoDevil malware pretends to encrypt your files
CryptoDevil virus pretends to operate as a file-encrypting threat[1]. The title supposedly gives an additional menacing hue to frighten victims more. However, such cliché tactics do not scare experienced virus researchers. Even if the ransom message claims that the malware encrypted users’ files, as a matter of fact, it does not encrypt nor delete any of personal files. In fact, it operates more as scareware. The author, who is possibly a teenage wannabe hacker, demands $20 in exchange for the supposedly encoded files. There is no need to comply with the demands and pay any ransom, as virus researchers have found a workaround. Find out how you can remove CryptoDevil in an easy way.
If you have followed our posts since last year, this threat might have reminded you of a couple of identical screen locker threats: In-Development or Click Me Game virus is an analogous example of the same family. Such threats are targeted at senior Internet users or perhaps less experienced netizens. Usually, such threats operate as temporal screen lockers[2]. Likewise, the most problematic feature of CryptoDevil screen locker is that it paralyzes your computer for a while. Certainly, less proficient users might give in to panic and contact the hacker via mutr0lblackhat@gmail.com. Luckily, you do not need to transmit any money or contact the crook in any other way[3]. Just simply enter kjkszpj in the key box. Once you do that, an additional window pops up saying how to terminate CryptoDevil malware:
Instruction! How To Remove my virus
1. Open Start Menu
2. Go to Startup
3. Delete CryptoDevil.exe End!
Thanks for collaboration
Even if you follow these instructions, you should still employ alternative CryptoDevil removal methods. Install FortectIntego or Malwarebytes to scan the device for any remaining malevolent files.
How did I get infected with CryptoDevil?
Even if this ransomware is less complex, you might have accelerated CryptoDevil hijack when you opened a corrupted email attachment[4]. Despite continuous warnings, the virtual community is still careless when it comes to reviewing spam folder. As a result, this method remains prosperous and facilitates ransomware business. Do not rush to open the attached files without verifying the identity of the sender. Pay attention to the content of the message as usually; it contains spelling and typing errors. Be vigilant and give it a second thought before reviewing the thatched documents. In addition, keep in mind that crypto-malware spreads with the assistance of exploit kits as well[5]. In order to protect your operating system from these infections, you should arm up with security programs. The combination of an anti-virus and anti-malware utilities might ensure proper protection. Certainly, your cautiousness plays a significant role as well.
Can I delete the malware from a computer completely?
Even if this threat does not stand out from other ransomware, you should not delay CryptoDevil removal process. Run a security tool to eliminate the threat. Usually, it only takes several minutes to remove CryptoDevil virus. In case, this malware prevents you from launching the app, use the below instructions. They will be practical in eliminating more complex threats in the future. Arm up with knowledge as well. Note that ransomware attacks might be carried out with the assistance of browser plug-ins. When you browse, do not enable any shady plug-ins and extensions. They might be a harbinger of a real cyber threat.
Getting rid of CryptoDevil virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
These guidelines are especially practical when dealing with screen-locker ransomware threats. Regain the access and start CryptoDevil removal.
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
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- 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.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
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:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
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:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- 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).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- 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 CryptoDevil using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of CryptoDevil. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove CryptoDevil 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 CryptoDevil, you can use several methods to restore them:
What is Data Recovery Pro program?
This program helps retrieve missing and damaged files as well as emails. Though in this case CryptoDevil ransomware does not encrypt documents, keep this app up your sleeve in if you encounter elaborate ransomware in the future.
- 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 CryptoDevil ransomware;
- Restore them.
ShadowExplorer option
It recreates the files based on shadow volume copies. It is another practical tool in dealing with file-encrypting threats.
- 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.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from CryptoDevil and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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- ^ Ransomware: The Defender's Advantage. BankInfoSecurity. Bank information security news, training, education.
- ^ Greg Masters. DoS attacks target Mac users in tech support scam. SCMedia. The cybersecurity source.
- ^ Cyber security: Experts warn on rise of hacker ransoms. BBC News.
- ^ Bill Brenner. Latest phishing tactics: infected PDFs, bogus friend requests, fake HR emails. Nakedsecurity. Computer Security News, Advice, and Research.
- ^ Bradley Barth. South for the winter: Exploit kit activity quiet over last three months. SCMedia. The cybersecurity source.