CryptorBit virus (Removal Instructions) - Jul 2016 update

CryptorBit virus Removal Guide

What is CryptorBit virus?

What is known about CryptorBit virus?

CryptorBit virus is a dangerous ransomware program, which can easily affect Windows OS. It is believed that this ransomware is closely related to Cryptolocker which has already infected thousands of PC users. As soon as it enters the computer, the cyber threat looks for specific files (Microsoft Office files, PDF files and picture type files) to encrypt them. Also, it starts displaying a huge pop-up notification which provides a step-by-step guide explaining the whole decryption process. Typically, it requires visiting a specific payment site and sending a 500 dollar ransom in Bitcoins for its creators. Please, ignore all alerts saying that “your personal files are encrypted” because they are used for the only thing – supporting hackers and increasing their profits. If you are infected, you should waste no time and check your computer with reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego. This is the only way to remove CryptorBit ransomware from the system.

After being discovered in 2014, a new version of CryptorBit was noticed in July 2016. This time, ransomware requires paying 2 Bitcoins (or $850) in exchange for its decrypter. The amount of money which is required by this virus has almost doubled making, so there is no surprise that security researchers have started calling it “greedy”. Also, it has been discovered that this virus relies on both, AES and RSA encryption algorithms, while to encrypt personal files of the victim. At the moment of writing, it can encrypt 96 file types, but it is believed that this number will increase. According to PandaLabs, this ransomware can be decryptable, but there is no CryptorBit decrypter available on the Internet yet. The only thing that we can recommend is to back up your data and keep a reliable anti-spyware on your computer. Also, make sure that it is up-to-date.

The example of CryptorBit ransomware alert

How can CryptorBit infect my computer?

CryptorBit virus can be downloaded from the Internet in a bundle with unlicensed/infected programs (fake Flash Updates, etc.) and fake emails. This program has been actively promoted with fake emails that notify about people’s purchases and similar things that could make them download an infected attachment. As soon as it is downloaded, it infects the system with this ransomware which starts looking for predetermined files and encrypts them with two different encryption algorithms. Besides, it drops a HowDecrypt.txt file and a HowDecrypt.gif that display such warning message

All files including videos, photos and documents on your computer are encrypted.
Encryption was produced using a unique public key generated for this computer. To decrypt files, you need to obtain the private key.
The single copy of the private key, which will allow you to decrypt the files, located on a secret server on the Internet; the server will destroy the key after a time specified in this window. After that, nobody and never will be able to restore files.

File Decryption costs ~ $ 500.

In order to decrypt the files, open site XXXX and follow the instructions.
If XXXX is not opening, please follow the steps below:
1. You must download and install this browser: XXXX
2. After installation, run the browser and enter the address: XXXX
3. Follow the instructions on the web-site. We remind you that the sooner you do, the more chances are left to recover the files.

Guaranteed recovery is provided within 10 days.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Your Personal CODE: 00000001-xxxxxx

Please, take care of CryptorBit removal as soon as you notice such alert because it may initiate more problems on your computer! For that we recommend using the following guide:

How can I remove CryptorBit from my computer?

We highly recommend thinking about the prevention of such infections as CryptorBit virus because they have become as popular as rogue anti-spyware, trojans and similar malware. To prevent infiltration of malicious files, you need to install a powerful anti-spyware and keep it up-to-date. Also, make sure you think about the immunity of your files. For that you need to back up your data by using cloud services, Google Drive, Dropbox, Flickr and other solutions or USB external hard drives, CDs, DVDs, etc. When performing CryptorBit removal on your computer, we recommend you to select one of these programs: FortectIntego, Malwarebytes. For recovering your files encrypted by this ransomware, try one of these optional methods:

Method 1: Recover your data with Data Recovery Pro

Data Recovery Pro is a professional tool created to help people restore their encrypted or accidentally deleted files. To use this program, follow these steps:

  1. Download Data Recovery Pro;
  2. Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
  3. Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by CryptorBit ransomware;
  4. Restore them.

Method 2: Recover your files after infiltration of CryptorBit using ShadowExplorer

If this ransomware failed to remove Shadow Volume Copies of your target files, you can use ShadowExplorer to restore your encrypted data:

  1. Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
  2. Follow a ShadowExplorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
  3. Launch the program and go thru the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
  4. Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
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 CryptorBit 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 CryptorBit 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 CryptorBit. 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 CryptorBit removal is performed successfully.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from CryptorBit 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.

About the author
Gabriel E. Hall
Gabriel E. Hall - Passionate web researcher

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