How to remove CryptoDark ransomware virus

CryptoDark ransomware wants $300 in exchange to your files

CryptoDark virus is the name of a newly discovered malware^[1]. Despite its intimidating title, the threat turns out to be a fake file-encrypting virus. It does not encrypt files nor appends any file extensions.

It rather functions as a screen locker. More proficient users may notice that the threat only leaves random strings to be fake the reality. This threat serves more as a prank as the hacker left a hidden “You have just wasted your time” message. Nonetheless, you should perform CryptoDark removal without delay. FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes serves for that purpose.

The greed for money urges wannabe hackers

Observing the number and quality of malware released during last weekend, several fake or poorly made ransomware infections have emerged. It seems that the urge for money was stronger rather than self-critique about the ability to generate a full-scale ransomware.

It is commendable that the authors have managed to create a unique graphic interface entitled as CryptoDark Decryptor^[2]. It imitates countless other file-encrypting threats. In exchange to the supposedly encoded files, users have to transfer the indicated amount of ransom to the indicated bitcoin address. In case a victim encounters difficulties restoring files, victims can download the program from hxxx://www.vhyifaiuevwni.tk/CDD:

Your files have been encrypted!
All of your pictures, images, and documents have been encrypted by CryptoDark.
To get them back, you will need to open the CryptoDark Decryptor and pay $300 worth of Bitcoin to the address shown in the decryptor.
If your anti-virus detected the decryptor, remove it from the quarantine or download a new one from:
xxxx://www.vhyifaiuevwni.tk/CDD

There is no need to implement any of these as the malware does not encode the files, i.e., does not perform its key function. Though the virus is a weak bit, it seems to have been developed on the basis of Trojan.Barys malware which is active in the second half last year. Anyway, make a rush to remove CryptoDark.

Distributing malware across the cyber space

Its trojan is likely to use the same transmission channels to occupy Windows OS. You might expect it to lurk in gaming or gambling games under the disguise of file converters, torrent files, game applications.

In order to prevent CryptoDark hijack in advance, you will need cyber security applications. You may benefit from the combination of an anti-malware, anti-virus, and firewall software. Ensure they are updates. Since the trojan executable has appeared on the cyber space before, anti-virus tools may detect it faster.

Note that this malware may also be wrapped as an attachment to a spam email. Such message often alarms users to take immediate action: open the attached file and follow the instructions. Credulous users may do so only to find out about the released menace out of Pandora box.

Get rid of CryptoDark malware

Even if the malware turns out to be a fake file-encrypting infection, CryptoDark removal should be performed attentively. In that case, using a cyber security tool ensures that all elements associated with the threat are eliminated.

In case you cannot exit this lock screen, press Alt+F4. Then you may look through the below guide which helps restore partial access to system functions. Then, you will be able to launch an anti-spyware application and remove CryptoDark virus.

Note that malware elimination tools do not decrypt files. Instead, take a look at the very bottom of the page. Some of the recommended utilities may be of service. The malware prefers targeting specific countries. Poland is likely to be one of them. Thus, Polish users should exert more cautiousness.^[3]