How to remove CrY-TrOwX ransomware

CrY-TrOwX – another HiddenTear-based virus

CrY-TrOwX (also known as CrY ransomware) is a ransomware virus that uses AES cryptography to lock files with .locked file extension. Once the encryption is over, it delivers a ransom note in READ_AND_CRY_.txt file where victims are asked to contact criminals via kaya.kyasor99@yandex.com email in order to get back access to the encrypted files.

Developers of the ransomware are rarely known. However, author of the CrY-TrOwX virus is identified as “ismail.” Judging from the ransom note, a hacker is not a native English speaker. However, it did not prevent from using HiddenTear’s^[1] code to create a file-encrypting virus.

Once CrY-TrOwX ransomware gets into the system, it modifies Windows registry and starts data encryption procedure. When all files are corrupted with .locked extension, malware generates a ransom note that gives only a short message:

Hello All Your Important Files Are Encrypted by CrY!
Communicate With Us To Save Your Files!
E-Mail Address : kaya.kyasor99@yandex.com

However, wasting your time and chatting with a hacker is not recommended. Malware researchers tell that ransomware is poorly written. Thus, you might be able to restore using third-party tools, or the official decryptor will be released soon. Hence, you should focus on CrY-TrOwX removal.

Despite the fact that it’s a weak example of ransomware, it still makes the system vulnerable. Thus, you have to clean your PC as soon as you find out about the inability to open particular documents. The safest way to do it – scan the system with reputable security tool.

We do not recommend trying to remove CrY-TrOwX manually. Ransomware viruses always consist of numerous components that might be injected into legit processes or hidden deep in the system. Thus, it doesn’t matter that this ransomware cannot be called the most dangerous one, you should still remove it properly with FortectIntego, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes or your preferred malware removal tool.

Malware executable might be sent to your inbox

Malicious emails are the main way how ransomware viruses are being spread.^[2] Thus, CrY crypto-virus is most likely to trick you into opening infected document attached to the email. Payload might be included in Word, PDF, Zip or another legitimate file. Additionally, the content of the email might tell about serious issues and urge to open the document.

Additionally, malware might enter the system using other methods:

• malvertising;
• bogus downloads;
• fake updates;
• exploit kits.

Thus, the security team from dieviren.de^[3] remind to update all programs installed on your PC and Windows OS, obtain professional antivirus protection, and avoid visiting questionable sites. Of course, you have to avoid unknown download sources and be critical with popped up ads.

Termination guide for the CrY-TrOwX ransomware virus

To remove CrY-TrOwX from the computer, you have to run a full system scan with reputable malware removal program. Numerous tools offer to clean your PC from the most hazardous cyber threats. However, we recommend completing this task with FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. These programs are capable of finding and deleting all malicious components.

To make CrY-TrOwX removal smooth, you should reboot the device to Safe Mode with Networking first. This step helps to disable the virus and prevent it from blocking security software. You can find detailed instructions below.