Cerber 3.0 ransomware / virus

Cerber 3.0 virus Removal Guide

What is Cerber 3.0 ransomware virus?

Cerber 3.0 virus hits the spotlight

Cerber virus developers seem to be working quite restlessly as they bombarded the online world once again – Cerber 3.0 virus is now released. The current virus happens to be one of the most developed and destructive file-encrypting virtual threats. It has evolved into such form that is even able to speak to its victims.

Hackers did not give any opportunity for virus researchers to obtain the advantage and regularly come up with the improved versions. However, if the latest version occupied your computer, there is no need to worry. It is still possible to remove Cerber 3.0. Only after it is permanently deleted from the system, you can consider data recovery possibilities. Certainly, the new update is worth interest.

The ransomware is acclaimed as one of the most complex viruses. Despite that IT professionals were still able to come up with the decryption strategies. While you might be waiting for a free decrypter, find out more about this virus update and how much damaging it is in comparison with the previous versions. At the end of the article, find Cerber 3.0 removal instructions. While you are reading, start installing FortectIntego to speed up the elimination process.

If you are not familiar with the notorious story of Cerber development, then let us briefly rush through the key points. Cerber ransomware started out as an ordinary file-encrypting virus. In the beginning, it targetted only certain regions and required a system reboot in order to activate itself.

As time went by, Cerber 2.0 entered the stage. After the infection, the virus was dispersed along with a .vma file. The abrupted female voice declared of the locked files. Later on, the malware was updated once again. If the victims refused to pay the ransomware, they risked their computer to get connected to a malicious botnet – a network of computers which send out the infected files.

The note left by Cerber 3.0 virus

While Cerber 2.0 still rampages on the Internet, the rumors about the upcoming version have been lurking around for a while already. The previous version was most notable for encrypting the files and attaching .cerber2 extension.

Speaking of Cerber 2.0 malware, it appends .cerber3 extension to the addicted data. Thus, within a short while, the ransomware obtained alternative title – .cerber3 extension virus. The malware now presents the instructions of file recovery not in #DECRYPT MY FILES #.txt, but in # HELP DECRYPT #.txt.

Moreover, the virus now shifts to using ICMP packets. In short, they are error messages. You might encounter a lot of them once Cerber 3.0 ransomware gets a hold of your operating system.

The distribution methods of the virus

Concerning the transmission peculiarities, there is no changes. The threat mainly attacks users via spam emails. Hackers have manifested their mastery by creating persuasive scams, such as tax refund, package delivery deceptions or involving telecommunications company names.

Do not rush opening a similar email even if it addresses you directly. Otherwise, if you are not careful enough and click on an invoice file or a .zip file, you might execute the malicious files of Cerber.

Beware of old programs which were not updated for a while. The malware might hide under it as well. Lastly, watch out for distracting and flickering offers to install a security plug-in or a computer scanner. If they happen to be created by unreliable users, there is also a risk of Cerber 3.0 hijack.

How can I delete the virus?

There is no need to panic even if the virus encrypted all your files. We would like to warn you not to transfer the money as there are no guarantees that it will enlarge your chances of retrieving the data. First of all, initiate Cerber 3.0 removal. You can perform it using FortectIntego or Malwarebytes.

Once the elimination process is complete, you can try using decrypting the files. Below we present several suggestions how to decode the files. If you manage to retrieve the data, back up the important files regularly and store the copies in several portable storage domains.

Lastly, if you struggle to remove Cerber 3.0 because you cannot control the device, take a look at the access recovery instructions. Keep in mind these recommendations concerning spam emails. Cautiousness also plays an important role in warding off such viruses as Cerber 3.0 virus.

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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 Cerber 3.0 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 Cerber 3.0 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 Cerber 3.0. 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 Cerber 3.0 removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Cerber 3.0 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 Cerber 3.0, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro solution

This tool works in recovering your files after a computer crash or after a similar error caused by the operating system. The software might be practical regarding ransomware. It is important to note that the application might decode the files if the ransomware uses a weaker encryption technique.

In case of Cerber 3.0, the program might not succeed in recovering all the data. That is why you might need to wait for an official free Cerber 3.0 Decrypter.

  • 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 Cerber 3.0 ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Shadow Explorer solution

Using Shadow Explorer might be of use if the threat does not target shadow volume copies. Otherwise, the tool will not recover the non-existing files.

  • 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.

Cerber Decrypter solution

Several months have passed since the original version of Cerber appeared, so IT experts have created a tool specifically for recovering the files locked by this virus. Nonetheless, there is a high probability that this decrypter won't work for brand new Cerber 3.0, but effort does not cost!

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Cerber 3.0 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
Julie Splinters
Julie Splinters - Anti-malware specialist

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