How to remove Cerber 6 ransomware virus

Cerber 6 ransomware is the version of a notorious threat

Cerber 6 is the latest version of Cerber ransomware which was spreading around from the beginning of March 2016. The insidious distribution techniques and ability to encrypt files of this virus helped it earn the title of the most dangerous file-encrypting threat of last year.^[1]

After its grand appearance, the developers of the virus have been regularly releasing updates for their first virus. At the end of last year, they reached the count of 5. However, after such a rush, they stopped their updates and presented the 6th version only after a long period of silence.

The latest, 6th edition, continues the previous tradition to avoid anti-virus detection^[2]. The malware continues relying on spam campaigns (it still prefers using JavaScript files) though an obvious tendency to diversify transmission channels is seen. Lately, the developers of this malware have been experimenting with Microsoft CryptoAPI to encrypt files.

It also introduced a new distribution technique –Blank Slate^[3] – technique to assault users with a message without content but with appended corrupted attachments. Launched RaaS service also explains the firm position in the online market. Thus, it is crucial to know its modus operandi in order to prevent and remove Cerber 6. One of the ways to do it is to use SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes.

Looking from a scientific perspective, the evolution of malware is quite impressive. Within a year, cybercriminals have developed malware into top-class crypto-malware. It started out as ransomware which targeted mostly western Europe, and the Atlantic-Pacific region. Then, it required a PC reboot to finish encrypting files with AES and RSA encryption tools.

Later on, it added more drama hues to the malware, as the virus would launch .vma audio file to alarm users of their encrypted data. Within a year, it maintained its preference on certain countries. The US users comprise over 84.64% of all assault targets. The following most affected countries are Japan, Taiwan, Australia, and China^[4].

The introduction of RaaS greatly contributed to Cerber 6 ransomware distribution as the overall group of this malware. Now fellow cybercriminals are able to customize certain features such as exclusion lists. In other words, they can modify what files can be excluded from the encryption process. They can also change country and language preferences if they intend to assault only specific regions.

Furthermore, the developers of the ransomware have also shifted to using SFX files (self-extracting archives). If you occasionally read an article about cybersecurity, you may recall frequent warnings not to open .js, .doc, or extract .zip folders without verifying the identity of a sender. However, SFX files allow the malware to unzip its folder and extract corrupted files.

The latest version of the crypto-malware contains improved anti-sandboxing and ant-VM features. Cerber ransomware 6 manifests a new level of intelligence. Specifically, it is capable of identifying whether the target user aims to launch the malware in an isolated environment, in other words, a virtual machine^[5]. Upon executing, malware connects to a remote Command and Control server. Less elaborate threats are unable to disguise such activities.

Consequently, cybersecurity specialists analyze the malware and come up with countermeasures. However, in the case of the Cerber 6 malware, it spots such an environment and connects to a legitimate server leading IT experts to think that a test subject is virus-free. There is also a visible tendency to use .exe files in the latest version.

Distributing malware throughout the cyberspace

As previously mentioned, multiple factors contribute to the success of the malware hijack. RaaS campaign resulted in the hike of malware samples in cyberspace. Furthermore, Cerber has been detected spreading via faulty Adobe Flash Player updates^[6] and Nullsoft Scriptable Install System (NSIS) installers. It has also launched a Blank Slate campaign which bombards users with empty messages. Such notification would contain a corrupted attachment.

The main problem remains spam botnets. It is known that, currently, Necurs botnet spreads this threat. However, the question, how many more botnets of this malware are available, is still unanswered.

Keep in mind that trojans also remain prevalent among the distributors of this malware. Thus, it is crucial not only to improve PC security with proper firewall software, anti-spyware, and anti-virus utilities but also to remain vigilant while downloading new apps and enabling new features.

Cerber 6th removal and file recovery steps

Regarding the complexity of this threat, manual virus removal is hardly effective. Since it is able to avoid anti-virus programs, automatic elimination might be difficult as well. However, at the moment, it is the only viable method to terminate the threat.

Make sure that the application is updated and start the scan. Due to the features of this malware, you might encounter difficulties eliminating this threat. In that case, reboot the system in Safe Mode or use the second method. Then, you should be able to remove Cerber 6 virus.