How to remove Cerber v4.0 ransomware virus

Cerber 4.0 virus. What’s new?

Cerber 4.0 virus (also known as Cerber v4.0) has just joined the RaaS (ransomware-as-a-service) community in the middle of October 2016. Along with Janus Cybercrime (a combination of Mischa and Petya viruses) and Stampado, this new version of the Cerber virus family can currently be found on the dark web, waiting for the new partners in crime. If you haven’t heard about ransomware-as-a-service strategy before, you should know that it is a raising trend among the malware creators, allowing them to earn even more illegal profit by turning their malicious creations into an affiliate business. The most common model that the ransomware developers employ guarantee them at least 20 % of the revenue collected by the software distributors. Currently, Cerber v4.0 malware distribution seems to originate from three main malvertising campaigns:

• First and the most major of the three is Magnitude. This exploit kit has been spreading Cerber from the very beginning and continues to do so with the latest virus version as well. The exploit kit seems to have been developed by the Magnitude hackers specifically for spreading this virus around.
• The second group of hackers that jumped in for the distribution of this ransomware goes by the name of PseudoDarkleech. Unlike Magnitude, these cyber criminals are dedicated to other ransomware viruses as well, such as CrypMIC and CryptXXX. However, they have adjusted some things for Cerber 4.0 and, instead of using the Neutrino exploit kit, are currently using RIG to sneak the virus on the computer.
• Although PseudoDarkleech stopped using Neutrino, this exploit kit is still active and continues to assist ransomware in finding its way to the victims’ computers.

Such vast spread of the ransomware is surely concerning and should encourage all of us to check whether our important personal data is really safe. Sure, you can simply carry out the Cerber 4 removal with reputable antivirus software such as FortectIntego and your computer will be as good as new, but the same can’t be done with the files. The complex encryption algorithm this virus has been using in Cerber 2.0 and Cerber 3.0 still remains uncrackable, and the only way to protect your data is by keeping data backups.

It is also important to note that though the previous virus versions have manifested minor changes, this new variant has been improved quite significantly. The virus creators claim that the program is now better at bypassing any activity monitoring and anti-malware programs, also, it features an updated encryption algorithm which adds random file extensions instead of the previously used .CERBER3. Plus, even more files types have been added to the target list. Even if it might now be more difficult to detect and remove Cerber v4.0 ransomware from the infected device, it is completely necessary for the sake of the computer’s health and safety of the future files.

What defense strategies can help avoid this ransomware?

Before we jump to the Cerber v4.0 prevention strategies, we should first introduce two main channels through which it usually travels: malicious spam campaigns and malvertising. Spam has always been a popular technique to deliver potentially dangerous software or malicious links straight to the users’ computers. Spam campaigns were at their peak in 2010 and were steadily decreasing since, but in 2016, they have dramatically spiked once again. Can it be related to an increase of ransomware popularity? It is highly probable. Sending ransomware by email has been proven an effective technique, so there is no reason for the malware creators not to use it for their own purposes. Thus, you have to learn how to recognize potentially infected emails and avoid opening them. Usually, such emails will come from unknown senders and urge you to download the added attachments. Be very careful about opening emails received from governmental institutions because the hackers may be working under their name.

Malvertising is another technique which is actively exploited by ransomware developers. Malicious ads, fake software update pop-ups, lottery winnings are just a small part of the fraudulent online content which can be used to distribute Cerber v4.0 malware throughout the web. The users who give in to the temptation and click such offers simply allow the malware to install on their computers. So how do you know what ads may be dangerous and which ones are safe to interact with? In reality, it is very tricky to distinguish the two, so the only way you can diminish the risk of stumbling on an infectious ad is by regularly scanning your PC for potential adware infections and avoiding unfamiliar domains.

Important things to know about Cerber v4.0 removal:

If you already on this part of the article, you are most likely looking for Cerber v4.0 virus elimination tips. Having in mind the seriousness of this virus, you should not waste your time and proceed with the removal immediately. Since the latest version of Cerber has been especially improved in the area of antivirus defense, your virus-fighting utility may have trouble detecting and eliminating it. So, before Cerber v4.0 removal, we suggest going through the instructions provided at the end of this article. When you are done with the virus decontamination, you should then initiate the full system scan again and remove Cerber v4.0 for good.