.Cerber3 file extension virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
.Cerber3 is a dangerous crypto-malware infection
Questions about .Cerber3 file extension virus
.Cerber3 is a file-encrypting virus which is considered to be an upgraded version of an infamous Cerber virus. It encodes data on the victimized computer with the help of sophisticated algorithms and appends .cerber3 extension afterward. Users are informed about the attack in # HELP DECRYPT #.txt ransom note which demands to pay for the decryption tool in Bitcoins. Unfortunately, experts warn that paying the ransom is not a wise decision.
| Name | .Cerber3 file extension virus or Cerber3 ransomware virus |
|---|---|
| Type | Ransomware |
| Extension | .cerber3 |
| Ransom note | # HELP DECRYPT #.txt |
| Related versions | Cerber; Cerber 2.0; Cerber 3.0; Cerber 4.0; Cerber 5.0; Cerber 6.0 |
| Decryptable | No |
| Symptoms | After infection, files are locked, and the user is demanded to pay 1.24 Bitcoins for the decryption |
| Removal | Since it is impossible to uninstall Cerber3 ransomware manually, we suggest using Reimage |
While the previous versions of Cerber3 ransomware are decryptable, this file-encrypting virus which is lurking in the cyberspace since 2016 is still undecryptable. However, there are still ways how you can get back the access to your files without making the transaction to the crooks.
In order to get back their files, crooks claim that people have to transfer some Bitcoins via particular payment website. However, paying the ransom is not as easy as you may think at first. Victims can access this site only via Tor browser[1] which provides anonymity.
The ransom note of .Cerber3 informs its victims about the attack and provides a brief explanation of what data encryption is. Criminals attach multiple personalized Tor Browser links at the end of the message for the user to receive further information. Although remember, you should NOT pay the ransom.
An extract from Cerber3's ransom note:
C_E_R_B_E_R R_A_N_S_O_M_W_A_R_E
Cannot you find the files you need? Is the content of the files that you looked for not readable??? It is normal because the files' names, as well as the data in your files have been encrypted. Great! You have turned to be a part of a big community “#Cerb3r Ransomware”.
While reaching out for your credit card, think whether you want to pay that ransom[2]. We understand that you need your personal files and that they are very important to you, but remember that cyber criminals are people that are not worth your trust. Do you believe that they actually provide the decryption program and that it is going to be malware-free?
Sadly, cybercriminals might send a malicious component alongside the decryption software, making your computer vulnerable and exposed to risks. Besides, another reason not to pay is the fact that cybercriminals continue their malicious activities only because victims keep paying them.
Instead, you should fight back and not pay up! Remove .Cerber3 file extension virus from the system and do everything to prevent a repetition of such situation. Malware researchers might be able to create a free decryption tool soon, so we definitely do not recommend you to waste your money by paying these crooks.
For Cerber3 removal, we recommend using a Reimage software. A professional antivirus program will help you to eliminate this dangerous cyber threat from your system. Note that this is the easiest way to uninstall the ransomware since the security software will do all the job for you.
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
Additionally, after you get rid of .Cerber3, make sure to check the decryption instructions attached at the end of this article. There you will find multiple ways which might help to recover individual or all files which have been encrypted by the malware. Make sure to try them all to find the best solution for you.
Betabot is a trojan horse which helps to spread the ransomware worldwide
Beta bot[3] is a dangerous trojan program that is designed to disable your antivirus systems and let inside other cyber threats or steal data. Likewise, this malicious application is used in ransomware distribution techniques as well. Unfortunately, its elimination is extremely complicated, so you must take every precaution possible to avoid it in the first place.
You can infect your PC with this malware after visiting unsafe, suspicious or fake Internet pages, opening questionable emails or clicking on forged links. If you are ever unsure about the safety of the Internet website that you are going to visit, just do not enter it. If you do not know the person who had sent you an email, do not open it, or its attachments. Keep your computer protected at all times.
Cyber criminals use new techniques now to deceive computer users, and several different ransomware prevention actions should be taken in order to protect the computer system from this virus. There are some tips on how you can protect your computer and your files from being impacted by ransomware virus:
- Install a good anti-malware software. It is the only one that can identify the ransomware and prevent it from invading the PC system without your knowledge.
- Keep all your programs up-to-date. It does not matter what sort of programs you have on your PC, make sure that they are all updated to their latest versions. It is a good idea to enable automatic updates – this way, these programs will be instantly updated as soon as their developer releases a new update.
Cerber3 virus elimination from the system
If you have never encountered a file-encrypting virus and merely interested in how to uninstall Cerber3 ransomware, we suggest you to write down some essential steps which should be taken prior to the elimination — keep backups of your system files and avoid visiting shady websites, downloading suspicious content or obtaining software illegally to protect your computer from ransomware attack.
In case you have already become a victim of this ransomware, remove .Cerber3 virus as soon as you can. It is highly NOT recommended to do it manually. Only advanced computer users and IT experts might be able to do it correctly. Our team advises using automatic malware removal software like Reimage, Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner, or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes to remove the virus in a right way.
Instructions provided below will help you to start .Cerber3 removal since the virus might be robust enough to prevent you from installing a professional antivirus. For that, NoVirus.uk[4] experts warn that you might need to boot your computer into Safe Mode by following the guide which is presented below.
To remove .Cerber3 virus, follow these steps:
Remove .Cerber3 using Safe Mode with Networking
Cerber3 file virus might prevent you from installing, updating and scanning the computer with a security software. If it happens, follow the instructions below. They will help you to reboot your device and start the automatic removal.
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Remove .Cerber3
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete .Cerber3 removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove .Cerber3 using System Restore
Another method to force automatic .cerber3 file removal is presented below:
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
-
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of .Cerber3. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove .Cerber3 from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.Please, do not consider paying the ransom. If you do not have data backups, try additional data recovery methods that may help to recover at least some of your files.
If your files are encrypted by .Cerber3, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro method may help to restore files encrypted by .cerber3 file extension virus
Although this is not the official decryption tool, this software might help you to recover your encrypted records. Instructions on how to use this program are provided below.
- 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 .Cerber3 ransomware;
- Restore them.
Use Windows Previous Versions method to restore files encrypted by .cerber3 file virus
If System Restore feature has been enabled on your PC, you might have a chance to recover your files using these instructions:
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
Try ShadowExplorer method to recover files encrypted by Cerber 3 virus
This method works only if virus authors forget to add delete-shadow-copies feature to the virus. It might not work, but you can still try:
- 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.
Cerber3 decryptor is not created yet.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from .Cerber3 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes
About the author
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References
- ^ What is Tor Browser and Why Hacker Use This Tor Browser. WhatsUpHackers. Latest Hacking News.
- ^ Peter Stancik. Ransomware: To pay or not to pay?. WeLiveSecurity. News, Views, and Insight from the ESET security community.
- ^ What is Beta Bot? Definition. Kaspersky Labs. Developer of anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and personal firewall products.
- ^ NoVirus. NoVirus. Security and Spyware news.
September 1st, 2016 at 7:07 am
I cant remove this virus out of my computer!!
September 1st, 2016 at 7:07 am
Have you started it in a safe mode already? maybe are you trying to delete it manually?!!
September 1st, 2016 at 9:05 am
There must be a way to decrypt .cerber3 files! I I wont get these files by tomorrow I can consider myself dead!
September 9th, 2016 at 11:19 am
Sir, I am also a victim of this cerber3.I was very angry on
these shit dudes. But I didnt lost my mind. They demand 500$.
September 1st, 2016 at 9:06 am
I have removed the virus and recovered my files from a backup.
December 5th, 2016 at 6:20 am
Wondering how to decrypt? I used Cerber3 decrypters on 2-spyware and they helped me
December 5th, 2016 at 9:20 am
Dear visitor,
We are glad that you have recovered your files! We hope that you will never run in a similar virus again. Stay safe on the Internet!
December 8th, 2016 at 4:48 am
As known recently most of users have been infected ransomware virus which changes all important documents like (pdf,doc,docx, xls,xlsx,dwg,mp3,mp4,mpeg,avi,vb) to “.vvv, .ecc, .ezz, .exx, .xyz, .zzz, .aaa, .abc, .ccc, .xxx, .ttt, .micro, .mp3, .xtbl, .cerber, .enc, .encrypted, 6 random extension and no extension in some variants” are encrypted and not usable/readable unfortunately. I can help infected users to decrypt their files, you can contact with me with below email address if you or one of your friend had been infected this kind of virus. ,,,,,,…..,,,,,,,
Email: mcerdem82@yahoo.com
December 8th, 2016 at 2:53 am
Dear M.Cihan Erdem,
Why don’t you share your methods with all victims here? We could also update the article and help victims find necessary information faster.
March 12th, 2017 at 6:37 am
I cant remove cerber3. virus..
plzz ell me metho to remove it…