CrazyCrypt ransomware (Virus Removal Instructions) - Bonus: Decryption Steps

What is CrazyCrypt ransomware?

CrazyCrypt ransomware is a cryptovirus based on other threats, that releases three new versions in the span of a week

CrazyCrypt ransomware is a file locking virus that is most likely distributed from Brazil

CrazyCrypt is a cryptovirus that was first spotted by security researchers in late February 2019. It is based on a variety of other notorious viruses, including Dharma, HiddenTear, Stupid and Jigsaw. The authors borrowed various parts of these viruses and mixed them up into a new string. CrazyCrypt ransomware uses AES-256^[1] for the encryption and appends .crazy file extension to databases, documents, pictures, videos, etc., which prevents victims from accessing the data. Malware then drops ransom note FILES ENCRYPTED.txt, as well as a pop-up window which includes a message from the authors. They ask users to pay $500 in Bitcoin for file decryption tool. Soon after the initial release, CrazyCrypt 2.1 ransomware was released, using a slightly different pop-up window, and crazydecrypt@horsefxxker.org (censored) contact email. Also a few days after the first discovery CrazyCrypt 3.19 sample was spotted by malware researchers in MalwareHunterTeam. Same emails as the first variant and other features, but this time the payment window is slightly different. According to some reports, the virus is spread from Brazil, mostly with the help of fake Flash player or Shockwave updates. During the past few days, researchers have discovered another variant of this infamous ransomware virus, known as CrazyCrypt 4.1. Crooks provide the buykey@decryptionsales.online email message to make contact and talk about data recovery options. These people also urge Bitcoin^[2] as the type of currency for the ransom price.

CrazyCrypt ransomware can also be spread with the help of other methods, including spam emails,^[3] unprotected RDP, re-packed installers, torrent files, etc. For prevention tips, check out the second part of the article. As for now, you should focus on CrazyCrypt ransomware removal process.

Upon infiltration, CrazyCrypt shuts down several processes, including:

• VBoxService
• TiGeR-Firewall
• CodeReflect
• Sandboxie Control
• regedit
• msconfig
• SbieCtrl, etc.

It is not unusual for ransomware to perform various system modifications, such as shutting down processes, spawning new ones, uploading files, downloading files, modifying Windows registry, deleting shadow volume copies, etc. CrazyCrypt virus performs these procedures to ensure persistence and increased evasion. Nevertheless, the initial release, as well as CrazyCrypt 2.1, are both recognized by more than 40 anti-virus vendors.

However, regardless of the strange numeric pattern of these versions, the third variant CracyCrypt 3.19 came soon after the previous two. This time only 24 out of 66 AV engines are indicating this virus as malicious. Although not many things have been changed from the first version since the virus delivers the same FILES ENCRYPTED.txt ransom note to the desktop, payment window looks slightly different.

The red Crazy Crypt 3.19 program window delivers a ransom message. Virus developers require payment in Bitcoin and offer free decryption of one file. The email addresses displayed on these samples are the same as previously, f.e buykey@decryptionsales.online.

CrazyCrypt 3.19 ransomware is yet another version besides CrazyCrypt and CrazyCrypt 2.1 variants that came out in the same week of February 2019. Once the virus establishes itself, it begins the file encryption procedure, which usually lasts a few seconds (depending on the HDD size of the victim). Data is modified, for example, a picture.jpg is turned into picture.jpg.id.E48AV9BE.Buykey@decryptionsales.online.crazy., which stops users from accessing any of such modified files. This modification pattern is highly based on Dharma ransomware.

Then, CrazyCrypt ransomware drops a brief ransom note which states:

all your data has been locked us
You want return?
write email:
crazycrypt@bk.ru
and tells us your unique ID:

Talking about the most reason ransomware version, known as CrazyCrypt 4.1, it also provides a ransom message where crooks urge Bitcoin as the type of currency. This cryptocurrency is extremely popular and used worldwide as it secures all transfers but does not require any personal details. Additionally, criminals include their official website in the note: www.decryptionsales.online.

CrazyCrypt 4.1 ransomware is also another version of CrazyCrypt which demands Bitcoin in exchange for the decryption key

Experts^[4] do not recommend contacting criminals or paying a ransom, as the link “I made a payment, now give me my files back,” located in the pop-up window, does not work. Thus, paying ransom will not do anything, and you will only end up losing your money.

If you did not have backups, you should instead make use of alternative recovery methods below. But first, you have to delete the virus from your system. For complete CrazyCrypt ransomware removal, we recommend using one of the anti-virus engines that recognize the threat, such as FortectIntego (based on Avira).^[5]

CrazyCrypt is a ransomware-type virus that uses components of other four notorious ransomware families

Ways to avoid devastating ransomware infection

Ransomware is one of the most devastating malware one can infect the computer with. While the infection itself can be removed relatively easily in most cases, the destruction of the threat lies in what ransomware virus leaves behind – the locked up files do not get decrypted, as a unique decryption key is required to unlock data. Imagine it to be like a password that only works for one victim.

The access to the decryptor is only available to cybercriminals, so, technically, only they can provide the key to locked files. However, as practice shows, it is not what usually happens, and users are left with empty pockets after being scammed. For that reason, it is best not to get infected with ransomware in the first place. Here's how you can decrease the infection chance to a minimum:

• Employ reputable security application and keep it updated;
• Regularly patch your system and software with security updates;
• Use strong passwords when using such services as RDP;
• Employ other tools that can help improve online safety: ad-blocker, VPN, Firewall, etc.;
• Beware that spam emails pose a great hazard, as attachments or hyperlinks are often malicious and lead to ransomware or other malware infections;
• Stay away from high-risk websites, such as porn, gambling, torrent, and similar;
• Scan all unknown files or URLs with tools like Virus Total.

Terminate CrazyCrypt ransomware and only then proceed with file recovery attempts

To remove CrazyCrypt ransomware, you should immediately download and install anti-malware software that detects the threat. Beware that AV engines use different databases, so it is normal that not all of them detect different viruses.

Once you install the security tool like FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes, enter Safe Mode with Networking so that malware would not interfere with the program's operation. Safe Mode is an environment where troubleshooting of various problems can be solved appropriately.

When you complete CrazyCrypt ransomware removal, you can then attempt file recovery. As we already mentioned, the safest way to recover your data is by using backups.

Unfortunately, not many victims have such backups prepared and often end up without recovery solutions. However, you should not lose hope, as some third-party software or some Windows features might help you under certain conditions. Follow the guide below.