How to remove Creeper ransomware

Creeper ransomware – dangerous cryptovirus that demands a ransom in Monero

Creeper ransomware is a file locking malware which is a file-encrypting cyber infection, which seeks to lock personal files on victims' PC using a sophisticated AES encryption algorithm^[1]. Initially discovered in early 2018, malware is not very prominent, although it comes back with new versions from time to time. Initially, malware appended .creeper or .crypton file extension to the encrypted data, although later attackers added .cripper, and, most recently, .rag2hdst to the list.

Once the Creeper virus encrypts all personal files on the computer, it also drops a ransom note DECRIPT_MY_FILES.txt or DECRIPT_FILES.txt, which demands to pay ransom for the decryption tool, which should be paid in Monero cryptocurrency, which sometimes reaches as much as $1,000. Attackers also provide contact email, which changed over time – the most recent one used is dfs20@keemail.me.

Typically, hackers are requesting to send them a unique code that is indicated on a ransom note. The ransom message displayed by Creeper ransomware reads the following:

Decrypting your files is easy. Take a deep breath and follow the steps below.
1 ) Make the proper payment.
Payments are made in Monero. This is a crypto-currency, like bitcoin.
You can buy Monero, and send it, from the same places you can any other
crypto-currency. If you're still unsure, google 'monero exchange.'
Sign up at one of these exchange sites and send the payment to the address below.
Payment Address (Monero Wallet):
46WDbj1YCQrCfAGW37AJi3Ljr86waWBP1GwoRCeAGcR49xtNvRWpVyXQsqWDxW4qaQ5SxnDB4VnJZRhNaYHuvkAdVaeLeMM
2 ) Farther you should send the following code: *** to email address skgrhk2018@tutanota.com.
Then you will receive all necessary key.
Prices :
Days : Monero : Offer Expires
0-2 : 3 : 03/01/18
3-5 : 5 : 03/04/18
Note: In 6 days your password decryption key gets permanently deleted.
You then have no way to ever retrieve your files. So pay now.

In the text file, the ransomware does not indicate the particular amount of the ransom. The size of the redemption depends on how fast the victim reacts to the current situation. If the victim contacts the developers of the Creeper virus in two days or less, he or she will be asked to pay 3 Monero^[2] coins, which is currently more than 800 USD. The price for those who respond within 3-5 days increases to 5 Monero coins, while the absolute deadline is six days. According to crooks, in 6 days the Creeper decryptor is permanently deleted.

All information related to this virus is originally written in English, so experts speculate that it's oriented to English-speaking users. Since English is a universal language, the prevalence of this crypto-extortionists is expected to be large.

Despite the fact that this file-encrypting virus is not yet decryptable, we strongly encourage you to remove Creeper using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes or another reputable anti-virus (also, we recommend using FortectIntego for virus damage fix). You should not pay the ransom due to two important reasons – money loss and future attacks. You can never know whether the felons creating ransomware virus are conscientious. They may not store a decryptor at all, so after transferring Monero, they may not send you a decryptor or send the one that is not working. Besides, paying the ransom is not a decent move as you will motive crooks to keep initiating their shady activities.

If you are not aware how to initiate Creeper removal or the ransomware keeps blocking your anti-virus continuously, you can follow the instructions provided at the end of this article. You will also find several alternative methods that can help you to decrypt files encrypted by Creeper virus.

Ransomware developers rely on the success of malspam campaigns

According to the latest reports, the usage of drive-by download attacks and exploit kits for ransomware distribution are falling since 2017.^[3] Although some major attacks via RIG EK and other exploit kits have been revealed through the last year, the numbers are decreasing leaving malspam campaigns as the primary distributor of the file-encrypting virus.

However, the revelation of such a tendency does not mean that PC users can stop being careful with suspicious ads or start surfing on illegal and potentially dangerous websites. Precautionary measures have to be in mind all the time because hackers the old virus distribution methods are often refined coming back with the new strength.

One malware distribution strategy seems to be stable – that's spam emails. Hackers use various bots (Necurs most frequently) to disseminate tricky email messages with malicious email attachments. Such messages can mimic various authorities and indicate an attachment as invoice, report, or another official document. Usually, such attachments require to enable Macros and, if the potential victim, does that, he or she unintentionally activates the ransomware.

To protect yourself from similar cyber attacks, experts from virusi.bg^[4] recommend you to keep a reputable anti-virus activated and update it regularly. Besides, avoid interaction with any content that looks suspicious to you. Although people often have a presentiment about email attachments or fake ads on the internet, curiosity often overcomes the fair of getting their PCs infected.

Learn how to remove Creeper virus quickly

Creeper removal can hardly be initiated without the assistance of the anti-virus tool. Unlike less dangerous viruses, ransomware is known for initiating multiple system's changes, including corruption of Registry Entries.
The problem is that you may not be able to remove Creeper virus with the help of an anti-virus. It may prevent the anti-malware tool from being launched and block the installation of a new one. In this kind of situation, you should initiate the steps that are given below.

Once you eliminate Creeper ransomware from the system, you should try to recover your files from Shadow Volume Copies, previous Windows version or use additional data recovery tools. Those who have file backups should skip data recovery steps and go ahead to the recovery from backups.