Cryakl ransomware / virus (Removal Guide) - 2021 update

Cryakl virus Removal Guide

What is Cryakl ransomware virus?

Cryakl ransomware does not give up: latest variant spotted on the wild in January 2020

Cryakl ransomware Displays ransom noteCryakl ransomware replaces desktop background to inform victims about an attack

Cryakl ransomware is a term used to describe a crypto-ransomware virus[1], which seek to lock personal files on the infected machine and demand victims to pay a ransom. According to researchers, it uses a combination of AES and RSA encryption algorithms to lock files on a target system and appends .cryakl file extension to distinguish them from the others. Although it does not belong to the ransomware family, its developers attempt to mimic the infamous Locky ransomware.

Cryakl has been first detected in 2017. Soon after the first detection, its developers released a new variant of Cryakl ransomware, which is known as Fairy Tail ransomware manifested. In contrast to the predecessor, the latter switched to the .fairytail and the more complicated one “[email address].ver-[cl malware version].id-[victim's id]-[month]@[day]@[year] [hour]@[minute]@[seconds] [am/pm].random name-[random file name].[random extension]” file extensions, while the rest of the traits were not changed.

Name Cryakl virus, Cryakl ransomware
Also know Fantomas due to the background image used
Versions Fairy tail, Cryak v1.5.1.0
Extensions used
  • .cryakl
  • .fairytail
  • .[email address].ver-[cl malware version].id-[victim's id]-[month]@[day]@[year] [hour]@[minute]@[seconds] [am/pm].random name-[random file name].[random extension]
  • .[omegawatch@protonmail.com][victim's_ID].[random_letters]
  • .email-dorispackman@tuta.io.ver-CL http://1.5.1.0.id -1614714137-578233478334310455516964.fname-README.txt.doubleoffset
Common detection Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Cryakl
Encryption used A combination of AES and RSA
Distribution techniques It is distributed through archived email attachments as a malicious Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Cryakl payload. The emails typically mimic various associations local to the targeted area
Symptoms The ransomware initiates the system's changes, modifies boot files, registry entries, and then unravels the encryption software. Consequently, all non-system files get unusual extensions. The desktop background is replaced, as well as text file is generated on the desktop
Decryption People can decrypt files locked by the initial Cryakl, Fairy Tail, and Cryak v1.5.1.0 versions with a free Cryakl decryption software developed by Kaspersky. It is available for free on NoMoreRansom[2] website
Removal Before removing the ransomware, make copies of the encrypted files to prevent permanent file loss. Then restart PC into Safe Mode and perform a full scan with a professional AV tool
Tip Fix virus damage with FortectIntego repair tool. It will check registries, processes, and files for damage and will fix them for good

In January 2018, the Belgian Federal Police collaborating with Kaspersky Lab released a free Cryakl decryptor, which can also unlock files encrypted by .fairytail file extension virus. The release of free decryptor induced crooks to invent modified versions of this virus. The latest variant revealed at the beginning of March 2018 is known as Cryak v1.5.1.0. It encodes personal victim's files with email-dorispackman@tuta.io.ver-CL http://1.5.1.0.id -1614714137-578233478334310455516964.fname-README.txt.doubleoffset file extension, which can hardly be unnoticed. It generates a README.txt ransom note, which provides a dorispackman@tuta.io email address to be contacted for more information.

As we have mentioned, to encode the victim's files, Cryakl virus, or its later versions, use AES and RSA algorithms. These mathematically complicated sets of codes are used to encrypt (public key) and decrypt (private key) the data on the infected computer. Unfortunately, the decryption key that belongs to developers of Cryakl ransomware is closely guarded on a secret remote server, so there is no way to get it without making a payment.

Once the virus finishes its first part of the operation, it drops readme.txt file on the computer's desktop that provides a detailed ransomware note[3] explaining what should be done to unlock encrypted data. Typically, the victim has to write an email to virus developers and receive an address that should be used to transfer the ransom. Email addresses that have been given by Cryakl developers include:

  • base1c1c1c@gmail.com
  • cryptolocker@aol.com
  • deskripshen1c@gmail.com
  • deskr1000@gmail.com
  • d_madre@aol.com
  • eric.decoder10@gmail.com
  • gcaesar2@aol.com
  • helpdecrypt123@gmail.com
  • helpfiledeskript111@gmail.com
  • help163btc@163.com
  • hontekilla@aol.com
  • iizomer@aol.com
  • ivanivanov34@aol.com
  • igor_svetlov2@aol.com
  • load180@aol.com
  • mserbinov@aol.com
  • masfantomas@aol.com
  • marivanna1953@gmail.com
  • moshiax@aol.com,
  • monica.moka@aol.com
  • madeled@mail.ru
  • ninja.gaiver@aol.com
  • systemsinfo32@gmail.com
  • sishelp100@gmail.com
  • scasiva@aol.com
  • seven_legion2@aol.com
  • vpupkin3@aol.com
  • vernutfiles@gmail.com
  • watnik91@aol.com
  • watnik91@gmail.com
  • base1c1c1c@gmail.com,
  • deskripshen1c@gmail.com
  • omegawatch@protonmail.com

If you have been considering making a payment, keep in mind that, even if the money is transferred, there is no guarantee that hackers will really give you a chance to access your files. According to PC experts, you should not even consider paying up. Instead, read on to find out how to remove Cryakl virus from your computer and what methods can you use for your files' recovery. If you are in a hurry, run a full system scan with FortectIntego.

The first version of this malware emerged in the first weeks of April 2017. Since then, it has been believed that the virus is discontinued. However, recently, security researcher Michael Gillespie noticed a new version of this ransomware – Fairy tail ransomware.[4]

Cryakl ransomware variantCryakl virus developers release new variants since 2017

Just like previous versions, this Cryakl virus variant is quite discreet as it does not disclose much information about its intentions nor its requirements. The virus executes its malicious files, it might be either schvost.exe or another file which resembles an ordinary and a legitimate system file. Afterward, it starts searching for the files matching the extensions from the following list:

.dif, .dip, .djv, .djvu, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .dtd, .dwg, .dxf, .eml, .eps, .fdb, .fla, .flv, .frm, .gadget, .gbk, .gbr, .ged, .gif, .gpg, .gpx, .gz, .h, .htm, .html, .hwp, .ibd, .ibooks, .iff, .indd, .jar, .java, .jks, .jpg, .js, .jsp, .key, .kml, .kmz, .lay, .lay6, .ldf, .lua, .m3u, .m4a, .m4v, .max, .mdb, .mdf, .mfd, .mid, .mkv, .mml.

The virus targets the most popular file formats to inflict as much damage as possible. It can attach .cryakl, .fairytail and other extensions to the corrupted files to mark them as corrupted ones. The unique code is subsequently sent to a command-and-control C&C server.

In most of cases, the virus replaces the desktop background with brief information on the attack and contacts of the developers. Besides, it is sometimes dubbed as Fantomas, due to the picture of a French movie villain used in the background.

Since Cryakl ransomware employed a set of two related mathematical codes, it seems that there is no other way to recover the files except by paying the demanded ransom. Fortunately, you do not have to pay cybercriminals. Security experts at Kaspersky Lab have released a free Cryakl Decryptor which can be downloaded from Kaspersky’s official anti-ransomware project’s website.

In case the decryptor by Kaspersky Lab does not work, you can try a new version created by a malware researcher James Gourley. He claims that the decryptor works for both – .cryakl and .fairytail virus versions.[5] Since its release on the 30th of January 2018, multiple updates have been made; thus, increasing the chances of successful decryption.

Nevertheless, we cannot assure you that both decryptors will work with the latest versions of the virus. To see what can be done with your files, make sure you take care of the Cryakl removal first.

Image of Cryakl ransomwareCryakl ransomware virus uses AES and RSA encryption algorithms

Cryakl ransomware keeps evolving: latest update found at the beginning of 2020

With the release of the Cryakl decryptor by Kasperky's group, it has been widely discussed about the end of the ransomware. However, even though it's not the most proliferate crypto-ransomware on the landscape, its developers are not going to give up easily.

Cryakl noteCryakl uses an image of French villain, which is why it may be dubbed as Fantomas

Cybersecurity researchers reported a new Cryakl version in the middle of January 2020. Although the latest version does not deviate much from its ancestors, its core has been modified in a way to prevent decryption. It uses RSA and AES mix cryptography and appends [omegawatch@protonmail.com][victim's_ID].[random_letters] extension to locked files. It also generates a README.txt text file on the desktop, which says:

encrypted files ? write you country to
omegawatch@protonmail.com

The latest variant is targeting Russian PC users in particular, although it's real proliferation is still under investigation. If you have been infected by this virus, we highly recommend you to make copies of the encrypted data on a USB flash or cloud and then remove Cryakl from the system.

Upon Cryakl removal, download the Kaspersky's decryption software that was used to decrypt files locked by .cryakl and .fairytail extensions. There is a possibility that crooks did not do much and the algorithm can be deciphered.

Carefully opening emails can save you from ransomware attacks

It is a common strategy among the majority of hackers to spread their destructive malware through spam emails. Unfortunately, this technique still proves to be highly profitable. Cybercriminals have become so creative that they are now able to forge fake emails that look like to be sent from transportation companies, customs, or local institutions.

Users who haven't encountered ransomware before and are unaware of ransomware distribution options should be very careful with emails from unknown senders. Make sure you double-check the attachment and, if you have even the smallest doubts, ignore the message.

FBI has already encouraged people to stay alerted and avoid peeking at similar spam emails. When in doubt, you should contact the company, institution directly to avoid further damage caused by the malware.

Unlock files with a free decryptorCryakl ransowmare has been cracked by NoMoreRansom project. Free descriptor for older versions available

Cryakl removal should be performed before the file recovery process

If this virus has already taken control of your computer, we suggest you to shift to the automatic elimination immediately. For that, you have to install Cryakl removal utility, e.g., FortectIntego or Malwarebytes, and update it. Later on, start scanning the operating system and let your antivirus detect all the malicious files. After this process is complete, the program will automatically perform Cryakl removal on your computer. You may be required to restart your device after that.

Also, keep in mind that the anti-spyware application does not decode the files, it merely terminates the virus itself. For decoding your files, you may use two different decryptors provided below. Lastly, if you ran into some disturbances and cannot remove Cryakl because the security application simply won’t launch, check the access recovery guidelines provided below.

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Cryakl virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

To remove Cryakl with Safe Mode with Networking, you need to use the following steps:

Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.

Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking

Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment. 

Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes

Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

Step 4. Delete virus files

Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):

    %AppData%
    %LocalAppData%
    %ProgramData%
    %WinDir%

After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.

Remove Cryakl using System Restore

To get rid of this virus completely, try System Restore method.

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Cryakl. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that Cryakl removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Cryakl from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

We are accustomed to hearing about successful ransomware attack cases that end up with data and even financial loss. Luckily, it does not seem to be the case with Cryakl virus. This infection can be easily decrypted using the Cryakl decryption tool. However, if your computer is infected with some new generation Cryakl version and decryption does not work. We present several data recovery suggestions below. 

If your files are encrypted by Cryakl, you can use several methods to restore them:

Using Data Recovery Pro to unlock blocked files

This automatic data recovery technique is especially suitable for those, who are less proficient with computers and wish for a quick and effortless recovery. Though there are no guarantees that the computer will be fully restored to its previous state, there is a chance that you will be able to get back at least some of the files that you've lost during the virus attack.  

  • 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 Cryakl ransomware;
  • Restore them.

File recovery using Windows Previous Versions feature

Before you head to the recovery instructions below, keep in mind that this method is useful when System Restore function was enabled pre-virus infiltration. 

  • 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”.

Data recovery option using ShadowExplorer

ShadowExplorer is a useful technique to use if you are infected with some less aggressive ransomware virus which does not delete Volume Shadow Copies of the files and ShadowExplorer can recover your data using them. Please follow the instructions below to try this method out.

  • 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.

Data recovery using Cryakl Decryptor

The fastest and most guaranteed way of data decryption is the application of Cryakl Decryptor tool. You can obtain this tool by clicking the previously indicated hyperlink or by visiting official Kaspersky's website. However, we cannot guarantee that the program works with the latest virus versions.

Alternatively, you can try James Gourley's Cryakl/FAIRYTAIL decryptor. As we already mentioned, this version has been updated several times, increasing the chances of successful decryption.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Cryakl and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet. 

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.

About the author
Lucia Danes
Lucia Danes - Virus researcher

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References
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