CryLock ransomware (Virus Removal Guide) - Recovery Instructions Included

CryLock virus Removal Guide

What is CryLock ransomware?

CryLock ransomware – a new version of the infamous Cryakl cryptovirus

CryLock ransomwareCryLock ransomware is a file locking computer infection that might not provide decryption tool until ransom is paid

CryLock ransomware is a virus made for money extorsion – it encrypts victims' personal files and demands a ransom for decryption tools. This cryptovirus is a new version of Cryakl ransomware that was first detected earlier this year (April of 2020). Just like its predecessors, the virus encrypts all non-system data, like photos, documents, archives, etc., and appends a three-part extension to that data.

CryLock ransomware assigns extensions and file changes quite a bit differently than other strains – it appends a random three-letter string (although latest variants add no extension at all). The more typical trait is that it also uses a contact email and the user ID. There have been several versions seen in the wild, for example:

  • file.doc.[darkmask@mailfence.com][fervis].[98252B9E-3FE98E00]
  • file.doc.[flydragon@mailfence.com][sel4auto].[A15F580C-524AC4DB]

A ransom note pop-up window abruptly appears after the encryption process is completed. Within it, developers of the CryLock virus state that only they have the required tool for decryption and that the victims will have to pay them to receive it. To show proof that such a tool exists, the cybercriminals offer the victims to send them up to three files (no more than 5 MB) for a test decryption. Users should send the files by email to one of the provided addresses (edited due to its vulgar nature): grand@horsef***er.org or horsef***er@tuta.io.

name CryLock ransomware, CryLock virus
type Ransomware, Cryptoware
relations A new variant of Cryakl cryptovirus
appended file extension There are several variants available, but the virus follows the following pattern to change files: filename.file_extension.[email][random_string].[victim's_ID].random_string.
Ransom note A pop-up window with instructions appears after encryption is completed
Criminal contact details Several email addresses are provided to establish contact: grand@horsef***er.org, horsef***er@tuta.io, tomascry@protonmail.com, markcry@pm.me, bigbosscry@pm.me, uspex1@cock.li, flydragon@mailfence.com
Infection Aftermath All personal data is inaccessible and renamed. A pop-up window with ransom demand emerges
malware removal To remove CryLock ransomware, and any other malware, use a professional anti-malware software
system health System health check is in order after CryLock ransomware removal. Use the FortectIntego to automatically get your device back on its feet

The perpetrators also give a unique ID for all victims. Also, two timers are given: one that indicates the time left to pay the ransom or the payment will be increased; the other shows how much time is left until files are permanently lost. Additionally, like in Recoverydatas or Pay2Key ransomware, the creators of CryLock cryptovirus are warning their victims not to rename the encrypted files or try using any third-party decrypting software as that may lead to data being undecryptable.

In most cases, the cybercriminals are not lying about one thing – they're the only ones that can unlock encrypted files. But dealing with the criminals is the worst option a victim can do. Numerous reasons not to pay the ransom[1]. Most likely, it will lead to a lose-lose situation where the unfortunate users will not only lose money but never regain access to their data too.

[darkmask@mailfence.com][fervis] or [flydragon@mailfence.com][sel4auto] extensions[darkmask@mailfence.com][fervis] is just many of extensions that you could see after infecting your computer with CryLock virus

We recommend abolishing the virus from your infected device immediately. To remove CryLock ransomware with a push of a button, we advise using SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. Anti-malware software is a must these days, considering how many different malicious programs are created every day.

When CryLock ransomware removal is completed, users shouldn't forget to do a full system check-up. Experts[2] suggest using the FortectIntego system tune-up tool to find any changes that the file-locking parasite has done to system files and its settings and restore them.

Money extortion message in the ransom note pop-up window:

Price is raised! Your files have been encrypted… Price is raised!Your files will be lost after

What happened?
All your documents, databases, backups and other important files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. The only way to recover files is to purchase a unique private decryption key. If you want to recover files, write to us by e-mail: grand@horsef***er.org with the following details:
External IP
You unique ID [512064768-1578909375] [copy]
The price depends on how fast you write to us, on timers you can see how many time do you have before price increasing. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files. In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this e-mail: horsef***er@tuta.io [copy]

Any guarantees?
Before paying you can send us up to 3 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 5Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

Attention!

Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
Use trusted email clients (gmail.com, protonmail.com, aol.com, etc.) for communication; sometimes your letters do not reach us from corporate letters.
Communication with us lasts 2-4 weeks, then we block mail for communication
Your ID [512064768-1578909375] [copy] Write to grand@horsef***er.org [copy]

CryLock ransomware virusCryLock ransomware is crypto-extortion-based malware that stems from Cryakl family

Places where different types of malware are usually hidden

Malware such as ransomware, trojan horses[3], and such are spread out through the internet and hidden in many different places. The most common way to get your computer system infected is by opening spam emails and visiting malicious sites, like torrent file-sharing platforms.

With so-called spam campaigns, cybercriminals send out millions of emails either with infectious email attachments or hyperlinks that redirect unaware users to malicious websites. If any of these options is opened, a payload file is downloaded into the device, and infection starts. Always have an updated anti-malware software watching your back.

Cybercriminals can disguise their created malware as any file type (.exe, .pdf, .jpeg, .txt, and so on). So torrent websites are an ideal place to hide their creations. They can name the files whatever they think will appeal to the soon to be victims and upload them. Users should never download any software, cracks (illegal activation toolkits), or any other suspicious material from these sites.

CryLock ransomware removal instructions and system repair guide

Having your system infected is a nightmare. The first step victims should do is to delete the malware immediately. We suggest SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes anti-virus software to remove CryLock ransomware automatically and prevent from future incidents. Unfortunately, removing the virus won't unlock your infected files (which means that, the file [darkmask@mailfence.com][fervis].[victim's_ID] or [flydragon@mailfence.com][sel4auto].[victim's_ID] will remain unchanged and still unusable), but it won't delete them also. If you had backups, don't rush to use them till you're done with the second step (below this paragraph). If you didn't have backups, export all contaminated files to offline storage, like a USB drive, and wait for a public decryption tool to be created.

Cryakl virus detectionCryakl ransomware can be stopped if a robust security program is installed on the host machine

The second step is to repair your devices corrupted system files and settings. We advise using the FortectIntego system tweaking tool to automatically detect and reverse any changes that the virus has done. Users that neglect the health of their computer systems after CryLock ransomware removal might experience severe lags, overheating, crashing, etc.

Offer
do it now!
Download
Fortect Happiness
Guarantee
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Intego Happiness
Guarantee
Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
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 CryLock virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

If you can't delete malware in a regular mode, access Safe Mode with Networking as explained below:

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 CryLock using System Restore

If available, System Restore can be used as well:

  • 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 CryLock. 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 CryLock removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

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

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

Data Recovery Pro might help you to recover your files

If you do not use your machine a lot after the infection, Data Recovery Pro could, in some cases, retrieve at least some of your lost files.

  • 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 CryLock ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Make use of Windows Previous Versions

This method might be able to restore files one-by-one, but it only works under certain circumstances.

  • 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”.

ShadowExplorer option

ShadowExplorer should be able to restore all your files if malware failed to delete Shadow Copies from your device.

  • 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.

No decryption tool is currently available

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

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Access your website securely from any location

When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.

If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.

 

Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks

While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.

Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection. 

 

About the author
Olivia Morelli
Olivia Morelli - Ransomware analyst

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