Cryp70n1c ransomware (Removal Guide) - Decryption Methods Included
Cryp70n1c virus Removal Guide
What is Cryp70n1c ransomware?
Cryp70n1c blackmails users to pay the ransom for the encoded files
Cryp70n1c (also known as Cryp70n1c Army) is a HiddenTear-based[1] ransomware virus that spreads as a fake PDF cracker. Once installed, it starts data encryption procedure. It uses AES cryptography and appends .cryp70n1c file extension for targeted data. Then it provides shady decryption offer in READ_IT.txt file placed on the desktop.
When a user downloads a malicious program, it creates a new folder with ransomware-related files: C:\Users\Clinton\Desktop\CRYPTONIC HACKING TOOLS\hidden tear online with server\hidden-tear-master\hidden-tear\hidden-tear\obj\x86\Debug\hidden-tear.pdb. Then Cryp70n1c virus starts data encryption procedure and locks all popular file extension with a sophisticated cipher.
Furthermore, authors of the Cryp70n1c ransomware informs about a hacked computer in the ransom note. They ask to send 0.05 Bitcoins to the provided address and send an email to ransom@deliveryman.com. Victims have to follow the orders within 3 days time; otherwise, encrypted files will be deleted. However, security experts do not recommend trying to recover lost files in such way.
Following data encryption, Cryp70n1c Army ransomware changes affected computer’s desktop picture with a skull image that resembles the one used by Petya ransomware. However, these cyber threats are not related. The new wallpaper includes a short, threatening message as well:
We are the Cryptonic Army
All data files have been locked and in 3 days they will be deleted unless you pay us
Please find the text file on your desktop for instructions
Instead of following criminals’ instructions, you should remove Cryp70n1c from the device as soon as possible. The malicious program makes the system vulnerable and might open a backdoor to other cyber threats. Additionally, the infiltration of ransomware prevents from using the computer normally due to system slowdowns, crashing programs, and similar errors.
Thus, you should dedicate some time for Cryp70n1c removal. For that you, you will have to reboot the computer to Safe Mode with Networking and use reputable malware removal tools, such as FortectIntego.
Hackers offer to join Army Cryptonic
Cyber criminals not only targets computer users and wants to swindle their money, but create a whole hackers community. They have a website where they suggest joining their team and “take control back” by fighting government and business.
The website reveals that behind Cryp70n1c project stands three hackers who claim to be responsible for “Julius Malema hack,[2] several database dumps as well as defacing 3 government websites”. However, their website is poorly made, and security experts have strong doubts about their capabilities and potential success.
Ransomware spreads as a cracker for PDF
The malicious program spreads as a PDF-Cracker-v2.0.1 file. It pretends to be a cracker for PDF program. Therefore, users who are looking for an illegal way to get software license for free or use suspicious file-sharing networks can be tricked into installing crypto-malware.
However, security experts from No Virus[3] suggest being careful with free downloads, as well as, keeping away from unknown emails and their attachments, software update pop-ups, suspicious ads, and browsing through high-risk websites to minimize the possibility of ransomware attack.
Removal of the Cryp70n1c Army
Cryp70n1c removal should be your priority. The malicious program not only damages the files but negatively impacts the system. Unfortunately, virus removal won’t help to restore files, but once it’s done, you will be able to use backups or try alternative recovery methods.
In order to remove Cryp70n1c, you have to restart the computer to Safe Mode with Networking (instructions below) and run a full system scan with FortectIntego, Malwarebytes or another professional malware removal program.
Getting rid of Cryp70n1c virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Booting to Safe Mode with Networking helps to activate automatic ransomware removal.
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
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- 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.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
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:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
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:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- 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).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- 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 Cryp70n1c using System Restore
System Restore method is also helpful in ransomware elimination process.
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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.
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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.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Cryp70n1c. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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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 Cryp70n1c 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 Cryp70n1c, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro might be helpful in recovering files with .cryp70n1c extension
Even though Data Recovery Pro is not an official Cryp70n1c decryptor, it might still help to restore some of the corrupted data.
- 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 Cryp70n1c ransomware;
- Restore them.
Windows Previous Versions feature
If System Restore was enabled before ransomware attack, you can copy individual file types by following these steps:
- 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
If ransomware failed to delete Shadow Volume Copies of the targeted files, you should take advantage of this tool.
- 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.
Try HiddenTear decryptors
The Cryp70n1c virus is based on HiddenTear which is a decryptable ransomware project. Thus, these tools might help:
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Cryp70n1c and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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- ^ Pierluigi Paganini. Hidden Tear Ransomware is now open Source and available on GitHub. Security Affairs. The website about cyber security.
- ^ Nation Nyoka. 'We have nothing to hide,' Malema after attempted hacking of his email. News 24. News website.
- ^ No Virus. No Virus. Latest cyber security news.