Crypt38 ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
Description of Crypt38 ransomware
If your PC has been infected with Crypt38 virus, you should not lose your hope to access your files again. It seems that it is not as dangerous as other ransomware variants since this malware is built in a really simple way. It uses a symmetric encryption algorithm, which means that it uses the same key to encrypt and to decrypt victim’s data. So when it infiltrates a computer, it starts encrypting files and appending .crypt38 file extensions to them, and then it displays a message written in Russian language, saying that all files have been locked, and in order to recover them, the user must pay 1000 rubles. If we look back at other variants of ransomware, the ransom that Crypt38 malware demands is surprisingly small – it is approximately 15 USD. The problem is that the authors of this computer virus didn’t seem to bother themselves by creating an advanced encryption algorithm.
As we have already mentioned, it uses the same key to decrypt files, and this key is calculated from victim’s ID, which is revealed in the same message that virus displays. Cyber criminals ask the victim to send this ID to them via email and wait for instructions on how to buy a decryption key. However, since computer security experts have managed to sort out what algorithm is used to calculate the encryption key, victims can now get the decryption key for free with a help of this Crypt38 decryption key generator. Before you use it, you must eliminate this malware from your PC, and for that, you should use a reliable anti-malware software like Reimage. We also suggest creating a backup before you try to decrypt your files using this tool.
How did this malware enter your PC?
Questions about Crypt38 ransomware virus
It is unknown what particular methods the authors of this ransomware use to distribute this amateurish virus, but it seems that they use basic techniques that are well-known to all security researchers. Malware is often added to spam emails, so naturally, you should not open any suspicious email attachments, especially those that come from unknown sources. If you do not know the sender of the letter in person, or if sender’s email address raises even the slightest suspicion to you, do not open such email, nor links or attachments it includes.
It is also important to keep all your software up-to-date. Cyber criminals often exploit vulnerabilities of outdated software and use them to infect computers with malware. Additionally, this ransomware can land on your computer in case you enjoy clicking on links, intrusive ads, and basically exploring various Internet content before checking its reliability. If you think that you cannot give up such habits, then we recommend you to protect your data by creating backups and installing the anti-malware software on your computer.
How to remove Crypt38 virus from your computer?
Crypt38 ransomware is an unprofessionally made computer threat, therefore, if you have been infected with it, you should not pay the ransom, no matter that the cost of it is quite ridiculous. We recommend you to remove this virus immediately as by being in your computer system it makes it vulnerable to other computer infections. This virus is no regular program, and it is extremely hard to remove it, so you should not attempt to delete its files manually. Crypt38 removal should be completed with a help of the anti-malware program, as it can detect and eliminate every single component of it. Besides, such program can clean your PC from other threats and spyware-type programs automatically, so you will not have to waste your time trying to identify and eliminate them manually.
To remove Crypt38 virus, follow these steps:
Remove Crypt38 using Safe Mode with Networking
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
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 Safe Mode with Networking 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 Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove Crypt38
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Crypt38 removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove Crypt38 using System Restore
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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 Crypt38. 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.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Crypt38 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus or Malwarebytes Anti Malware
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