How to remove Cryptedx ransomware

Cryptedx – malicious ransomware virus that can steal your files

Cryptedx is a file-encrypting virus that is a version of Xorist ransomware. Malware uses sophisticated cryptography and appends the .cryptedx file extension to each of the targeted data. Typically, Microsoft Windows OS users are the main targets of this crypto-virus.

After the infection, Cryptedx ransomware encrypts victim’s files and makes them unusable. You can find the affected data by looking at the extension – “.cryptedx” is added to the name of every modified file. From this point, all encrypted data becomes unusable.

Additionally, Cryptedx virus:

• Creates a text file “HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt” and places it in all affected folders;
• Opens a pop-up window to catch victim’s attention;
• Changes the desktop wallpaper of the affected machine;

All these changes are made to inform the user how to proceed with files’ decryption. The user is notified that he has to pay a ransom of $100 in BitCoins to be able to recover all the files encrypted by Cryptedx.

Developers of Cryptedx ransomware cannot be trusted entirely, and all the warnings mentioned in the .txt file, wallpaper or pop-up windows should be ignored:

Attention! All your files are encrypted!
To restore your files and access them,
please send a mail to www@lass.33mail.com

You have 5 attempts to enter the code.
When that number has been exceeded,
all the data irreversibly is destroyed.
Be careful when you enter the code!
WTF !

However, listening to these threats and following the instructions is not needed. This variant of Xorist is decryptable.Therefore, you should focus on Cryptedx removal and try the free decryption software.^[1]

It’s important to wipe out this malicious program from the computer because it makes the system vulnerable. Additionally, once you decrypt data and reboot the computer, you might find them encrypted again.

You should remove Cryptedx with reputable malware removal program, for instance, FortectIntego. Manual elimination is not recommended because you are dealing with a complex cyber threat that may have injected malicious code into legitimate system processes. Thus, you can easily cause bigger damage.

Once you delete Cryptedx and recover files, you should create backups of them. Ransomware attacks are increasing, and you should be prepared for them. Not all malware is decryptable, so you might lose your data.

Threat enters the system via spam e-mails or corrupted software

There are many different ways used by ransomware to get into your system.^[2] These a the most common ones (but not limited to):

• Peer to peer (P2P) network sharing;
• Free software downloads;
• Spam e-mails;
• Fake software updates;
• Intrusive ads;
• Malicious websites.

So, to protect yourself from file encrypting viruses, make sure you are very careful with P2P networks and free download websites that present malware as an official software. After falling for them, unwary users might get tricked into downloading installing viruses.

In the meanwhile, spam emails typically contain a .docx, .doc, .exe files attached to them, which, once opened, install ransomware on your computer immediately. Make sure you are careful enough when opening email messages from unknown senders.

Finally, cyber security specialists from faravirus.ro^[3] recommend being extra cautious with fake software updates that might look legitimate and very believable as they are designed to trick people. Once these “updates” are installed, the user finds himself infected with ransomware like Crypedx.

Get rid of Cryptedx malware

Cryptedx removal requires obtaining professional malware removal software. We advise using FortectIntego which can catch any suspicious files and eliminate all risks as doing so manually would be almost impossible.

Keep in mind that malware can block security software. Thus, if you are unable to remove Cryptedx with anti-malware or anti-virus, you have to disable it by following these steps: