Crypter ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
Is Crypter ransomware really as serious as it claims to be?
Crypter virus also known as RenLocker virus appears to be regular crypto-ransomware [1] virus. But only on the outside. In reality, it only imitates the typical ransomware behaviour when the encryptor itself is fake. So, what the program actually does is rename the files on the compromised device. This means that the data on these files is not distorted by malicious ciphers [2] and can be accessed without much difficulty. Consequently, you do not need to worry about losing your data or making a ransom payment. All you need to do is to remove Crypter ransomware from the compromised machine and take certain security measures to protect it from menacing malware attacks. However, some users are interested in how ransomware viruses operate, so below we provide a description of Renlocker’s modus operandi.
Questions about Crypter ransomware virus
Crypter ransomware is a Brazilian virus or at least targets users who speak Portuguese [3]. Once installed, this malware renames all files just by adding www-hash-part-[random chars].crypter file extension after the original file extension, and then launches CRYPTER – 2016 Ransomware: Preço de resgate deste server por 5 bitcoins program that states Atenção! Seu computador esta bloqueado! This roughly translates to Attention! Your computer is blocked. According to the text this phony computer virus displays on victim’s computer screen, the user can restore files and get access to the PC again by paying a 1 Bitcoin [4] worth of ransom. To pay the ransom, one is asked to buy Bitcoins and transfer them to the extortionists’ Bitcoin wallet. This scareware might appear to be a dangerous virus, but it is actually just a screenlocker that fails to encrypt victim’s data. As a result, victims can keep their money to themselves since this virus does not distort personal files. Of course, the messed up filenames are extremely annoying, but at least you can access the file content and roll back the file names after the virus is gone from the system. Therefore, you should start Crypter removal procedure right away. In our opinion, the best software that you can use for that is Reimage.
How did this system takeover take place?
Crypter malware can compromise your system in case you do not comply with safe-browsing rules [5] and if your computer isn’t protected with anti-malware tools. Ransomware viruses, especially those created by amateur hackers typically spread via malicious email campaigns since it’s the easiest and cheapest way to deliver malicious files to a big number of computer users. Criminals send out thousands of malware-laden emails to random people each day, and they manage to create safe-looking letters that frequently convince victims to click on malicious links or open infectious attachments. Try to stay away from letters that come from unknown sources, and of course, resist the urge to view contents of shady email attachments. If you’re not 100% sure that the sender is a reliable individual, do not risk losing your precious files to fraudulent viruses like Crypter!
Crypter removal procedure:
To entirely get rid of the Crypter virus, you have to find every malicious file that it has added to your computer system. It can appear to be quite a challenging task, especially if you are not an expert in programming. Computer users who wish to remove Crypter and all malicious files/programs safely should rely on professional malware removal tools such as Reimage or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus. However, to start these programs and allow them to scan the system, you must prepare your device for Crypter removal. Instructions on how to do it are presented below. Good luck!
To remove Crypter virus, follow these steps:
Remove Crypter using Safe Mode with Networking
To minimize the virus program, press ALT + F4. Then follow these instructions. You will need to restart your computer, but also boot in a Safe Mode with networking. We suggest you carefully read these instructions before attempting to delete the malware from your machine.
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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 Crypter
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 Crypter removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove Crypter 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 Crypter. 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 Crypter and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus or Malwarebytes Anti Malware
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References
- ^ Crypto-ransomware. F-secure news blog.
- ^ Cassius Puodzius. How encryption molded crypto-ransomware. WeLiveSecurity: News, views, and insight from the ESET security community.
- ^ RenLocker ransomware. Id-ransomware blog.
- ^ Danny Palmer. How Bitcoin helped fuel an explosion in ransomware attacks. ZDNet: IT news site.
- ^ Top 10 Internet Safety Rules . Kaspersky news blog.