CryptoApp virus (Removal Guide) - updated Mar 2021
CryptoApp virus Removal Guide
What is CryptoApp virus?
CryptoApp is a file locking virus that demands 2 Bitcoin-worth of ransom
CryptoApp (also known as All your data are encrypted! virus) is a serious computer threat. If you are reading this, you have probably had the sad experience of dealing with its devastating effect. It is spread through infected emails, which are disguised as messages from Western Union.
When CryptoApp virus is installed on your computer, it locks (or encrypts) the majority of files located on your computer (for example, *.doc, *.docx, *.xls, *.ppt, *.psd, *.pdf, *.eps, *.ai, *.cdr, *.jpg, *.orf, *.odt and so much more). It also adds an extension .encrypted at the end of the file name.
In order to recover these files, you will be asked to pay the ransom of 2 Bitcoin (which back then was equal to approximately $468) if you want to receive the decryption key. You may fall victim to this ransomware if you use the following operating systems:
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
- Windows 7
- Windows 8
- Windows 10
Once the CrypoApp virus enters your computer, you will see a message that your files have been encrypted. The message will read as follows:
All your data are encrypted !
(Documents, Photo, Video, Music, etc)
If you want to restore your data, you'll need to pay 2 Bitcon (2 BTC).Please stop your antivirus because when he automatically update will start, will delete the decrypter software and you're files will remain encrypted forever.
There is one important thing you need to know. While removing ransomware as a program is not that difficult, you will not recover your files unless you pay the ransom. Since the decryption key is kept in CryptoApp servers, you will not be able to decrypt your files in any other way.
If you are lucky and wise enough and you have backed up your system, the best thing you can do is to restore it and be very careful about the emails you open. What is more, keep a reliable anti-malware running at all times, as it can protect your PC from dangerous infections.
To remove CryptoApp virus from your computer, you need to perform a full system scan with security software, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. After that, security experts strongly recommend using FortectIntego to avoid reinstallation of the entire operating system, as it could fix virus-caused damage automatically.
Ransomware is typically spread via spam email attachments
As we have already mentioned, CryptoApp ransomware is distributed through emails as well as fake downloads and torrents. Its way of distribution is almost identical to the way other ransomware-type programs are spread, like, for example:
- CTB-Locker
- RaaS
- CryptoWall
- BitCryptor.
Therefore, you may never be too cautious when the security of your data is in question. Always backup your files and never entertain the idea of sending money to cybercriminals. First of all, you will get them what they want and reinforce their dirty business.
Second of all, you should not trust entities that have encrypted your files in the first place. There is no way of knowing whether they will get your files back upon receiving the ransom.
You should also be very responsible when browsing online as reckless behavior may result in serious infections like this one. What is more, keep your computer protected with some reliable anti-spyware at all times.
You need to remove CryptoApp virus before attempting file recovery
You can remove CryptoApp ransomware in one way only – by performing a full system scan with an antivirus program. In case malware is tampering with the security app, you should access Safe Mode with Networking, as we explain below. Keep in mind that you need to eliminate the infection before you attempt file recovery.
We strongly advise not paying the ransom to cybercriminals, as not only would you be funding future malicious activities, but you also might end up losing your money, as ransomware authors sometimes fail to deliver what they promised. Thus, CryptoApp virus removal and alternative data recovery methods should always be considered first.
After you delete the infection, you should perform a full system scan with the FortectIntego repair tool to fix issues such as crashes, lag, errors, etc.
Getting rid of CryptoApp virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
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 CryptoApp using System Restore
-
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.
- 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.
- Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
- Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
- Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
- When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of CryptoApp. After doing that, click Next.
- Now click Yes to start system restore.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove CryptoApp 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 CryptoApp, you can use several methods to restore them:
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from CryptoApp and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.