CryptoBlock ransomware / virus (Virus Removal Instructions)

CryptoBlock virus Removal Guide

What is CryptoBlock ransomware virus?

The menacing behavior of CryptoBlock ransomware

Unfortunately, CryptoBlock ransomware happens to be a file-encrypting malware. It follows the manner of CryptoLocker as the ransom message is the same. Though there have been already multiple imitations of this notorious cyber menace, some of them failed to gain the same success [1]. However, the current malware should not be underestimated. It also exploits RSA asymmetric key for locking the files. Due to its complexity, finding the decryption tool is not an easy challenge. We highly discourage you from paying the money taking into account the profit Cryptolocker collected throughout its existence. Instead, focus on CryptoBlock removal. FortectIntego ensures the complete elimination.

CryptoLocker serves as the source of inspiration for many crooks. While some succeed in making a powerful copy, others‘ creations get quickly terminated by virus researchers. However, such surge of this type of viruses only sparks more worries for the entire virtual community. Some explain such activity as the result of ransomware-as-a-service distribution [2]. In the case, of CryptoBlock ransomware, its key vitality lies in employing RSA-2048 asymmetric algorithm [3]. Like CryptoLocker, the current malware also exploits Command & Control server. Here you can take a look at the portion of ransomware message:

Your personal files are encrypted!
First of all, please do not remove this tool because if you delete it, you will never be able to restore your files again you can quickly remove this tool, but your files will be lost forever. If you want your files back do these steps 1-register a bitcoin account 2-buy bitcoin for yourself 3- send the exactly amount of bitcoin that tool show you, to our wallet. 4- Click the blue button after you send the bitcoin to our wallet. You will receive decryption code as soon as possible (1-3 hours later after purchase).

In order to exert more psychological stress on its victims, the virus sets a time limit for paying the ransom. Every 12 hours, if the gearheads do not receive the money, the size of ransom doubles. In overall, 24 hours are given for transmitting the payment. Otherwise, the files are deleted. At the moment, CryptoBlock malware demands quite a small amount of money – approximately 240 USD (0,3 BTC). Though some companies and users transfer the money, there are few reports whether crooks return the files [4]. Speaking of the file extension pattern, it does not attach any specific one but changes the file name and its format into a set of random numbers. Likewise, you should remove CryptoBlock instead of nurturing hopes about file recovery.

The image of CryptoBlock ransomware

When did the ransomware invade my device?

Most likely, CryptoBlock hijack took place either after opening an infected spam email or visiting the domains full of exploit kits. In addition, Adobe flash plug-ins still remain a common tool for crooks to transfer ominous content to your device [5]. In the first case, you might avoid encountering file-encrypting malware if you restrain from opening spam emails. Keep in mind that crooks have mastered ways how to counterfeit emails so that they would look like an email sent from Office of Personnel Management or eBay. Usually, the crooks disguise ransomware in fake invoices and delivery messages. In order to protect your system from trojans and exploit kits, install an anti-spyware application.

Eliminating CryptoBlock: mission possible?

When it comes to crypto-malware, we recommend combining anti-virus utility with security applications such as FortectIntego or Malwarebytes. They are more apt in detecting such threats as exploit kits or trojans which disperse ransomware. Either of this tool finishes CryptoBlock removal within a couple of minutes. Only when the threat is fully eradicated, you can proceed to file-recovery. If you cannot remove CryptoBlock due to some non-responding errors, feel free to use the following instructions.

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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of CryptoBlock 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
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. 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.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

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:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

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:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. 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).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. 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 CryptoBlock using System Restore

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of CryptoBlock. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that CryptoBlock removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove CryptoBlock 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 CryptoBlock, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro solution

This program might be a practical tool for Crypto Block victims to retrieve the locked files. Additionally, it comes in handy when locating missing and damaged files.

  • 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 CryptoBlock ransomware;
  • Restore them.

The benefit of ShadowExplorer

Windows OS automatically creates shadow volume copies of your files. This program retrieves them and recreates your files according to these patterns.

  • 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.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from CryptoBlock and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet. 

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.

About the author
Julie Splinters
Julie Splinters - Anti-malware specialist

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