Cryptoboss ransomware / virus (Removal Guide) - Free Instructions
Cryptoboss virus Removal Guide
What is Cryptoboss ransomware virus?
Cryptoboss ransomware impersonates Globe3 virus
Cryptoboss virus functions as a file-encrypting threat. After it infiltrates the system, it appends .cryptoboss file extension. The malware makes a preference for German users. Nonetheless, residents of other regions might be assaulted with this malware as well. Taking into account its style of ransom, the threat impersonates Globe2 and Globe3 ransomware[1]. However, it is assumed that the malware is, in fact, another version of recently emerged file-encrypting Amnesia virus.
The ransom notification displays two email addresses: admin-amnesia@protonmail.com and admin-amnesia@bigmir.net. One of its peculiarities is that the malware presents a ridiculously long victims‘ ID. Furthermore, the size of ransom is directly related to victims‘ response time. Naturally, if he or she delays contacting the racketeers, the ransom proportionally increases[2].
Nonetheless, we advocate Cryptoboss removal rather than paying the money. For that purpose, FortectIntego or Malwarebytes is useful. Note that the latter program should be updated. Since ts emergence, these programs might have failed in detecting the threat due to outdated virus definitions.
Initially, its imitation of well-known Globe family of ransomware made users think that it could be decrypted with Globe3 Decrypter. Unfortunately, this malware seems to be an improved alteration of Amnesia malware. Cryptoboss malware seems to be functioning similarly to other malware as it connects to a remote Command and Control server[3].
Moreover, the crooks urge to contact victims as soon as possible. The longer they wait, the higher is the ransom. The fraudsters also try to be user-friendly as they offer free decryption of a file which is smaller than 1 MB in size.
As common for hackers, they also alarm users not to use third-party decryption software. However, there is no guarantee that the felons would return all files. Thus, it would be wiser to remove Cryptoboss.
Ways to distribute ransomware
There is a variety of possible distribution channels how Cryptoboss ransomware has seized your computer. According to affected users‘ comments, this malware is quite persistent as it encrypts files even if a user restores the system and restores files from backups. It operates under the disguise of a trojan.
It may as well employ the services of exploit kits[4]. You should not also disregard the probability that the virus may assault users via spam emails. Usually, such emails present to be important tax refund documents or invoices. On the other hand, if you take a second look, you might notice that such emails contain grammar or typing mistakes.
You might also check the credentials if hackers disguise under the name of employees of an official institution. In addition, CryptoBoss hijack may occur when you install a corrupted Adobe Flash player update or similar program[5]. Be vigilant and improve your computer security with computer security tools. 
Guidelines for Cryptoboss removal
Even if this malware pretends to be quite persistent, you should not hesitate to perform Cryptoboss removal as soon as possible. Indeed, initially, the malware might shut down security applications or avoid detection. In that case, make sure you update applications.
If you cannot launch the program to remove Cryptoboss virus, follow the steps indicated in below instructions. Note that such program does not decrypt files. For that purpose, you may find the instructions at the below of the page useful. In the future, upon reviewing spam emails, do not rush to open any file attachments before verifying the sender. Perform regular backups as well.
Getting rid of Cryptoboss virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Restart the system in Safe Mode to regain access and continue CryptoBoss removal.
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 Cryptoboss 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.
-
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 Cryptoboss. 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.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Cryptoboss 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 Cryptoboss, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro method to recover files encrypted by CryptoLocker
It is likely that you may succeed in recovering the files with the assistance of this program.
- 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 Cryptoboss ransomware;
- Restore them.
ShadowExplorer option
Though the malware is an elaborate threat, there is no information whether it deletes shadow volume copies. Thus, you may succeed in deciphering data.
- 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 Cryptoboss and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
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- ^ Koen Van Impe. Files encrypted with “.CRYPTOBOSS” … Anyone?. Twitter. See What’s Happening.
- ^ Michael Kan. The average ransomware payment has skyrocketed to over $1,000. PCWorld. News, tips, and reviews from the experts on PCs, Windows and more .
- ^ Richard Chirgwin. Interpol unplugs nearly 9,000 Asian command and control networks. The Register. Biting the hand that feeds IT.
- ^ Check Point. Exploit Kits Surge Worldwide As Rig EK Climbs To Second Place In Check Point’s ‘Most Wanted’ Malware. isBuzznews. Information Security Buzz.
- ^ Francis Navarro. Malicious fake app bricks phone and installs ransomware. Koando. Tech News, Tips, Security Alerts.