CryptoDark ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
CryptoDark ransomware wants $300 in exchange to your files
CryptoDark virus is the name of a newly discovered malware[1]. Despite its intimidating title, the threat turns out to be a fake file-encrypting virus. It does not encrypt files nor appends any file extensions.
It rather functions as a screen locker. More proficient users may notice that the threat only leaves random strings to be fake the reality. This threat serves more as a prank as the hacker left a hidden “You have just wasted your time” message. Nonetheless, you should perform CryptoDark removal without delay. Reimage or Malwarebytes Anti Malware serves for that purpose.
The greed for money urges wannabe hackers
Observing the number and quality of malware released during last weekend, several fake or poorly made ransomware infections have emerged. It seems that the urge for money was stronger rather than self-critique about the ability to generate a full-scale ransomware.
It is commendable that the authors have managed to create a unique graphic interface entitled as CryptoDark Decryptor[2]. It imitates countless other file-encrypting threats. In exchange to the supposedly encoded files, users have to transfer the indicated amount of ransom to the indicated bitcoin address. In case a victim encounters difficulties restoring files, victims can download the program from hxxx://www.vhyifaiuevwni.tk/CDD:
Your files have been encrypted!
All of your pictures, images, and documents have been encrypted by CryptoDark.
To get them back, you will need to open the CryptoDark Decryptor and pay $300 worth of Bitcoin to the address shown in the decryptor.
If your anti-virus detected the decryptor, remove it from the quarantine or download a new one from:
xxxx://www.vhyifaiuevwni.tk/CDD
There is no need to implement any of these as the malware does not encode the files, i.e., does not perform its key function. Though the virus is a weak bit, it seems to have been developed on the basis of Trojan.Barys malware which is active in the second half last year. Anyway, make a rush to remove CryptoDark.
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
Distributing malware across the cyber space
Its trojan is likely to use the same transmission channels to occupy Windows OS. You might expect it to lurk in gaming or gambling games under the disguise of file converters, torrent files, game applications.
In order to prevent CryptoDark hijack in advance, you will need cyber security applications. You may benefit from the combination of an anti-malware, anti-virus, and firewall software. Ensure they are updates. Since the trojan executable has appeared on the cyber space before, anti-virus tools may detect it faster.
Note that this malware may also be wrapped as an attachment to a spam email. Such message often alarms users to take immediate action: open the attached file and follow the instructions. Credulous users may do so only to find out about the released menace out of Pandora box.
Get rid of CryptoDark malware
Even if the malware turns out to be a fake file-encrypting infection, CryptoDark removal should be performed attentively. In that case, using a cyber security tool ensures that all elements associated with the threat are eliminated.
In case you cannot exit this lock screen, press Alt+F4. Then you may look through the below guide which helps restore partial access to system functions. Then, you will be able to launch an anti-spyware application and remove CryptoDark virus.
Note that malware elimination tools do not decrypt files. Instead, take a look at the very bottom of the page. Some of the recommended utilities may be of service. The malware prefers targeting specific countries. Poland is likely to be one of them. Thus, Polish users should exert more cautiousness.[3]
Manual CryptoDark virus Removal Guide:
Remove CryptoDark using Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode often comes in handy when battling more elaborate virtual threats.
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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 CryptoDark
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 CryptoDark removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove CryptoDark 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 CryptoDark. 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 CryptoDark 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 CryptoDark, you can use several methods to restore them:
The benefit of Data Recovery Pro
In case you ever encounter a genuine file-encrypting threat, it is likely that you may benefit from this tool as it restores damaged files.
- Download Data Recovery Pro (https://www.2-spyware.com/download/data-recovery-pro-setup.exe);
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by CryptoDark ransomware;
- Restore them.
CryptoDark Decryptor
There is need to download anything from the site promoted by the perpetrators, make sure you eliminate the threat fully. Keep in mind precaution tips.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from CryptoDark and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Plumbytes Anti-MalwareWebroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus or Malwarebytes Anti Malware
About the author
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References
- ^ Michael Mimoso. Few Victims Reporting Ransomware Attacks to Fbi. ThreadPost. The First Stop For Security News.
- ^ Lawrence Abrams. The Week in Ransomware - June 23rd 2017 - A Fricken 1 Million Dollar Ransom Payment. BleepingComputer. News, Reviews and Tech Support.
- ^ Jak usunąć wirusy komputerowe. Wiadomości informacyjne, recenzje i przewodniki po usuwaniu wirusów.