CryptoDark ransomware / virus (Tutorial) - Free Instructions
CryptoDark virus Removal Guide
What is CryptoDark ransomware virus?
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. FortectIntego or Malwarebytes 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. 
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]
Getting rid of CryptoDark virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Safe Mode often comes in handy when battling more elaborate virtual threats.
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 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.
-
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
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
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;
- 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 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.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ 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.