CryptoHost virus (Virus Removal Instructions)
CryptoHost virus Removal Guide
What is CryptoHost virus?
What is there to know about CryptoHost virus?
CryptoHost virus, also known as Ransom:MSIL/Manamecrypt.A and Ransom_CRYPTOHOST.A belongs to a very malicious branch of ransomware viruses. These viruses, including the well known programs such as Locky virus, CryptoWall or the Surprise virus enter the users’ computer unexpectedly, scan them for files and, when they find the necessary files, they lock them with a very complex algorithm. Such encryption techniques are used even in military, so the decryption of files encrypted by the ransomware virus is almost impossible. Of course, there have been cases, when the computer experts have come up with special decryptors and helped the victims to retrieve their files, but such cases are rare. In most cases, the victims simply have to face the fact that they have lost their files and remove the virus from the computer. Luckily, the CryptoHost does not actually encrypt the files but rather create a copy of the victim’s data in a password-protected RAR archive in the C:\Users\[username]\AppData\Roaming directory. The cyber security experts comfort the victims, that the password to these archives is relatively easy to discover, so it is most likely that the files are going to be retrieved as well. The password consists of RAR file name and logged in user’s username.
However, it is important to note that regardless of whether you manage to decrypt the locked documents or not, you should remove CryptoHost virus from your computer without a delay. Beware that even the most sophisticated software such as FortectIntego can struggle with the initial virus removal. So, you most probably will have to follow manual CryptoHost removal steps to lessen some of the program’s functionalities which should help your antivirus initiate.
As mentioned before, when CryptoHost infiltrates the victim’s computer, it scans it for files. The video, audio files, pictures, archives and other documents are the primary targets of this ransomware. Once the files are encrypted, the virus then adds a ransom note to the folders featuring infected files, in which the victim is demanded to pay 0.33 Bitcoins or $140 ransom to be able to retrieve them. Of course, it is not advisable to do, because as already mentioned, you can decrypt the files. Plus, would you want to support malicious program developers in this way? The best option in case you are infected is to try decrypting your data and remove CryptoHost from your computer immediately.
How can this virus infiltrate my PC?
Differently from the majority of other ransomware programs, CryptoHost does not spread through infected email attachments or exploit kits. It is said to be delivered through a new µTorrent client. This deceptive bundling strategy is also very popular among the less dangerous malware such as adware or browser hijackers. A potentially unwanted program is attached to the more popular software and stealthily installs along with it. The key to avoiding such covert installation is to use “Advanced” installation settings when installing software on your computer. These settings will allow you to monitor what additional programs are bundled with your downloaded software and help you to avoid unwanted and potentially dangerous contents from entering your computer. In case suspicious applications surface during the installation, terminate the process and delete the unreliable software bundle from your computer.
CryptoHost removal suggestions:
This ransomware also tries to prevent all sorts of apps from running. The antivirus programs are not an exception. CryptoHost may try blocking apps featuring the following strings:
anti virus, anti-virus, antivirus, avg, bitdefender, eset, mcafee, dr.web, f-secure, internet security, obfuscator, debugger, monitor, registry, system restore, kaspersky, norton, ad-aware, sophos, comodo, avira, bullguard, trend micro, eset, vipre, task manager, system configuration, registry editor, game, steam, lol, rune, facebook, instagram, youtube, vimeo, twitter, pinterest, tumblr, meetme, netflix, amazon, ebay, shop, origin
If you find your antivirus is having trouble loading, you should follow the virus removal instructions provided below. Once you follow all the indicated steps, please scan your system with a reliable antivirus tool to make sure all the virus components are successfully removed from the system. Before doing that, it is necessary to update your antivirus to its latest version.
Getting rid of CryptoHost 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 CryptoHost 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 CryptoHost. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from CryptoHost 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.
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.