How to remove CryptoNar ransomware

CryptoNar is a dangerous ransomware that shares similar code with CryptoJoker 

CryptoNar is a ransomware that is possibly created by CryptoJoker ransomware developers. These speculations showed up after noticing that the virus contains code from the previously-known ransomware. This particular ransomware starts the attack with the RSA-2048 encryption code^[1] used to lock most important victim's files. The attack is followed by the .cryptonar extension added to each modified file. Additionally, the ransomware displays a window with the ransom note demanding $200 in bitcoin from the victim to get these files decrypted. You shouldn't pay the ransom because this is one of the main reasons why hackers continue releasing such threats. Besides, recently security experts presented a free decryption tool^[2] for victims of CryptoNar ransomware. 

This ransomware virus starts its attack by collecting specific information about its victims. It looks for various strings that can reveal the information about the victim's name, location, phone number, address or any other information related to account credentials. Additionally, CryptoNar then starts modifying various user's data and some predetermined parts of the system. The intruder takes over the system and changes Windows Registry keys so that it could launch automatically. This makes the virus elimination even more difficult. 

This crypto-extortionist locks files using sophisticated encryption method called RSA-2048. As a result, a unique key created for each file and the .cryptonar appendix is added to the file names. The best way to recover these files is to use backups and replace the affected data with them. However, virus developers are stating that there is only one way to recover data and this is a decryption tool. No matter how tempting it seems, you shouldn't pay the ransom. 

The ransom note placed by CryptoNar reads as follows:

Your important files including photos, videos, documents, databases, etc. were encrypted with our CryptoNar ransomware. The only way to get your files back is to pay us. otherwise, your files will be lost forever.

Important note: Removing CryptoNar will not restore access to your encrypted files.

Encryption was made using a unique RSA-2048 public key generated for this computer. To decrypt files you need to acquire the private key (decryption key).
The only copy of the private key, which will allow you to decrypt your files, is located on a secret server in the Internet; the server will eliminate the key after 72 hours since its generation (since the moment your computer was infected). once this has been done, nobody will ever be able to restore your files.

In order to receive your decryption key, you will have to pay $200 in bitcoins to this bitcoin address: 1FeutvrveiF8odnnx9Rr3cyBfFiecFeKwRq

When time comes to send the bitcoins to us, make sure to include your e-mail and your personal ID (you can see it below) in the extra information box (it may apper also as ‘Extra Note or ‘optional message’) in order to get your personal decryption key. It may take up to 6-8 hours to take your personal decryption key.

After the payment was made, and you received your decryption key, just press the decryption button in the decryptor (located on the desktop). Enter your decryption key you received, and wait until the decryption process is done.

Your ID:

CryptoNar ransomware suggests people contact its developers right after infection and pay the ransom within 72 hours, but the best solution in this ransomware attack is to delete this virus as soon as possible. You should never trust these people behind a cyber threat as they can leave you with nothing. 

Proper CryptoNar ransomware removal should be done using anti-malware tools because this program allows you to get rid of all related files that virus may add on your device during the infiltration. Tools like FortectIntego scan the system and detect possible threats, system errors or vulnerabilities. This program can fix all of those issues without any effort.

Once you remove CryptoNar ransomware, you can start data recovery. Researchers^[3] always advise people to make sure that the device is clean before plugging in any device with backups. Otherwise, the ransomware can encrypt newly added data or files saved on an external device too. If you don't have these extra copies, we suggest a few file recovery methods below the article.

Virus samples can be distributed via spam email attachments 

Ransomware can be spread using various attack campaigns and different methods. However, the most common is spam email campaigns. This is a method when hackers infect malicious elements on emails or their attachments. The email itself may look safe and legitimate, but the file can contain the virus directly or spread other malicious contents using links and URLs. When you unknowingly click the provided link or download the file on your computer malware is spread automatically. If you want to avoid these infections you should look out for: 

• Emails with lots of commercial content or suspicious attachments.
• Typos and grammar mistakes in emails.
• Messages sent from a service you do not use.
• Direct links to suspicious websites on the email itself.

Criminals can also disguise their malicious activity with known names of services and companies. So pay attention if you got an email from a well-known service that you are not using. These emails may also be filled with the content that makes no sense based on the company itself. Delete all the suspicious spam emails without opening them. 

CryptoNar removal requires attention 

To remove CryptoNar ransomware, you should employ reputable anti-malware tools given below this article. A full system scan will clean your system thoroughly. However, they won't help you with the recovery of encrypted data. In this particular case, we recommend these tools: FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Programs like these can find system issues, errors and various types of malware including ransomware. 

The second step in CryptoNar ransomware removal is data recovery. However, you should double-check if the system is clear before attempting to restore encrypted files, especially, if you use file backups on external devices. If you do the opposite, you can lose your files permanently because ransomware can encrypt your data again. You can use our tips for data recovery below if you have no backups on cloud services or external devices.