What do the experts know about CrypVault?
The Crypvault virus is a seriously cyber infection that dates back to 2015. Like most ransomware [1], it uses data encryption as a money-extortion technique. Similarly to previously-released ransomware threats, this virus is capable of encrypting predetermined files and then adds the *.VAULT or simply .vault file extensions to each of them. We should point out that since this virus has been around for a while now, there are several spin-off versions of it circling the web. Naturally, with each version, we can expect hackers to use different extensions to indicate the encrypted files. In fact, in 2016, there were reports of .xort and .trun extensions being used [2], not to mention others that we may not know about yet. It is natural that the added file extensions is not the only difference that separates the virus versions. The ransom amount may also vary. For recovering the connection to their personal files, the victims may be asked to pay a ransom fluctuating from around $500 to $1000 and more. The sum depends on the variant of CryptVault that the system is infected with as well as the volume and importance of the infected files. We don’t recommend paying the ransom because there is no guarantee that this payment will help you to recover your data. In fact, that’s how hackers accumulate the money for their future crimes, so it can be said that making a payment is the same as supporting these bad guys. A more decent and a much safer thing to do is to remove CryptVault from the computer and try to recover the files in some other way that does not involve collaborating with the extortionists. Remember that before the recovery, you should make certain your computer is absolutely clean from any ransomware.
As CrypVault evolved, the experts kept finding new things that added new aspects to the overall image of this parasite and made it more clear what makes this ransomware so dangerous. It seems that this program relies on Javascript files or installer binaries to sneak its malicious code into the targeted systems. As if that’s not enough, the same technique can also be used to download other malicious programs to the system, which can easily steal personal victim’s files, such as passwords and similar. To appear more reliable the virus may also masquerade as legitimate antivirus and pretends that the encrypted files have been quarantined [3]. Please, do NOT fall for CrypVault’s tricks because it may leave you stuck with encrypted files and considerably emptier wallet. It’s a dangerous parasite that should be removed from the system ASAP. While it hasn’t been noticed that this ransomware is spreading in USA or Europe (only Russian-speaking ransom notes are spreading around), you should still try to be very careful and download FortectIntego or other reputable anti-spyware that could help you to stay safe. And if your device has already been hit by this virus, do not hesitate to consult our experts about CrypVault removal. You can start by reading the virus elimination suggestions at the end of the article.
How does this ransomware infection work?
According to PC security experts, CrypVault mostly spreads using infected email attachments that look like they are important documents from reputable senders. However, before clicking such emails, you should always look at type or grammar mistakes and make sure that they are free of them. In addition, stay away from illegal websites and pop-up ads that may show up on your PC’s desktop out of nowhere. As soon as this infected email attachment (JavaScript file) enters the computer, it settles down by downloading these four files: ransomware virus, SDelete (Microsoft Sysinternals tool) [4], GNU Private Guard (encryption tool) and its library file. As we have also mentioned, this ransomware can also try to install a hacking tool known as Browser Password Dump by SecurityXploded. Once launched, it hijacks all web browsers and starts tracking the victim in this way. Of course, it is used for the only thing – collecting personally identifiable information. Please, do NOT wait for it to do that! If you have just been informed that CrypVault blocked your files and now you have to pay a fine, remove the virus from your PC without second-thinking it.
In other virus versions, the hackers alter the infiltration method, and now the victims first download the password-protected 7zip file which contains the malicious script. The script is extracted using the hardcoded password and automatically deploys two files 7zip.exe and gpg.exe on the computer. After the batch file is executed, the gpg.exe can start the encryption process [5].
What should you know about CrypVault removal?
If you have just discovered CrypVault virus on your computer, you must take immediate action to remove it and protect the rest of your system from additional damage. Do not hurry to restore your files! Make sure the computer is properly scanned with a reputable antivirus software, and CrypVault removal is executed thoroughly. Otherwise, the remaining virus files may trigger a secondary encryption and damage the healthy files in a backup. If you do not have a copy of your files, you may try recovering some of your data using the guidelines below the article.
After you successfully remove CrypVault from your computer, we highly recommend thinking about the prevention of such infections. For that you can use FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes or similar antivirus solutions. Besides, don’t forget to think about the immunity of your files and backup. For that you can use USB external hard drives, CDs, DVDs, or simply rely on online backups, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Flickr and other solutions.
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