CYR-Locker ransomware / virus (Improved Guide) - Tutorial
CYR-Locker virus Removal Guide
What is CYR-Locker ransomware virus?
CYR-Locker ransomware doesn’t encrypt files, threatens the victim anyway
CYR-Locker virus emerges at the end of February just to show how poorly programmed it is. This piece of malware[1] calls itself a ransomware[2] virus meanwhile it has no power to encrypt victim’s files – once installed on the target system, it launches a full-screen message that says “Your personal files are encrypted by CYR-Locker.” However, if you see this message on your computer screen, do not rush to sorrow over lost files, because CYR-Locker ransomware is nothing more than a deceptive screenlocker, which can be removed rather easily. To remove CYR-Locker ransomware, we, as always, recommend using anti-malware software[3]. You can never know what version of virus you received, so it is advisable to perform a full system check and delete all associated files automatically because it is simply impossible to do so as efficiently without using anti-malware software. For CYR-Locker removal, we advise using FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner software. Now, let us explain how this virus functions.
In general, it seems that CYR-Locker malware is either an attempt to make fun of unexperienced computer users who do not follow safe browsing rules[4] or an in-development virus that will become more dangerous in the future. Currently, this ransomware asks “just 10 millions send through Bitcoin into account: CYR-Locker,” which looks bizarre. The screenlocker doesn’t provide any contact details, but warns not to delete it otherwise it will destroy the decryption key. Again, we said that the virus doesn’t encrypt data, so automatically you do not need any decryption key. Just get rid of the virus, take it as a lesson and protect your PC to avoid more critical ransomware attacks.
How did I get infected with this strange virus?
Cybercriminals work hardly to find ways to infect users’ computers, and they use various ransomware distribution techniques[5], however, the most basic and yet efficient one is malicious spam emails. This ransomware distribution technique is based on social engineering – hackers compose interesting looking emails that urge the victim open files attached to the message, which results in computer infection. Scammers love to pretend that they’re Amazon or Paypal employees, or just people who send invoices, resumes, or other documents that the victim supposedly needs to open. If you receive an email from an unknown person, better ignore it. We suggest checking sender’s email address online or contacting the company the person claims to be working at. This way, you will protect yourself from data-damaging viruses and other malware.
How can I remove CYR-Locker from my PC?
CYR-Locker ransomware can root deeply in your computer; what is more, it can bring additional viruses into it. If you do not want this to happen, better remove CYR-Locker virus. The sooner you do it, the better, so we suggest reading the ransomware removal instructions that we’ve written for you and start the CYR-Locker removal procedure right away. You will need an anti-spyware software, so if you do not have it yet, check the Software page on our website to see some anti-spyware or anti-malware software reviews before installing one on your PC.
Getting rid of CYR-Locker virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Restart your computer according to provided instructions to start CYR-Locker removal. Let us know if you encounter any problems when trying to remove this ransomware from the system. You can send a question to our team via “Ask Us” page or leave a comment below.
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 CYR-Locker 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 CYR-Locker. 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.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from CYR-Locker and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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.
- ^ Nate Lord. Common Malware Types: Cybersecurity 101. Veracode. Application Security Research, News, and Education Blog.
- ^ Ransomware. Trend Micro USA. Cyber Security Solutions.
- ^ Protect your PC with best anti-malware programs of 2017. NoVirus. Malware removal guides.
- ^ Pat Heck. 7 Tips for Safe Web Browsing. Lieberman Technologies. Provides IT as a Service.
- ^ Understanding Ransomware and Strategies to Defeat it. McAfee Labs. Publications.