Cerber 3.0 ransomware virus. How to delete? (Removal tutorial)
What is known about Cerber 3.0 virus?
Cerber 3.0 virus is a new version of well-known Cerber ransomware. The virus is stronger now, but there’s no need to panic or consider disconnecting your PC from the Internet. There are better ways to protect your computer from this ransomware. Even though your PC was infected with this parasite, it’s still possible to remove Cerber 3.0 completely with professional malware removal tools such as Reimage. The newest virus version slightly differs from the previous one. After the encryption, it adds .cerber3 file extension to all encrypted files and leaves the ransom note named # HELP DECRYPT #.txt. We understand that data loss feels like the end of the world, but you shouldn’t think about paying the ransom. IT specialists managed to crack previous Cerber codes and create a free decryptor. So, there’s a huge possibility that a new decryptor is under construction right now. Take a deep breath and concentrate on Cerber 3.0 removal.
Questions regarding Cerber 3.0 ransomware virus
Cerber virus has quite impressive development story. When Cerber was created for the first time, it was just an ordinary ransomware-type virus that was able to activate itself only after the system reboot. Later, the developers updated the virus and launched Cerber 2.0. This version had a unique feature – the woman’s voice informed victims that all their files were encrypted. We can only imagine how frightening is to hear that voice out of the blue! It seems that victims were not willing to pay the ransom because, after the further update, the hackers decided to encourage them a little. Crooks started threatening victims that their computers would be connected to malicious computer network – botnet. So, it’s better to pay. However, the bravest victims won. Shortly, IT specialists managed to create a free decryptor which let people decode their files for free. Then, hackers quickly updated the virus and created Cerber 3.0 virus that sometimes is called .cerber3 extension virus.
How does it spread?
Methods of distribution haven’t change. Cerber 3.0 hijack might occur when users open a malicious email attachment. Unfortunately, hackers became very persuasive. They might pretend to be representatives from reliable and well-known institutions and find clever ways to convince people to download attached file. When they do it, the virus gets into the computer and starts encrypting the files. Luckily, it is possible to avoid Cerber 3.0 virus. First of all, you should not open spam or emails sent from the unknown senders. If you receive a suspicious email from particular institution or organisation, do not rush to open any links or attachments. Double check the information: look for a sender’s contact details online or call institution directly.
Cerber 3.0 removal
First of all, do not consider paying the ransom in order to get your files back. According to cyber security specialists, hackers rarely keep their word. So, your loss might become even bigger. So, if your computer was infected with this ransomware, you should concentrate on Cerber 3.0 removal. Do not think about manual elimination because ransomware viruses are complicated, and it’s nearly impossible to get rid of it manually. You can remove Cerber 3.0 from your PC with a help of anti-malware programs such as Reimage and Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner. Sometimes the virus blocks these programs and prevents full computer scan. If you face these difficulties, follow our instructions bellow.
To remove Cerber 3.0 virus, follow these steps:
Eliminate Cerber 3.0 using Safe Mode with Networking
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Step 1: Restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Go to Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- As soon as your computer starts, start pressing F8 key repeatedly before the Windows logo shows up.
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Choose Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Click on the Power button at the Windows login screen, and then press and hold Shift key on your keyboard. Then click Restart.
- Then select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
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Once your computer starts, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking from the list of options in Startup Settings.
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Step 2: Remove Cerber 3.0
Sign in to your account and launch any Internet browser. Download a legitimate anti-malware software, for instance, Reimage. Make sure you update it to the latest version and then run a full system scan with it to detect and eliminate all malicious components of the ransomware to remove Cerber 3.0 completely.
If your ransomware does not allow you to access Safe Mode with Networking, please follow the instructions provided below.
Eliminate Cerber 3.0 using System Restore
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Step 1: Restart your computer in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Go to Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- As soon as your computer starts, start pressing F8 key repeatedly before the Windows logo shows up.
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Choose Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Click on the Power button at the Windows login screen, and then press and hold Shift key on your keyboard. Then click Restart.
- Then select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
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Once your computer starts, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of options in Startup Settings.
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Step 2: Perform a system restore to recover files and settings
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When the Command Prompt window appears, type in cd restore and press Enter.
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Then type rstrui.exe and hit Enter..
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In a new window that shows up, click the Next button and choose a restore point that was created before the infiltration of Cerber 3.0 and then click on the Next button again.
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To start system restore, click Yes.
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When the Command Prompt window appears, type in cd restore and press Enter.
It is strongly recommended to take precautions and secure your computer from malware attacks. To protect your PC from Cerber 3.0 and other dangerous viruses, you should install and keep a powerful malware removal tool, for instance, Reimage, Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes.
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