Uninstall Cerber 4.1.0 virus (Uninstall Guide)
Cerber 4.1.0 virus Removal Guide
Description of Cerber 4.1.0 ransomware virus
The creators of Cerber don’t stop: Cerber 4.1.0 ransomware started spreading
Your eyes don’t lie – Cerber 4.1.0 virus is already here. Since the appearance at the beginning of this year, the notorious Cerber virus has been updated four times now. The latest, fourth, attempt to create even stronger cyber threat might be called as a double trouble. Hackers stroke harder this time and developed two versions of the updated malware. Virus researchers have already analysed the first update, but Cerber 4.1.1 is still under investigation. However, it seems that both updates act similarly and have the same characteristics. Though, the chances to meet and greet a member of the hazardous ransomware family doubled. Cerber became a serious competitor for other widely spread malware – Locky and CryptoWall viruses. Therefore, computer users should be even more careful online and think about strengthening their computer’s security. The developers are continuously improving this cyber threat and are not willing to stop. If this file-encrypting virus corrupted your files, you should not think about anything else but Cerber 4.1.0 removal. Do not delay this procedure because ransomware might install additional malware and make your computer even more vulnerable.
After infiltration, Cerber 4.1.0 virus encrypts files using RSA and AES cryptography. Previous versions of the virus used the same algorithms as well. However, the latest version appends different file extension. After the second update, virus added .cerber2 file extension, and the third – .cerber3. This time malware generates random file extension from A-Z and 0-9 characters. Therefore, a corrupted file example.jpg after the attack will look like example.jpg.e23cr. Since then, victims cannot access any of their personal documents, pictures, audio or video files. Following data encryption, Cerber 4.1.0 malware drops the same old README.hta file. This file is a ransom note where cyber criminals inform about data encryption and decryption, explains file recovery options and provides all necessary information. If you have encountered the virus and have already read the instructions, please do not follow them! Paying the ransom might not be an effective way to get back access to your files. The aim of the ransomware is to swindle the money, so hackers usually do not bother to help victims; they just take your money and disappear. Instead of purchasing and transferring Bitcoins, remove Cerber 4.1.0 from the system. Employ FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or other preferred anti-malware program and scan the system. Virus elimination will not restore your files, but if you have data backups, you can simply retrieve necessary files.
How does ransomware proliferate?
Cerber 4.1.0 ransomware spreads via pseudoDarkleech Rig exploit kit. When internet users click on infected content online, such as a suspicious link or aggressive ad, the exploit kit starts scanning and looking for security issues. Once it finds some flaws in computer’s protection, it drops a malicious file into the system. For this reason, it’s crucial to use a reliable and updated antivirus program and keep all your software updated. Then you reduce the risk of ransomware attack. Additionally, there’s a possibility than Cerber 4.1.0 ransomware virus might infiltrate computer when you open a malicious email attachment, click on a malware-laden ad or install/update software from questionable sources. Therefore, if you want to keep your computer safe and sound, you should watch your every click and install a reputable antivirus program.
Cerber 4.1.0 removal guide
To remove Cerber 4.1.0 from the computer, you have to employ strong malware removal program (for example, FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner). If malware prevents you from installing or accessing antivirus program, reboot the computer to Safe Mode with Networking and follow the instructions presented below. Once you complete Cerber 4.1.0 removal, you can restore corrupted files from backups or use other data recovery solutions presented at the end of the article.
Getting rid of Cerber 4.1.0 virus. Follow these steps
In-depth guide for the Cerber 4.1.0 elimination
Important! →
The elimination guide can appear too difficult if you are not tech-savvy. It requires some knowledge of computer processes since it includes system changes that need to be performed correctly. You need to take steps carefully and follow the guide avoiding any issues created due to improper setting changes. Automatic methods might suit you better if you find the guide too difficult.
Step 1. Launch Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode environment offers better results of manual virus removal
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Go to Start.
- Choose Shutdown, then Restart, and OK.
- When your computer boots, start pressing the F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) a few times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click the Start button and choose Settings.
- Scroll down to find Update & Security.
- On the left, pick Recovery.
- Scroll to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Choose Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Choose 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. End questionable processes
You can rely on Windows Task Manager that finds all the random processes in the background. When the intruder is triggering any processes, you can shut them down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes.
- Look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the Process tab, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check the program in Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard again.
- Go to the Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious app and pick Disable.
Step 4. Find and eliminate virus files
Data related to the infection can be hidden in various places. Follow the steps and you can find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in) you want to clean.
- Scroll through the Files to delete 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.
Eliminate Cerber 4.1.0 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 4.1.0 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.
Bonus: Restore your files
Using the tutorial provided above you should be able to eliminate Cerber 4.1.0 from the infected device. novirus.uk team has also prepared an in-depth data recovery guide which you will also find above.There are a couple of methods you can apply to recover data encrypted by Cerber 4.1.0:
Use Data Recovery Pro
Data Recovery Pro is not specifically created for decrypting files encrypted by ransomware viruses; however, it might help you to recover at least some of your files.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Install Data Recovery on your computer following the steps indicated in the software’s Setup;
- Run the program to scan your device for the data encrypted by Cerber 4.1.0 ransomware;
- Recover the data.
Take advantage of Windows Previous Versions feature
Windows Previous Versions feature might be helpful to recover some of your files if you have enabled System Restore function before the ransomware infiltration.
- Right-click on the encrypted document you want to recover;
- Click “Properties” and navigate to “Previous versions” tab;
- In the “Folder versions” section look for the available file copies. Choose the desired version and press “Restore”.
Data recovery with ShadowExplorer
If this version of the ransomware hasn’t deleted Volume Shadow Copies, you can use a ShadowExplorer to restore some of your files.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Install Shadow Explorer on your computer following the instructions in the software’s Setup Wizard;
- Run the program. Navigate to the menu on the top-left corner and select a disk containing your encrypted files. Look through the available folders;
- When you find the folder you want to recover, right-click it and select “Export”. Also, choose where the recovered data will be stored.
Cerber Decrypter
The last but not least possibility to recover your files is to use this decryption software which has been created to decrypt files affected by various ransomware.
It is strongly recommended to take precautions and secure your computer from malware attacks. To protect your PC from Cerber 4.1.0 and other dangerous viruses, you should install and keep a powerful malware removal tool, for instance, FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Securely connect to your website wherever you are
Sometimes you may need to log in to a content management system or server more often, especially if you are actively working on a blog, website, or different project that needs constant maintenance or that requires frequent content updates or other changes. Avoiding this problem can be easy if you choose a dedicated/fixed IP address. It's a static IP address that only belongs to a specific device and does not change when you are in different locations.
VPN service providers such as Private Internet Access can help you with these settings. This tool can help you control your online reputation and successfully manage your projects wherever you are. It is important to prevent different IP addresses from connecting to your website. With a dedicated/fixed IP address, VPN service, and secure access to a content management system, your project will remain secure.
Reduce the threat of viruses by backing up your data
Due to their own careless behavior, computer users can suffer various losses caused by cyber infections. Viruses can affect the functionality of the software or directly corrupt data on your system by encrypting it. These problems can disrupt the system and cause you to lose personal data permanently. There is no such threat if you have the latest backups, as you can easily recover lost data and get back to work.
It is recommended to update the backups in parallel each time the system is modified. This way, you will be able to access the latest saved data after an unexpected virus attack or system failure. By having the latest copies of important documents and projects, you will avoid serious inconveniences. File backups are especially useful if malware attacks your system unexpectedly. We recommend using the Data Recovery Pro program to restore the system.
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