Uninstall Cerber 4.1.6 virus (Virus Removal Tutorial) - Uninstall Guide
Cerber 4.1.6 virus Removal Guide
Description of Cerber 4.1.6 ransomware
News from Cerber’s camp: Cerber 4.1.6 ransomware has just released
Cerber 4.1.6 virus is another hackers’ attempt to conquer the infamous Locky. In the late November 2016[1], the developers of Cerber updated forth malware’s version one more time. Malware does not differ a lot from previous variants – 4.1.0, 4.1.1, 4.1.4 and 4.1.5. It still targets personal computers, encrypts files using a complex algorithm and demands the ransom. However, the main significant feature of the Cerber 4.1.6 ransomware is that it started attacking companies and organisations more actively. Malware has been updated to attack databases[2] such as Microsoft Access, Oracle, and MySQL. It might become an exclusive feature that is important in the competition with Locky for the biggest and widespread cyber threat’s title. Probably, we can expect some aggressive response from their competitors as well. Furthermore, invading computer networks and corrupting important documents of the huge businesses boost chances to swindle more money illegally. Corporations often are willing to pay the money, because without important documents they cannot continue their work. However, data backups always help in case of the attack. Companies, as well as home computer users, should get used to making data backups regularly because ransomware attacks are expected to grow even more in the future. What should you do if ransomware attacked your PC? Stay calm and remove Cerber 4.1.6 or another ransomware virus from the computer. Carefully read our instructions presented at the end of the article and install a reputable malware removal tool (e.g. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, FortectIntego).
After infiltration, malware starts scanning the affected computer’s system and looking for various file types. It corrupts and distorts data using a sophisticated encryption algorithm, renames them with a random string of characters and appends unique four-digit file extension. Following data encryption, Cerber 4.1.6 ransomware leaves the same old README.hta file better known as a ransom note. Here victims learn why they lost access to their files and how they can get it back. According to the crooks, paying the ransom is the only solution. Cerber 4.1.6 virus demands approximately 500 USD; however, if the ransom is not paid in time, victims have to transfer almost 1000 USD. Besides, corporations might be asked to pay ten times bigger ransoms. The sums of money are ridiculously big, so people should think twice if it’s worth risking. Ransomware viruses are created for making money illegally. Therefore, they are only interested in swindling your money, and data recovery is only the matter of their conscience. Should you trust cyber criminal’s word? Not at all. However, if you do not have data backups and your files are extremely important, you should be aware that using Cerber decryptor might be a risky move as well. You might install malware with the decrypted files. Take our advice and do not have business with crooks[3]. Instead of learning how to purchase bitcoins and transfer them using Tor browser, concentrate on Cerber 4.1.6 removal. Malware not only takes your personal files to hostage but also is capable of installing other malicious programs on the system. Your computer becomes even more vulnerable, and you should not let cyber criminals kill it.
Ways to get infected with ransomware
Similarly to its precursor, Cerber 4.1.6 malware also spreads via exploit kits, malicious spam email attachments, malware-laden ads, file-sharing services, fake software updates, etc. Email attachments are the most efficient way to distribute malware executable. Sadly, Internet users still trust each received email and rush opening the attached documents. If you do not know the sender, if you are not expecting to receive some emails or you haven’t subscribed to some newsletters, you should not open this email and especially the attached document. If you want to learn more about malicious emails, look up for information online[4]. Moreover, do not trust eye-catching and misleading ads that offer software updates, downloads or warns about computer-related problems. Lastly, install reputable antivirus software to strengthen your computer’s protection. Companies, organisations and other enterprises should learn more how they can protect their computers from cyber attacks from the Center for Internet Security recommendations[5].
Cerber 4.1.6 removal
To start Cerber 4.1.6 removal, read the instructions presented below. When you reboot your PC to the Safe Mode with networking, install one of these malware removal utilities: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. We can assure that these programs can wipe out ransomware from the system with all its malicious components. However, some computer users decide to remove Cerber 4.1.6 manually. You should know that it’s nearly impossible to do it. Only professional and experienced IT specialists are capable of this task.
Getting rid of Cerber 4.1.6 virus. Follow these steps
In-depth guide for the Cerber 4.1.6 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 4.1.6 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 4.1.6 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 4.1.6 from the infected device. novirus.uk team has also prepared an in-depth data recovery guide which you will also find above.Cerber 4.1.6 ransomware virus removal will not bring your personal files back; however, it’s an important task to keep your computer safe. Ransomware can connect your computer to the botnet and then you can expect never-ending problems. After malware elimination, you can restore your files from backups. If you do not have them, chances to restore files are low now.
There are a couple of methods you can apply to recover data encrypted by Cerber 4.1.6:
Data Recovery Pro might restore some of your files
Data Recovery Pro tool has been created to restore lost, deleted or corrupted files. The developers update it frequently in order to help victims of the ransomware recover their files. We cannot assure that this tool will decrypt your files, but you should definitely try it.
- 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 4.1.6 ransomware;
- Recover the data.
It is strongly recommended to take precautions and secure your computer from malware attacks. To protect your PC from Cerber 4.1.6 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.
Recover files damaged by a dangerous malware attack
Despite the fact that there are various circumstances that can cause data to be lost on a system, including accidental deletion, the most common reason people lose photos, documents, videos, and other important data is the infection of malware.
Some malicious programs can delete files and prevent the software from running smoothly. However, there is a greater threat from the dangerous viruses that can encrypt documents, system files, and images. Ransomware-type viruses focus on encrypting data and restricting users’ access to files, so you can permanently lose personal data when you download such a virus to your computer.
The ability to unlock encrypted files is very limited, but some programs have a data recovery feature. In some cases, the Data Recovery Pro program can help recover at least some of the data that has been locked by a virus or other cyber infection.
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- ^ Sean Michael Kerner. Cerber Ransomware Expands Database Encryption Attacks. Eweek. Technology News and Analysis.
- ^ Steven Toole. Widespread Attack on Office 365 Corporate Users with Zero-day Ransomware Virus. Avanan. The Cloud Security Program.
- ^ Cadie Thompson. Why you should never pay hackers if they take over your computer. Business Insider. Business-related news.
- ^ How to Identify a Malicious Email. MPA Networks. Computer .
- ^ Marcus H. Sachs, P.E.. Top 10 Tips to Protect Your Organization from Cyber Attacks. Center for Internet Security. Organization dedicated to enhancing the cybersecurity readiness and response among public and private sector entities.