Uninstall .Cerber2 virus (Detailed Removal Instructions)
.Cerber2 virus Removal Guide
Description of .Cerber2 file extension virus
What is known about .Cerber2 file extension virus?
.Cerber2 virus is an updated version of Cerber ransomware. It is also known as Cerber 2.0 virus. Each of these viruses can infiltrate computers and encrypt different files without any user’s permission asked. The main difference between these two cyber infections is that the updated version attaches ‘.cerber2’ file extension instead of ‘.cerber’ extension to all encrypted files. Also, the virus changes the background of the desktop with a different wallpaper and leaves ransom notes in .txt and .html files. The text which is written in ransom note is the same, but the payment links are different. Before you take this virus as a harmless cyber infection, you should know that the new version of Cerber poses the same risk of harm to your files. Moreover, it might be even more dangerous. For this reason, you should take some precautions to prevent .Cerber2 virus from infiltrating your PC. You should never open suspicious emails from unknown senders and stay away from attached files or misleading links that are typically incorporated into malicious emails. Simply as that, your computer might get ransomware infection. Though, if your computer is already infected with this ransomware, follow our recommendations to remove .Cerber2 file extension virus from your PC. For that, you should use FortectIntego
Once the virus hijacks computer system, it starts looking for potentially vulnerable files. As we mentioned before, it adds an extension named as ‘.Cerber2’ to every encrypted file. Then, the virus changes desktop’s background and leaves a ransom note explaining what you must do in order to get the decryption key. Unfortunately, but the only way to restore your files is to buy decryption key from hackers. However, paying a ransom might be just a waste of money and time. Usually, hackers do not reveal decryption keys, even if they receive a ransom. If you’re a victim of this ransomware virus, you should firstly think about .Cerber2 removal. Once you eliminate its malicious files, you can concentrate on recovering your files.
How to protect your computer from .Cerber2 file extension virus?
Many programs claim they can protect computers from ransomware-type viruses. Unfortunately, but no program can fully protect you from Cerber 2 virus. For this reason, you should take care of your computer and your personal data yourself. The best way to do that is to backup your files often and keep extra copies of the most important of them in external storage, such as USB stick or external hard drive. Also, make sure you stay away from misleading emails telling you that you need to check the attachment which is allegedly a telephone bill or similar information. If your computer was infected with .Cerber2 virus, do not plug external devices into your PC because the virus can encrypt these files too. First of all, you have to remove the virus.
.Cerber2 removal
Unfortunately, it is still impossible to restore files encrypted by Cerber without paying ransom for hackers. Probably, the best way now is to remove .Cerber2 extension virus from your PC and wait for a solution. You can safely delete this ransomware with the help of professional antivirus program. If your antivirus program cannot remove the ransomware because it is blocked, follow the instructions provided below. You should perform Cerber2 removal once you make your anti-virus active. Bear in mind that you should be careful with manual removal method which requires specific knowledge.
Getting rid of .Cerber2 virus. Follow these steps
In-depth guide for the .Cerber2 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 .Cerber2 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 .Cerber2 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 .Cerber2 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
A proper web browser and VPN tool can guarantee better safety
As online spying becomes an increasing problem, people are becoming more interested in how to protect their privacy. One way to increase your online security is to choose the most secure and private web browser. But if you want complete anonymity and security when surfing the web, you need Private Internet Access VPN service. This tool successfully reroutes traffic across different servers, so your IP address and location remain protected. It is also important that this tool is based on a strict no-log policy, so no data is collected and cannot be leaked or made available to first or third parties. If you want to feel safe on the internet, a combination of a secure web browser and a Private Internet Access VPN will help you.
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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