CryLocker ransomware virus. How to delete? (Removal tutorial)
General review of the CryLocker ransomware virus
CryLocker ransomware virus pretends to be a fake institution called the Central Security Treatment Organization. Hundreds of victims received a frightening message that all their files were encrypted using a persistent military-grade crypto algorithm. CryLocker virus has similar characteristics as recent ransomware infections: after infiltrating computer’s system, it encrypts the data, changes desktop background and puts the ransom note. In the ransom note, crooks ask to pay 1.1 Bitcoin (500 GBP) in order to get their locked files back. However, they should hurry up, because, after a while, the price will be doubled. The hackers try their best to convince victims that there’s no other way to recover the files. Nevertheless, there’s no free and reputable file decryption tool created yet; we do not advise paying the ransom. Hackers rarely help victims to recover the files. They are only interested in taking the money. If your computer was infected with this malware, your first and the most important task is CryLocker removal. Only when you get rid of the virus, you can try to restore your data from backups. It’s the only possible option at the moment. The virus deletes Shadow Volume Copies that might be useful in data recovery.
Latest information shows that the CryLocker virus spreads via Sundown exploit kit. Once it gets inside, it starts file encryption and appends .cry file extension to all corrupted files. Then, it leaves a ransom notes Recovery_[random_characters].html and !Recovery_[random_characters].txt files, and changes desktop picture. The new desktop background has a threatening message that all users’ files were encrypted. It seems hackers want to motivate victims to pay the ransom by finishing the message with Albert’s Einstein’s’ quote. However, this virus is not a joke and you should take it seriously. CryLocker use Command and Control servers to collect information about computer’s operating system and determines user’s location with the help of nearby Service Set Identifier (SSID). Besides, it stores information about the victims on Imgur.com and Pastee.org. There’s possibility that hackers have secret purposes of gathering other personal or even private information. For your safety, you have to remove CryLocker from your PC immediately. For doing this, you might need professional anti-malware tools such as Reimage.
How does the ransomware spread?
Usually, ransomware type viruses spread via spam emails. Infected emails often have attachments. The crooks convince victims to open the attachment, and once they do it, the virus sneaks inside. If you want to avoid CryLocker malware and other ransomware viruses, you should be careful with your emails. Do not open any spam emails or emails which have an unknown sender. Moreover, the crooks might pretend to be representatives from an official and reliable institution. So, you have to be very careful and attentive, if you receive a suspicious email that encourages you to open the attached file. According to the latest information, the virus spreads via Sundown exploit kit. Also, if you want to protect your computer, you have to pay attention to software downloads and installation, stay away from suspicious advertisements and install a powerful antivirus program.
How to remove CryLocker from the PC?
Ransomware viruses are one of the most dangerous and strongest viruses. So, their elimination is not an easy task. For CryLocker removal you have to use a powerful anti-malware program. If you don’t have any, we recommend installing Reimage or Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner. Before running a full system scan, you have to update your antivirus program. However, this malware can block security programs and prevent from downloading or updating them. Under these circumstances, you should our step-by-step guide how to remove CryLocker manually. When you eliminate the virus, don’t forget to scan your computer with an anti-malware program.
To remove CryLocker virus, follow these steps:
Eliminate CryLocker 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 CryLocker
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 CryLocker completely.
If your ransomware does not allow you to access Safe Mode with Networking, please follow the instructions provided below.
Eliminate CryLocker 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 CryLocker 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 CryLocker 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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