Home Guides Cerber ransomware: DECRYPT MY FILES virus removal (Jul. 2017 upd.)

Cerber ransomware: DECRYPT MY FILES virus removal (Jul. 2017 upd.)

6 min read
7
10,357
Files that became encrypted and appended with a random four-character extension indicate a Cerber ransomware attack that requires an urgent fix on the user’s end.

Updated in July 2017. The term “Cerber”, which is somewhat reminiscent of a scary mythical creature’s name, denotes a piece of ransomware that may cause infected people just about as much terror. The main concern for victims in terms of this threat has to do with the risk of losing their personal files, which is a likely outcome of the attack if the extortionists’ demands are not met. The virus uses AES cryptographic standard to encrypt the user’s most important files, focusing on popular data formats found on the target computer’s hard drive, network shares and removable media. On the outside, these items become considerably skewed as well – the filenames undergo scrambling beyond identification, where each one morphs into a random 10-character string. In addition to this, the ransomware concatenates four hexadecimal characters to encrypted data entries. This suffix is unique for every individual extortion scenario, because it matches a computer-specific MachineGuid registry value. As a result, a sample document will turn into a gibberish string like LQpHq5aNrJ.3f81. Obviously, the user is unable to open any of those.

Indicators of Cerber ransomware compromise on infected computer’s desktop
Indicators of Cerber ransomware compromise on infected computer’s desktop

When the Cerber virus is installed, the first thing it does is determine the country that the machine is located in. If it’s in a country that matches the infection’s hard-coded blacklist mostly composed of Eastern European states, then no further action is taken. Otherwise, the targeted system gets configured to go through several reboots so that the malicious code takes effect. To this end, the ransomware displays a number of rogue system notifications which, once closed manually, trigger a forcible restart of the PC.

Learn how the Cerber ransomware has evolved over time

The next phase is encryption proper. The malware disregards objects in several directories, including Program Files, ProgramData, Windows, Drivers, and AppData\Local. In the meanwhile, it encodes everything found during the HDD and network drives scan with the above-mentioned symmetric Advanced Encryption Standard. Cerber then adds ransom instructions to the desktop as well as each folder that got hit. The original variant of the perpetrating program would drop the following walkthroughs: # DECRYPT MY FILES #.html, # DECRYPT MY FILES #.txt and # DECRYPT MY FILES #.vbs. The latest edition of this Trojan called CRBR Encryptor, which was discovered in July 2017, has switched to using a different set of decryption how-to manuals, namely _R_E_A_D___T_H_I_S___[random]_.hta and _R_E_A_D___T_H_I_S___[random]_.txt. An additional JPEG version of ransom notes straightforwardly replaces the original desktop wallpaper to put additional pressure on the infected person.

Cerber ransomware makes a mess of victim’s files and drops several ransom notes
Cerber ransomware makes a mess of victim’s files and drops several ransom notes

According to these notes, the victim needs to navigate to a Tor page titled “Cerber Decryptor” and use it to send 0.5 Bitcoin (about $1,100) as the ransom, doing which will supposedly make the file decryption tool available to download. The page also displays a countdown timer to add some urgency to the mix so that the plagued user submits the cryptocurrency within five days, or else the sum will become 1 Bitcoin. The darknet service in question allows deciphering one file free of charge, but that’s certainly cold comfort given the big picture of the quandary.

An unordinary hallmark sign of this infection is that it’s equipped with a VBScript based text-to-speech component that recurrently plays an audio message explaining what happened to the data and how to get it back. The message goes, “Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted!“. This is, obviously, a clever scare tactic that makes the attack an awful nuisance, not just a commonplace cipher-backed predicament. Notwithstanding the whole sophistication of Cerber ransomware, some techniques can help victims restore their files without having to pay the fee or somehow crack the strong encryption.

Cerber ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Cerber, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download Cerber remover

Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.

Download and run Combo Cleaner installer on your PC

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.Setup customizations

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.Start initial scan

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.Combo Cleaner scan in progress

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.Scan completed

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.Scan results

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.Stellar Data Recovery main screen

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.Select which PC areas to recover from

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.Recover files

Cerber ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the Cerber virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Remove Cerber ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking

Remove Cerber ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking

Get rid of Cerber ransomware using System Restore

Get rid of Cerber ransomware using System Restore

System Restore enables Windows users to roll back all changes made to the OS since the latest restore point creation time. This feature can help eliminate the most persistent ransomware. Before going this route, though, make sure System Restore had been enabled prior to the breach, otherwise the method will be inefficient.

  • Open Windows Advanced Options Menu as described in the previous section: hit F8 repeatedly when the PC is starting up. Use arrow keys to highlight the Safe Mode with Command Prompt entry. Hit Enter.Safe Mode with Command Prompt
  • In the Command Prompt window, type cd restore and hit Entercd restore command
  • Type rstrui.exe in the new command line and press EnterType rstrui.exe command
  • When the System Restore screen pops up, click Next, select a restore point that predates the contamination, and use the application’s controls to roll back the system to this earlier state.System Restore window
Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of encrypted files

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Backups can make your day

Backups can make your day

Not only are you a lucky person in case you’ve been backing up your most important files, but you’re also a wise and prudent user. This isn’t necessarily a resource-heavy activity these days – in fact, some providers of online services are allocating a sufficient size of cloud storage space for free so that every customer can easily upload their critical data without paying a penny. Having removed the Cerber ransomware, therefore, all you have to do is download your stuff from the remote server or transfer it all from an external piece of hardware if that’s the case.

Restore previous versions of encrypted files

Restore previous versions of encrypted files

A positive upshot of using this technique depends on whether or not the ransomware has erased the Volume Shadow Copies of the files on your PC. This is a Windows feature that automatically makes and keeps the backups of data elements on the hard drive as long as System Restore is enabled. The cryptoware in question is programmed to switch off the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS), but it has reportedly failed to in some cases.

Checking one’s options regarding this workaround is doable in two ways: through the Properties menu of each file or by means of the remarkable open-source tool called Shadow Explorer. We recommend the software-based way because it’s automated, hence faster and easier. Just install the app and use its intuitive controls to get previous versions of the encrypted objects reinstated.

Shadow Explorer

Alternatively, you can leverage the Previous Versions feature, which is native to Windows operating system. This method is more cumbersome that the use of ShadowExplorer, but it can help restore the most important individual files on condition that the ransomware failed to disable the Volume Snapshot Service on the computer. Right-click on a file of choice and select Properties. Then, go to the Previous Versions tab as illustrated below.

Previous Versions

Go ahead and pick the file’s latest backup version on the list. Use the Copy or Restore buttons to reinstate this object to a new path or to its original folder, respectively.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid Cerber ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

  • Toggle your email provider’s anti-spam settings to filter out all the potentially harmful incoming messages. Raising the bar beyond the default protection is an important countermeasure for ransom Trojans
  • Define specific file extension restrictions in your email system. Make sure that attachments with the following extensions are blacklisted: .js, .vbs, .docm, .hta, .exe, .cmd, .scr, and .bat. Also, treat ZIP archives in received messages with extreme caution
  • Rename the vssadmin.exe process so that ransomware is unable to obliterate all Shadow Volume Copies of your files in one shot
  • Keep your Firewall active at all times. It can prevent crypto ransomware from communicating with its C&C server. This way, the threat won’t be able to obtain cryptographic keys and lock your files
  • Back up your files regularly, at least the most important ones. This recommendation is self-explanatory. A ransomware attack isn’t an issue as long as you keep unaffected copies of your data in a safe place
  • Use an effective antimalware suite. There are security tools that identify ransomware-specific behavior and block the infection before it can do any harm.

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download Cerber removal tool

7 Comments

  1. Nathan

    June 12, 2016 at 12:15 pm

    Someome needs to put those faggots behind bars or a bullet through thier head. F..ing scum!

    Reply

  2. Emad Aziz

    August 4, 2016 at 9:26 am

    how the virus effected data any files no open and extension not shown

    the virus affected my data and how can i recover my data at least my PDF files

    Reply

    • admin

      September 3, 2016 at 11:22 am

      Emad,

      Looks like you’re facing some other strain of ransomware. We recommend you try the method involving Shadow Volume Copies, may help.

      Reply

      • Zulfiqar Ali

        September 29, 2016 at 7:34 am

        Sir:

        cerber3 has attacked our data, which has encrypted the Photos, Documents and database files. Please help me out.

        Thanks.

        Reply

  3. malinga

    September 5, 2016 at 3:57 am

    the virus affected my photos and videos in my hard disk partition
    i re installed system and windows files but that partition can’t remove the virus please help me….

    Reply

    • malinga

      September 5, 2016 at 4:15 am

      my files has been re named from virus so i can’t find any file

      Reply

  4. Jaidee

    October 3, 2016 at 12:35 am

    Got zapped by these monsters on my work computer. Solution-computer gone All my files and reports for last 10 years gone. Starting everything over. I wish these black souled monsters could be caught and get the 5×10 cell for a lifetime.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *