Decrypt and remove .crypted file extension virus

Learn an efficient way to deal with a new ransomware family that adds a .crypted extension to users’ files and makes the data inaccessible.

Antimalware labs are reporting an outbreak of ransomware attacks that result in disabling user access to their personal files while concurrently adding a “.crypted” suffix at the end of each. This sort of activity is inherent to a breed of malicious programs generically called the Nemucod. The malware operators rely on JavaScript files to conduct a mass infection campaign through email. As soon as a user opens the poisoned attachment, usually out of curiosity, the associated executable file is downloaded to the system’s Temp directory. The process name tends to be a 7-digit string. Interestingly enough, it stays dormant until a separate command is issued later on.

The gist of the Nemucod Trojan attack is about a two-stage file distortion routine, which is different than most of the ransomware incidents out there. On the initial phase, the parasite runs a script to scan the hard disk for around 80 formats of data. The targeted files are typically the most important ones for the victim, including all types of Microsoft Office documents, various graphical items like photos, multimedia, databases, archives and many more. The pest then concatenates the aforementioned .crypted part to every match, but doesn’t yet run the cipher process actually. If the user realizes what’s going on and terminates the batch file at this point, chances are he or she will be able to restore everything by simply editing filenames through removal of the ransomware extension. This, however, is a rare encounter.

As the infection continues the assault, it activates the previously loaded executable and thus encodes files. It also opens up ransom instructions in a Notepad file named DECRYPT.txt, which says “Attention! All your documents, photos, databases and other important personal files were encrypted using strong RSA-1024 algorithm with a unique key.” The user can obtain said key by paying 0.39983 BTC to a Bitcoin address indicated in the ransom document. The deadline for doing it is 36 hours, or 3 days. Do not pay the ransom, though. In order to reobtain access to .crypted files, it’s recommended to utilize a specially crafted procedure.

.crypted file ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like .crypted file, 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 .crypted file 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.}

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

.crypted file 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 .crypted file 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.

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 .crypted 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.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

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

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 .crypted file removal tool