CTB Locker virus decryption and removal tool

Although files ciphered by the CTB Locker ransomware are impossible to decrypt without a private key kept by criminals, there still are some recovery chances.

CTB Locker was once a highly prolific crypto malware breed but has evolved into more of a targeted threat featuring out-of-the-ordinary sophistication over time. Its immutable trait is a strong encryption routine that puts infected users into a tough dilemma circumstance: to pay up or lose their important data. The trojan under consideration leverages RSA-2048, a public-key standard that uses one key to encrypt files and another to decrypt them. The primary hurdle in a ransomware attack scenario is that the latter key is in extortionists’ hands and can only be obtained if the victim pays a Bitcoin equivalent of about $300. The scammers have recently changed their tactic by encoding the content of websites and demanding a smaller amount of 0.4 BTC, or less than $200. One way or another, it’s a vicious malady that targets both individual users and webmasters.

When the CTB Locker process is executed on a Windows machine, it performs the crypto job with regard to a predefined range of file extensions consisting of hundreds of different formats. The malware also adds three files into every folder in which at least one files has been locked. These documents with ransom demands are named DecryptAllFiles.txt, AllFilesAreLocked.bmp and [7 random characters].html. The warning message in each of the above says “Your personal files are encrypted by CTB-Locker. Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key generated for this computer.” If the user refuses to submit the money during 96 hours since the compromised began, the ransom will become twice as big.

The operators of this campaign stick with a fairly simple but very effective distribution scheme – they literally fool people into launching the malicious payload. Target users receive an email disguised as a Fax notification, a package delivery report with status tracking code, a payroll or some other arresting subject. The ZIP file attached to this message, when extracted, runs the ransomware executable stealthily enough for the person not to notice.

Data encryption is definitely not a weak link of CTB Locker – it is impossible to bypass and implemented professionally. Some recovery vectors, though, can do the trick partially or fully as they harness flaws that may vary from incident to incident. Of course, the optimal way out is to remove the ransom trojan proper and download ciphered files from backup, but not everyone maintains those. The part below covers all worthwhile techniques to mitigate the damage.

CTB Locker ransomware automated removal and data recovery

Owing to an up-to-date database of malware signatures and intelligent behavioral detection, the recommended software can quickly locate the infection, eradicate it and remediate all harmful changes. So go ahead and do the following:

1. Download and install the antimalware tool. Open the solution and have it check your PC for PUPs and other types of malicious software by clicking the Start Computer Scan button

Download CTB Locker virus remover

2. Rest assured the scan report will list all items that may harm your operating system. Select the detected entries and click Fix Threats to get the troubleshooting completed.

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.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid CTB Locker 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 CTB Locker ransomware removal tool