Cerber Ransomware 4.1.1: decrypt files and remove virus

Cerber Ransomware 4.1.1, the newest version of one of today’s nastiest crypto infections, has minor changes under the hood but is still a strong adversary.

A ransomware attack entails critical risks to one’s data and computer health. Personal files become off limits, hardware gets an additional processing burden, and random applications may end up unusable. The offending program called the Cerber Ransomware, including its latest version 4.1.1, is both commonplace and exceptional at the same time. It goes off the beaten track by forcing an infected machine to articulate the file decryption demands. The text-to-speech feature certainly produces an intimidation effect as the victim hears the “Attention, attention, attention! Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted” alert coming out of the PC’s speakers. Another component of the scare tactic is the desktop wallpaper that suddenly changes to a grayish, pixelated warning image. It’s this background that makes the most recent edition stand out from the pack, because it mentions Cerber Ransomware 4.1.1.

It’s hard to say why exactly the threat actors have decided to indicate the ransomware version number in the warning screen. Perhaps they are planning on releasing multiple minor, intermediate sub-variants in between major updates of their abominable product. Anyway, security analysts and infected users will now be able to easily tell which particular breed of this lineage they are dealing with.

The current variant is still proliferating via phishing and exploit kits. The former tactic is based on the use of spam emails that assume the form of detailed bills, payment history reports, e-tickets, receipts, complaint letters or suchlike catchy things. The attached obfuscated JavaScript objects or Docm macros, when double-clicked, will automatically download the ransomware executable to the system. The exploit kit vector, in its turn, engages a network of compromised and malicious websites. These pages furtively redirect to a malicious service that harnesses known or 0day software vulnerabilities to do the same thing – deposit the infection onto the targeted workstation.

Cerber Ransomware 4.1.1 first determines what files it should encrypt. To this end, it traverses across all hard drive sectors, network shares (both mapped and unmapped) and removable drives. When running this scan, the Trojan locates all files that match its list of popular data formats. Then, it uses the AES cryptographic algorithm to encrypt these matches. What makes matters worse is that the infection also modifies filenames, replacing them with 10 random hex characters followed by a 4-character extension. It grabs this extension from the MachineGuid parameter that’s unique to the system. To let the victim know how to act under the circumstances, Cerber creates a help file named README.hta in every folder and also drops a copy on the desktop.

According to the ransom manual, the infected person should use one of the temporary addresses listed in it to visit their personal online dashboard called the Cerber Decryptor Page. This page contains the following information: the size of the ransom for data decryption, the extortionists’ Bitcoin wallet address, the amount of time that the special price of 1 BTC is valid, and how much time is left before the ransom increases to 2 BTC. All in all, this is a well-orchestrated buyout scheme that has worked just fine for the criminals since February 2016, so they obviously don’t find it reasonable to reinvent the wheel.

When confronted with this sample, Windows users should keep in mind that there is no free decryption utility for it. However, don’t rush yourself into paying the ransom right away. First try the methods below, which will eliminate the ransomware and may help revive the encoded data.

Cerber Ransomware 4.1.1 ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Cerber Ransomware 4.1.1, 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 Ransomware 4.1.1 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.

Cerber Ransomware 4.1.1 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 Ransomware 4.1.1 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 locked 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 Cerber Ransomware 4.1.1 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 Cerber Ransomware 4.1.1 removal tool