CRBR Encryptor virus: remove and decrypt ransomware files

The Cerber ransomware update history now includes an entry on CRBR Encryptor, the latest version that assumed new characteristics but isn’t a game changer.

As opposed to ransomware strands that sprinkle new iterations once or several times a week, the Cerber family is way more static. Perhaps that’s because it boasts quality stuffing, including the code proper and cryptography implementation. Indeed, why reinvent the wheel if it works and consistently brings this cybercriminal crew a pretty penny? And yet, some fine-tuning does occur in this particular layer of the online extortion ecosystem. The most recent update of the Cerber virus has brought about a few tweaks, some being inconspicuous to the naked eye and others constituting an outer impression of uniqueness. But first and foremost, there should be no ambiguity regarding this variant called CRBR Encryptor. It is not a standalone strain – instead, it is a slightly modified edition of the infamous Cerber.

So what’s new under the hood here? The warning background and ransom notes have changed in that the culprit’s name mentioned there is CRBR Encryptor. Secondly, the victim help manuals that show up on the desktop and inside folders are now named _R_E_A_D___T_H_I_S___[random]_.hta and _R_E_A_D___T_H_I_S___[random]_.txt. The random attributes are different for the HTA and TXT editions, but they invariably consist of 6 characters, for instance 2IZY5H. The way CRBR treats victims’ files has not changed. Having encrypted them, it replaces each filename with 10 random characters. Furthermore, it appends them all with a 4-character extension that’s uniquely assigned to the victim. Just like before, the ransomware retrieves this extension from the infected host’s MachineGuid value. Ultimately, an arbitrary file will be renamed to something like 0PbnO4M8zD.b49f. There is, obviously, no chance to work out which file it was before the attack.

The propagation of the refurbished CRBR Encryptor virus relies on several different mechanisms. One is the use of an exploit kit called MagnitudeEK. The gist of this vector revolves around malicious websites that leverage various software vulnerabilities to deploy the perpetrating code on visitors’ computers. This way, the ransomware is deposited onto a PC behind the user’s back, and the moment the person realizes they fell victim to the infection is when data has already been encrypted. Another entry point is more mundane – it’s spam. In particular, most of the rogue emails from this wave pretend to come from Microsoft Security Team. When the recipient opens the attached ZIP file, an obfuscated JavaScript component will instantly drop the harmful payload on the machine and run it.

In case the victim chooses to follow instructions provided in the above-mentioned _R_E_A_D___T_H_I_S___[random]_.hta/txt ransom notes, they end up on a Tor page titled Cerber Decryptor. It reads, “Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted!” This portal informs the user of the ransom size, which is 0.5 Bitcoin. If it isn’t submitted in 5 days, the amount will increase two times and reach 1 Bitcoin. The victim can keep track of this deadline via a countdown script embedded in Cerber Decryptor site. All in all, the CRBR Encryptor version of Cerber ransomware is just as dangerous as its predecessors. The crypto is too strong to crack, so victims are confronted with a disconcerting choice between sending the ransom and trying forensic techniques to get their files back. One way or another, the latter approach is worthwhile as it will at least dot the i’s and cross the t’s on whether the ransom option is inevitable.

CRBR Encryptor ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like CRBR Encryptor, 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 CRBR Encryptor 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.

CRBR Encryptor 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 CRBR Encryptor 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 CRBR-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.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid CRBR Encryptor 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 CRBR Encryptor removal tool