.crypt1 virus file ransomware decryptor and removal: cryptz update

After the rebranding of CryptXXX ransomware into UltraCrypter, the extensions it adds to files have been changing every few days, the latest one being .crypt1 or .cryptz.

Some crypto viruses are created and distributed by people obviously lacking tech skills, but the .crypt1 extension ransomware definitely doesn’t fall under that category. This is an edition of the CryptXXX hoax that superseded TeslaCrypt in the top part of the cyber extortion ‘food chain’. The newest iteration dubbed UltraCrypter features improved user interaction modules, enhanced anti-cracking mechanisms, and one more functionality that’s unique to these types of computer threats. It now contains a component called StillerX, which obtains the victim’s account credentials, including those for online gambling sites, virtual private networking tools, and possibly e-banking dashboards. Consequently, the criminals won’t get too upset if an infected user refuses to pay the file decryption ransom – they can take advantage of the compromise in other ways, too.

It doesn’t take much careless online activity on the average user’s end to become infected with the .crypt1 file virus. The black hats are in cahoots with the operators of the Angler exploit kit, also known as XXX, therefore their loader may be deposited onto PCs in a highly furtive fashion. The attack succeeds if the user visits a site with the Angler code in it, and as long as there are vulnerabilities in outdated software on the computer. Social engineering attacks over attachments in misleading emails are in the perpetrators toolset as well, moreover, these are easier to thwart.

This Trojan thoroughly scans the host machine for a bevy of files to encrypt. In particular, it focuses on locating valuable things, such as personal photos and videos, spreadsheets, text files, databases and the like. The RSA4096 cryptosystem, which the ransomware then uses to mutilate these items, is effectively an unbreakable asymmetric cipher. Meanwhile, it’s easy to tell which objects have been affected in the course of the attack, because they all have the .crypt1 or .cryptz suffixes concatenated to the initial filenames.

CryptXXX demands 500 USD for the unique private key, which will allow the decryption tool to restore all files. The ransom increases to 1000 USD if the victim lingers with the payment for more than 4 days. According to the latest reports, those who paid up are currently unable to download the decryption tool, even though the payment status is ‘completed’. As a response to this, the scammers have added a new Helpdesk tab on the ‘Decryption service’ Tor page, where frustrated victims can describe and submit their problem. However, relying on the criminals’ tech support is a lame approach. Instead, try several methods to recover the data for free without resorting to the assistance of people who caused the issue in the first place.

.crypt1/.cryptz 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

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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.

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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 .crypt1/.cryptz 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 .crypt1/.cryptz ransomware removal tool