CloudSword Ransomware Virus (Removal Steps and Protection Updates)

Our removal guide will show our readers how to remove infections made by the CloudSword Ransomware which is a new HiddenTear-based malware.

CloudSword Ransomware Description

CloudSword Ransomware is a newly identified malware sample that is based on the HiddenTear code. The undergone security analysis shows that it uses the default behavior patterns that are typical to other strains.

Upon infection it encrypts target user files by using the AES cipher and renames all affected data using the .*** extension. By default it targets the most commonly used user file types which include various multimedia files, configuration files, backups, documents and etc.

The following is the file types list that the virus affects:

.accdb, .arch00, .bson, .d3dbsp, .DayZProfile, .dbfv, .divx, .docx, .epub, .forge,
.hkdb, .hplg, .html, .ibank, .java, .jpeg, .layout, .mcgame, .mdbackup, .menu, .mpeg,
.mpqge, .mrwref, .pptm, .rofl, .sc2save, .sqlite, .syncdb, .text, .unity3d, .vfs,
.wotreplay, .xlsb, .xlsx, .ztmp

In addition the virus is able to scan for any running security software that may be installed on the host computer. Its features also include a Windows Startup Repair and Boot Policy modificatiosn which make serious system modifications, impairing the user to repair the damages on their own.

When the encryption process is complete a ransomware note bearing the name Warning警告.html is crafted and shown to the user. It has the following contents:

Warning
Because you violated Digital Millennium Copyright Act, all your important files have been locked
You must pay “+Network.amount+” bitcoin to the address below within five days, otherwise your unlock key will be lost forever
Network.getAddress()
To unlocked your files and find instructions, go to
***dw2dzfkwejxaskxr.onion.to/chk/””
If you are using Tor, go to
If you don’t know how to get bitcoins, go to
***renrenbit.com ***coinbase.com
Or email “+Network.email+”
Do not try decrypt yourself or use other tools
Here lists all encrypted files:
REMINDER: You have only FIVE days to make full payment

CloudSword Ransomware Distribution

The CloudSword ransomware is distributed as a counterfeit Windows Update executable file. It can be attributed both as an installer or an update package, depending on the tactic used.

The primary method of infection is spam email messages that are sent to the computer victims. Depending on the configuration the virus can be attached directly to sent as an attachment.

CloudSword Ransomware – How To Remove it and Prevent It From Coming Back

There are two ways of removal:

• With an anti-malware tool – this will also help prevention
  
• Manually – using the instructions below

CloudSword Ransomware Removal

For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete CloudSword completely with a few mouse clicks.

STEP I: Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently.

1) Hit WIN Key + R

2) A Run window will appear. In it, write “msconfig” and then press Enter
3) A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named “Boot”
4) Mark “Safe Boot” option and then go to “Network” under it to tick it too
5) Apply -> OK

Or check our video guide – “How to start PC in Safe Mode with Networking”

STEP II: Show Hidden Files

1) Open My Computer/This PC
2) Windows 7
– Click on “Organize” button
– Select “Folder and search options”
– Select the “View” tab
– Go under “Hidden files and folders” and mark “Show hidden files and folders” option

3) Windows 8/ 10

– Open “View” tab
– Mark “Hidden items” option



4) Click “Apply” and then “OK” button

STEP III: Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes

1) Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2) Get over to “Processes”
3) When you find suspicious process right click on it and select “Open File Location”
4) Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose “End Process”
5) Next you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it

STEP IV: Remove Completely CloudSword Ransomware Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter

STEP V: Repair Windows Registry

1) Again type simultaneously the Windows Button + R key combination
2) In the box, write “regedit”(without the inverted commas) and hit Enter
3) Type the CTRL+F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4) In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys

Further help for Windows Registry repair

STEP VI: Recover Encrypted Files

1) Use present backups
2) Restore your personal files using File History
– Hit WIN Key
– Type “restore your files” in the search box
– Select “Restore your files with File History”
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar



– Hit the “Restore” button

3) Using System Restore Point

– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps

STEP VII: Preventive Security Measures

1) Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
2) Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
3) Secure your web browser.
4) Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
5) Disable macros in Office documents.
6) Use strong passwords.
7) Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
8) Backup regularly your data.

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter