CerberTear Ransomware Virus (Removal Steps and Protection Updates)

The CerberTear ransomware is a new malware variant based on the open-source code of HiddenTear that features some Cerber family behavior. Learn more about the threat and read our removal instructions below.

CerberTear Ransomware Description

The CerberTear ransomware is a new ransomware variant that encrypts target user files with a strong encryption cipher and extorts a ransom sum from the victim users. Security analysts point out that despite its name, this strain is not from the Cerber ransomware family. It is based on the widely used open-source code of HiddenTear.

Upon infection the virus targets specific file type extensions and encrypts them with a strong AES cipher. the compromised files are renamed with the .cerber file extension.

The CerberTear ransomware proves is just the latest iteration of many Cerber-impersonating viruses that have come up lately. This has become one of the most popular families of malware that infect thousands of computers worldwide.

A ransomware note is created under the file name “HOW_TO_RESTORE_YOUR_DATA.html” and it contains the following message:

CERBER RANSOMWARE DECRYPTOR

Your document, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted!
To decrypt your files you need to buy the special software – Cerber Decryptor
All transactions should be performed via Bitcoin network only.

What is encryption?
Encryption is a reversible modification of information for security reasons but providing full access to it for authorized users.
To become an authorized user and keep the modification absolutely reversible (in other words to have a possibility to decrypt your files) you should have an individual private key.
But not only it.
It is required also to have the special decryption software (in your case ‘Cerber Decryptor’ software) for safe and complete decryption of all your files and data.

Everything is clear for me but what should I do?
The firsts tep is reading these instructions to the end.
Your files have been encrypted with the ‘Cerber Ransomware’ software; the instructions (‘HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.html) in the folders with your encrypted files are not viruses, they will help you.
After reading this text the most part of people start searching in the Internet the words the ‘Cerber Ransomware’ where they find a lot of ideas, recommendations and instructions.
It is necessary to realize that we are the ones who closed the lock on your files and we are the only ones who have this secret key to open them.

Any attempts to get back your files with the third-party tools can be fatal for your encrypted files. The most part of the third-party software change data within the encrypted file to restore it but this cause damage to the files.
Finally it will be impossible to decrypt your files.
When you make a puzzle but some items are lost, broken or not put in its place – the puzzle items will never match, the same way the third-party software will ruin your files completely and irreversibly. You should realize that any intervention of the third-party software to restore files encrypted with the ‘Cerber Ransomware’ software may be fatal for your files.

There are several plain steps to restore your files but if you do not follow them we will not be able to help you, and we will not try since you have read this warning already.
For your information the software to decrypt your files (as well as the private key provided together) are paid products.
After purchase of the software package you will be able to:
decrypt all your files;
work with your documents;
view your photos and other media;
continue your usual and comfortable work at the computer.

How to get ‘Cerber Decryptor’?
1. Create a Bitcoin Wallet (we recommend Blockchain.info)
2. Buy necessary amount of Bitcoins (0.4 Bitcoins)
Here are our recommendations:

LocalBitcoins.com – the fastest and easiest way to buy and sell Bitcoins;
CoinCafe.com – the simplest and fastest way to buy, sell and use Bitcoins;
BTCDirect.eu – the best for Europe;
CEO.IO – Visa / Mastercard;
HowToBuyBitcoins.info – discover quickly how to buy and sell bitcoins in your local currency.

3. Send 0.4 BTC (Bitcoins) to the following address:
1GU18zL2PY5bq8EFBSo2tnvCd9ZEBi3E
4. Get the link and download the software, your files will be decrypted automatically!

Additional information:

You will find the instructions for restoring your files in those folders where you have your encrypped files only. Unfortunately antivirus companies cannot protect or restore your files but they can make the situation worse removing the instructions how to restore your encrypted files.

CerberTear Ransomware Distribution

CerberTear is mainly distributed in email spam campaigns using various social engineering tricks to lure the users into clicking on the infected binary files. Other infection vectors include browser hijackers and malicious ads that also serve the ransomware files.

CerberTear Ransomware Removal

For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete CerberTear 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 CerberTear 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