Cancer Ransomware Virus (Removal Steps and Protection Updates)

Security experts identified a new malware threat known as the Cancer ransomware which is of unknown origin. Read our removal guide to learn more about it.

Cancer Ransomware Description

Malware experts identified a new virus known as the Cancer ransomware. This is a newly discovered threat and the security analysis is still undergoing. As such at this moment it is not certain if this is a strain from a previously known malware family.

The virus is also capable of reading various system information. The virus has been found to modify proxy settings and escalate its privileges without notifying the user through the UAC process.

The virus has been labeled as a “trollware” as it doesn’t actually compromise any files. Instead it plays annoying music and modifies the computer settings by instituting the following changes:

• Plays annoying music
• Blocks access to several important applications
• Moves up and down the application windows and displays an image overlay
• Randomly displays new windows

When this is complete an image with overlay text stating “I HAVE CANCER” appears on the screen. The encryption engine doesn’t encrypt the files as it does not feature a cipher.

All affected files are renamed using the .cancer extension. What is interesting about the virus is that it doesn’t display a ransomware note.

The Cancer ransomware virus also shuts down all Windows processes that contain the following strings:

vmtools,cheatengine,debug,dumpcap,regshot,SandboxieRpcSs,SandboxieDcomLaunch,Sandboxie,OllyDbg,IDAq,monitor,debug,dbg,vmtool,vmware,
malwarebytes,antivirus,malware,anti,secure,cheat,engine,immunity,shark,spy,hunter,av,qihoo,eset,nod,avast,f-secure,secur,protect,idaq,
strike,falcon,avira,norton,quard,zone,alarm,kasp,avg,clam,panda,cloud,comodo,defend,root

We recommend that all victims use a trusted anti-spyware utility to remove existing infections.

Cancer Ransomware Distribution

We pressume that the hackers distribute the Cancer ransomware using the popular strategies:

• Spam Email Messages – The virus is sent as an attachment or linked in a the body of spam messages. Depending on the attack campaign the hackers can opt to use various social engineering tricks to try and increase the infection ratio.
• Infected Installers – The Cancer ransomware can be distributed alongside with a software installer, update, a game or another type of computer program. In many cases these bundles can be found on various hacked or malicious download sites or BitTorrent trackers.
• Various malicious redirects – Infections like browser hijackers or sites that feature malicious ads can lead to virus infections.

The virus is distributed as executable binary files.

Cancer 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

The manual removal process is a one-time solution. It will solve the ransomware problem for a short time. For long-term protection, we recommend downloading an anti-malware tool.

Cancer ransomware Ransomware Removal

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