CryptoBlock Ransomware Virus (Removal Steps and Protection Updates)

The CryptoBlock ransomware strain is a dangerous virus which features an unusual file renaming formula that has proven to be quite effective in ruining user data. Our removal guide will show you how you can remove existing infections and to protect your computer from such threats.


Name
CryptoBlock

File Extensions
Randomly-generated strings

Ransom
0.3 Bitcoins

Solution #1
You can skip all steps and remove CryptoBlock with the help of an anti-malware tool.

Solution #2
CryptoBlock ransomware can be removed manually, though it can be very hard for most home users. See the detailed tutorial below.

Distribution
Spam Email Campaigns, malicious ads & etc.

CryptoBlock Ransomware Description

The CryptoBlock ransomware is a new dangerous virus of unknown origin that uses a distinct renaming formula of the compromised user data. The behavior patterns are pretty identical to most other related computer threats.

Upon infection the virus encrypts target user data using the strong RSA-2048 cipher and demands a ransomware payment of 0.3 Bitcoins. CryptoBlock ransomware uses a distinctive formula which adds randomly-generated strings compromised of numbers and letters to the files.

This is a very deliberate and damaging way of making file recovery nearly impossible. The generated ransomware note contains the following message:

CryptoBlock
Your personal files are encrypted!
Your personal files encryption produced on this computer: photos, videos, documents, etc. Encryption was produced using a unique public key RSA-2048 generated for this computer.
To decrypt files you need to obtain the private key.
The single copy of the private key, which will allow to decrypt the files, located on a secret server on the Internet; the server will destroy the key after a time specified in this window. After that, nobody and never will be able to restore files…
To obtain the private key for this computer, which will automatically decrypt files, you need to pay 0.3 bitcoin (~210 USD).
You can easily delete this software, but know that without it, you will never be able to get your original files back.
Disable your antivirus to prevent the removal of this software.
For more information on how to buy and send bitcoins, click “How to pay”
Do not delete this list, it will be used for decryption. And do not move your files.
Each time the timer expires, the total cost will raise.
After the purchase is made, wait 1-3 hour for our confirmation of the bitcoins.
After that click on “Decrypt Files” to Decrypt your files.

The encryption module targets the most commonly used files such as Microsoft Office and PDF documents, various multimedia files (audio, video and photos), user folders, databases and etc.

CryptoBlock Ransomware Distribution

The CryptoBlock ransomware is distributed mainly as fake infected software installers and updates that pose as legitimate software. Some of the malware samples have been identified to pose as products of the Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe Flash Player and other commonly used productivity applications.

CryptoBlock Ransomware Removal

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

Windows-key-plus-R-button-launch-Run-Box-in-Windows-illustrated

    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

    show-hidden-files-win8-10

    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 CryptoBlock Ransomware Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Manual removal of CryptoBlock requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removal of any important data can lead to permanent system damage. Prevent this troublesome effect – delete CryptoBlock ransomware with SpyHunter malware removal 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

    restore-your-personal-files-using-File-History-bestecuritysearch

      – Hit the “Restore” button

    3) Using System Restore Point

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

restore-files-using-system-restore-point

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

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Author : Martin Beltov

Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.


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