Active .crypt virus infections can be recovered using our in-depth guide on restoring your computer and data, read our article to learn more.
Manual Removal Guide
Recover .crypt Virus Files
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How Does .crypt Virus Infiltrate the System?
At the moment the .crypt virus is being distributed in very limited quantities. This does not give out the main distribution method employed by its operators. We presume that the hackers behind it utilize the most common tactics. Email spam messages are a popular tactic that primarily use teplate text and images alongside social engineering tactics. Depending on the configuration the hackers can use file attachments or hyperlinks.
Software installers can be modified by the criminals to include the .crypt virus malware code. They are then distributed on fake (spam) sites or P2P networks like BitTorrent. Another option is the use of infected documents which feature dangerous scripts that are invoked as soon as the users enable them. This is usually done by using a notification prompt when the victims open the files.
Browser hijackers are another possible source of infections. They are malicious browser plugins that aim to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled site. They are made for the most popular applications including: Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Safari and Opera. Typical settings include the default home page, search engine and new tabs page. During the initial stages of infection it is possible to deliver the .crypt virus infection to the compromised machines.
Infection Flow of .crypt Virus
Computer security experts identified a new threat called the CypherPy Ransomware, otherwise known as the .crypt virus as this is the name of the renamed files. The initial security audit reveals that the code is written from scratch in the Python programming language. There are no components taken from any of the other famous malware families and this is truly a new and original ransomware.
Future updates may bring updated modules that can make the .crypt virus much more dangerous. Possible features can include a Trojan component that allows the hacker operators to overtake control of the computer, as well as spy on the users activities in real time. When this is combined with a keystroke recorder and an automated engine that records the mouse movement, the criminals can use the data to perform crimes such as identity theft and financial fraud.
Another possible update can bundle the ability to download files from the compromised computers. This can be done prior to the encryption process to ensure that sensitive files are taken before any alterations have been made. As the .crypt virus is written in the Python language it can easily manipulate settings on the local computer. In certain cases it can even cause a persistent installation which actively defends itself from manual user removal attempts. In such cases only the use of a quality anti-spyware solution can remedy the infection.
At the moment the samples that are being distributed to the targets contain only a base ransomware engine which encrypts files based on a predefined list of target file type extensions. The collected samples associated with the current attack wave target the following:
.3g2, .3gp, .7z, .asf, .asx, .avi, .bak, .bundle, .c, .cpp, .deb, .docx, .exe, .flv, .gif, .h, .html,
.jar, .jpeg, .jpg, .log, .m2ts, .mkv, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpeg, .mpg, .pdf, .php, .png, .py, .pyc, .rar,
.rm, .sh, .sq1, .sqlite3, .swf, .tar, .tar.gz, .tiff, .txt, .vob, .wmv, .zip
Once this process is complete a ransomware note is crafted in a README file which reads the following:
Cypher
Hello, unfortunately all your personal files have been encrypted with millitary grade encryption and will be impossible to retrieve without aquiring the encryption key and decrypting binary.
As of yet these are not available to you since the Cypher ransomware is still under construction.
We thank: you for your patience.
Have a nice day,
The Cypher Project.
The message reads that the .crypt virus is still in development. This means that strong encryption does not occur. In fact the researchers were able to uncover a decryption password rooted in the code: prettyflypassword.
NOTE: The virus works for both Windows and Linux computers.
Remove .crypt Virus and Restore Data
WARNING! Manual removal of .crypt Virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
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
.crypt Virus – Manual Removal Steps
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. The steps bellow are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the 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
Show Hidden Files
Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.
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
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
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit 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
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
Recover .crypt Virus Files
WARNING! All files and objects associated with .crypt Virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.
DOWNLOAD .crypt Virus Removal ToolSpyHunter 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
1. Use present backups
2. Use professional data recovery software
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.
3. Using System Restore Point
- – Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
4. 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
