Remove CryptoDark Virus Infections From Your PC

The CryptoDark virus is a newly discovered malware that can be deleted easily by following by reading our in-depth removal guide.
Manual Removal Guide
Recover CryptoDark Virus Files
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How Does CryptoDark Virus Infiltrate the System?

The first reports of the CryptoDark virus have been reported in the end of June 2017. As the number of detected samples is very low we cannot judge what are the main infection strategies. We presume that the hackers are going to use the most popular methods.

One of them is the use of email messages that utilize social engineering tricks. They aim to make the targets infect themselves with the malware by interacting with the messages. The CryptoDark ransomware is either attached or linked in the emails. The used templates pose as legitimate sources by including stolen graphics and text.

Infected payload delivery can also be utilized. In this case the criminals bundle the CryptoDark virus code in software installers or office documents. They are either sent via emails or hosted on different websites or P2P networks. Such infections can sometimes be difficult to detect by basic anti-virus products as the user initiates system modification by themselves.

Installation of browser hijackers can also lead to CryptoDark ransomware instances. This is usually done after the main browser infection has been complete. These malicious add-ons modify essential settings: the default home page, search engine and new tabs page to point that point to a hacker-specified address. The privacy of the victims is seriously endangered as the malicious code is able to harvest user information. Browser hijackers are made for the most popular applications (Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge) and can download and transmit to the hackers information such as: browser history, cookies, bookmarks, form data, cache, passwords, settings and account credentials.

Related infection sources include web redirects, scripts and ad networks. They are usually part of hacker-controlled affiliate network and can be found on legitimate sites as well. Beware of any flashing images or tempting text that seems misleading or does not originate from the official sites.

Direct hacker attacks are also common in some large-scale campaigns. They are usually done in an automated way by exploiting software weaknesses (vulnerabilities). This is the reason why security experts recommend that all users update their software as soon as an update is issued.

Related: Kryptonite Ransomware, aZaZeL Ransomware

Infection Flow of CryptoDark Virus Virus

The CryptoDark virus is a newly discovered ransomware. The initial security analysis does not reveal information about the hacker or criminal group behind it. Its code does not seem to be based on any of the famous malware families. This means that it is an independent creation done by the developer(s) behind the virus.

At the moment the samples associated with the threat contain only a basic encryption engine that is started after the infection has been initiated. The CryptoDark virus processes system and user data based on a built-in list of target file type extensions. It can be customized depending on the targets or a computer network in particular. There are several versions of the CryptoDark virus. Samples that only pose as ransomware, also known as fake ransomware, have been detected.

Once this process is complete a lockscreen is initiated on the victim machines. Modules such as this one prohibit ordinary computer interaction until the threat is completely removed. It reads a ransomware message that informs the victims that they have become victim of the CryptoDark virus:

Your files have been encrypted!
All of your pictures, images and documents have been encrypted by CryptoDark.
To get them back, you will need to open the CryptoDark Decryptor and pay $300 worth of Bitcoin to the address shown in the decryptor.
If your anti-virus detected the decryptor, remove it from the guarantine or download a new one from:
xxxx://www.vhyifaiuevwni.tk/CDD

Another version shows a slightly different lockscreen that is modelled to look like the many WannaCry versions and imposters. Its ransomware message is slightly different:

CryptoDark Decryptor

To recover your files, you will need to send $300 worth of Bitcoin to this address:

WW91lGhdmUganVzdCB3YXNOZWQgeW9ciB0aW1LG==

If you do not know how to get Bitcoin then click the Local Bitcoins button.

Once you have paid, you will be given a key.
Click the Decrypt button and enter the key. If it is correct, your files will be decrypted.

If you are sure you have typed the key correcetly and you are still unable to decrypt your files, come back tomorrow and it should work.

The aforementioned lockscreen instances showcase that the hackers do not quote a fixed decryption sum. Instead they blackmail the victims into contacting them to resolve the issue. This is popular tactic that relies on the amount and type of affected data. The criminals haggle and negotiate a fee with the computer users.

Some of the captured CryptoDark virus request the sum of 300 US Dollars paid in the Bitcoin digital currency. We remind victims that such transactions cannot be traced down to any individual.

This is the reason why victims should not pay the hackers and resort to using a quality anti-spyware solution. After the virus CryptoDark ransomware infection has been eliminated a data recovery application can be started to recover the affected files. Refer to our instructions below for more information.

Remove CryptoDark Virus and Restore Data

WARNING! Manual removal of CryptoDark 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.

 
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CryptoDark 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 CryptoDark Virus Files

WARNING! All files and objects associated with CryptoDark 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.

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

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

Preventive Security Measures