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Updated Cerber Ransomware _README_{RAND}_.hta Remove and Restore Encrypted Files

cerber-ransomware-_readme_-hta-sensorstechforum-attention-encryption-2016The 1st of December marked the beginning of a new Cerber ransomware virus with several interesting changes. The ransomware again wants it’s victims to pay a hefty sum of 499$ to get back the files, which are encrypted via RSA-512 cipher in a RC4 encryption method. Cerber also goes back to it’s roots adding the old sound message, and adds a red ransom note accompanied by a sound message, just like the first version of Cerber did. In case you have been infected by this variant of the ransomware virus, we advise you read the following article to familiarize yourself with the virus, remove it and try to decrypt your files.

Threat Summary

Name Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta
Type Ransomware Virus
Short Description This Cerber _README_.hta ransomware variant encrypts files with the RSA-512 cipher and an RC4 encryption algorithm adding four randomly generated A-Z 0-9 characters(ex. .z33f) as a file extension to the encrypted files and asks a ransom payoff for decryption.
Symptoms Files are enciphered and become inaccessible by any type of software. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a “_README_{random}.hta” file. Also adds the following audio message after encryption:
Distribution Method Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks, Malicious Executable in Torrent Trackers.
Detection Tool See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware

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User Experience Join our forum to Discuss Cerber Ransomware.
Data Recovery Tool Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive.

Cerber _README_.hta December 2016 Variant – What Is New

Unlike the previous versions of Cerber which are with 3 digit versions (5.0.0, 5.0.1, 4.1.6, etc.), this version has a red wallpaper which it changes after the encryption and does not have a version, very similar to the first Cerber ransomware virus, which is also decryptable. The wallpaper it sets has the same message and leads to the very same Cerber Decryptor web page, asking 499$ but looks like the following:

cerber-sensorstechforum-wallpaper-ransowmare-infection

This virus also uses the very same tactics the modern Cerber version use. It attacks computers via a phishing e-mail which aims to infect via an e-mail attachment, like the following example:

“Topic: Suspicious Bank Account Activity
Hello, we at your bank have been informed of a suspicious financial activity on your bank account. Please review the Document Number 3882-124442 from {date} for more information.
Best Regards
{Bank manager fake name}
{copied phone number}
{copied address of a bank office}”

What is new regarding how Cerber _README_.hta spreads are that it also takes advantage of the Tor network as well as Google to spread a malicious script that infects via a corrupt svchost32.exe fake process. This redirect via the Tor network proxies means that it is with higher difficulty to identify the infection hosts associated with the Cerber _README_.hta crypto virus.

Cerber _README_.hta – Activity After Infection

After infecting the user, not a lot is changed. Cerber ransomware begins to shut down the following system processes if they are active on the compromised computer:

→ bootsect.bak
iconcache.db
ntuser.dat
thumbs.db

But the malware does not stop there. The Cerber _README_.hta version also goes through a lot of troubles to shut down significant database processes to allow it to uninterruptedly encrypt databases:

→ msftesql.exe
sqlagent.exe
sqlbrowser.exe
sqlservr.exe
sqlwriter.exe
oracle.exe
ocssd.exe
dbsnmp.exe
synctime.exe
mydesktopqos.exe
agntsvc.exeisqlplussvc.exe
xfssvccon.exe
mydesktopservice.exe
ocautoupds.exe
agntsvc.exeagntsvc.exe
agntsvc.exeencsvc.exe
firefoxconfig.exe
tbirdconfig.exe
ocomm.exe
mysqld.exe
mysqld-nt.exe
mysqld-opt.exe
dbeng50.exe
sqbcoreservice.exe

If those processes are active, they will stop the virus from encrypting the databases, and this is the main reason they are shutdown in a force mode.

Regarding the file encryption, the Cerber _README_.hta iteration is focused on attacking even wider database of file extensions. Here are the file types that surely be encrypted on your computer if you have them there and become infected by this iteration:

→ ” .123″, ” .1cd”, “.3dm”, “.3ds”, “.3fr”, “.3g2”, “.3gp”, “.3pr”, “.602”, “.7z”, “.7zip”, “.aac”, “.ab4”, “.abd”, “.acc”, “.accdb”, “.accde”, “.accdr”, “.accdt”, “.ach”, “.acr”, “.act”, “.adb”, “.adp”, “.ads”, “.aes”, “.agdl”, “.ai”, “.aiff”, “.ait”, “.al”, “.aoi”, “.apj”, “.apk”, “.arc”, “.arw”, “.ascx”, “.asf”, “.asm”, “.asp”, “.aspx”, “.asset”, “.asx”, “.atb”, “.avi”, “.awg”, “.back”, “.backup”, “.backupdb”, “.bak”, “.bank”, “.bat”, “.bay”, “.bdb”, “.bgt”, “.bik”, “.bin”, “.bkp”, “.blend”, “.bmp”, “.bpw”, “.brd”, “.bsa”, “.bz2”, “.c”, “.cash”, “.cdb”, “.cdf”, “.cdr”, “.cdr3”, “.cdr4”, “.cdr5”, “.cdr6”, “.cdrw”, “.cdx”, “.ce1”, “.ce2”, “.cer”, “.cfg”, “.cfn”, “.cgm”, “.cib”, “.class”, “.cls”, “.cmd”, “.cmt”, “.config”, “.contact”, “.cpi”, “.cpp”, “.cr2”, “.craw”, “.crt”, “.crw”, “.cry”, “.cs”, “.csh”, “.csl”, “.csr”, “.css”, “.csv”, “.d3dbsp”, “.dac”, “.das”, “.dat”, “.db”, “.db3”, “.db_journal”, “.dbf”, “.dbx”, “.dc2”, “.dch”, “.dcr”, “.dcs”, “.ddd”, “.ddoc”, “.ddrw”, “.dds”, “.def”, “.der”, “.des”, “.design”, “.dgc”, “.dgn”, “.dif”, “.dip”, “.dit”, “.djv”, “.djvu”, “.dng”, “.doc”, “.docb”, “.docm”, “.docx”, “.dot”, “.dotm”, “.dotx”, “.drf”, “.drw”, “.dtd”, “.dwg”, “.dxb”, “.dxf”, “.dxg”, “.edb”, “.eml”, “.eps”, “.erbsql”, “.erf”, “.exf”, “.fdb”, “.ffd”, “.fff”, “.fh”, “.fhd”, “.fla”, “.flac”, “.flb”, “.flf”, “.flv”, “.forge”, “.fpx”, “.frm”, “.fxg”, “.gbr”, “.gho”, “.gif”, “.gpg”, “.gray”, “.grey”, “.groups”, “.gry”, “.gz”, “.h”, “.hbk”, “.hdd”, “.hpp”, “.html”, “.hwp”, “.ibank”, “.ibd”, “.ibz”, “.idx”, “.iif”, “.iiq”, “.incpas”, “.indd”, “.info”, “.info_”, “.iwi”, “.jar”, “.java”, “.jnt”, “.jpe”, “.jpeg”, “.jpg”, “.js”, “.json”, “.k2p”, “.kc2”, “.kdbx”, “.kdc”, “.key”, “.kpdx”, “.kwm”, “.laccdb”, “.lay”, “.lay6”, “.lbf”, “.lck”, “.ldf”, “.lit”, “.litemod”, “.litesql”, “.lock”, “.ltx”, “.lua”, “.m”, “.m2ts”, “.m3u”, “.m4a”, “.m4p”, “.m4u”, “.m4v”, “.ma”, “.mab”, “.map “.max”, “.mbx”, “.md”, “.mdb”, “.mdc”, “.mdf”, “.mef”, “.mfw”, “.mid”, “.mkv”, “.mlb”, “.mml”, “.mmw”, “.mny”, “.money”, “.moneywell”, “.mos”, “.mov”, “.mp3”, “.mp4”, “.mpeg”, “.mpg”, “.mrw”, “.ms11”, “.msf”, “.msg”, “.mts”, “.myd”, “.myi”, “.nd”, “.ndd”, “.ndf”, “.nef”, “.nk2”, “.nop”, “.nrw”, “.ns2”, “.ns3”, “.ns4”, “.nsd”, “.nsf”, “.nsg”, “.nsh”, “.nvram”, “.nwb”, “.nx2”, “.nxl”, “.nyf”, “.oab”, “.obj”, “.odb”, “.odc”, “.odf”, “.odg”, “.odm”, “.odp”, “.ods”, “.odt”, “.ogg”, “.oil”, “.omg”, “.one”, “.onenotec2”, “.orf”, “.ost”, “.otg”, “.oth”, “.otp”, “.ots”, “.ott”, “.p12”, “.p7b”, “.p7c”, “.pab”, “.pages”, “.paq”, “.pas”, “.pat”, “.pbf”, “.pcd”, “.pct”, “.pdb”, “.pdd”, “.pdf”, “.pef”, “.pem”, “.pfx”, “.php”, “.pif”, “.pl”, “.plc”, “.plus_muhd”, “.pm”, “.pm!”, “.pmi”, “.pmj”, “.pml”, “.pmm”, “.pmo”, “.pmr”, “.pnc”, “.pnd”, “.png”, “.pnx”, “.pot”, “.potm”, “.potx”, “.ppam”, “.pps”, “.ppsm”, “.ppsx”, “.ppt”, “.pptm”, “.pptx”, “.prf”, “.private”, “.ps”, “.psafe3”, “.psd”, “.pspimage”, “.pst”, “.ptx”, “.pub”, “.pwm”, “.py”, “.qba”, “.qbb”, “.qbm”, “.qbr”, “.qbw”, “.qbx”, “.qby”, “.qcow”, “.qcow2”, “.qed”, “.qtb”, “.r3d”, “.raf”, “.rar”, “.rat”, “.raw”, “.rb”, “.rdb”, “.re4”, “.rm”, “.rtf”, “.rvt”, “.rw2”, “.rwl”, “.rwz”, “.s3db”, “.safe”, “.sas7bdat”, “.sav”, “.save”, “.say”, “.sch”, “.sd0”, “.sda”, “.sdb”, “.sdf”, “.secret”, “.sh”, “.sldm”, “.sldx”, “.slk”, “.slm”, “.sql”, “.sqlite”, “.sqlite-shm”, “.sqlite-wal”, “.sqlite3”, “.sqlitedb”, “.sr2”, “.srb”, “.srf”, “.srs”, “.srt”, “.srw”, “.st4”, “.st5”, “.st6”, “.st7”, “.st8”, “.stc”, “.std”, “.sti”, “.stl”, “.stm”, “.stw”, “.stx”, “.svg”, “.swf”, “.sxc”, “.sxd”, “.sxg”, “.sxi”, “.sxm”, “.sxw”, “.tar”, “.tax”, “.tbb”, “.tbk”, “.tbn”, “.tex”, “.tga”, “.tgz”, “.thm”, “.tif”, “.tiff”, “.tlg”, “.tlx”, “.txt”, “.uop”, “.uot”, “.upk”, “.usr”, “.vb”, “.vbox”, “.vbs”, “.vdi”, “.vhd”, “.vhdx”, “.vmdk”, “.vmsd”, “.vmx”, “.vmxf”, “.vob”, “.vpd”, “.vsd”, “.wab”, “.wad”, “.wallet”, “.war”, “.wav”, “.wb2”, “.wk1”, “.wks”, “.wma”, “.wmf”, “.wmv”, “.wpd”, “.wps”, “.x11”, “.x3f”, “.xis”, “.xla”, “.xlam”, “.xlc”, “.xlk”, “.xlm”, “.xlr”, “.xls”, “.xlsb”, “.xlsm”, “.xlsx”, “.xlt”, “.xltm”, “.xltx”, “.xlw”, “.xml”, “.xps”, “.xxx”, “.ycbcra” “.yuv”, “.zip”

To encrypt those files the _README_.hta version of Cerber uses 5 blocks of code in the files which are encrypted, not the whole files. Those blocks are encrypted via the RC4 encryption method which generates a unique key the size of 256 bits. In addition to this, the ransomware also uses the cipher RSA (Rivest Shamir Adleman) algorithm with a strength of 512 bit to further increase encryption of the files. This encryption then generates a unique RSA key which may either be stored on the victim’s computer or be sent via POST traffic via port 6482 on the TCP and UDP protocols to IP addresses 15.49.2.0/27, 122.1.13.0/27, 194.165.16.0/23. So far, it has not been established whether or not the sent information is encrypted, but this is likely the case.

Similar to other versions of Cerber, this one may also change the names of the encrypted files and render them useless. The files may appear like the following and completely non-recognizable:

cerber-ransomware-file-encrypted-sensorsrtechforum

After the encryption process is complete, Cerber changes the wallpaper to the new one and in addition to this adds a _README_.hta type of file with 4 random digits, similar to a unique ID for this specific infection. The file may look like the following:

_readme_hta-cerber-ransowmare-december-2016-sensorstechforum-com

Both the wallpaper and the _README_.hta file have a unique web-link which is Tor-based and focused on leading the victim to the genuine Cerber web page, demanding the user to pay approximately 500 dollars and giving a deadline with a countdown timer:

cerber-ransomware-4-1-6-payment-page-sensorstechforum-com

Cerber _README_.hta is also very careful when it comes to encrypting folder. The ransomware goes as far as whitelisting folders which it does not encrypt to keep the operating system in a working state:

→ \\documents and settings\\all users\\documents\\
\\appdata\\roaming\\microsoft\\office\\
\\excel\\
\\microsoft sql server\\
\\onenote\\
\\outlook\\
\\powerpoint\\
\\steam\\
\\the bat!\\
\\thunderbird\\

December 2016 Cerber Ransomware – Conclusion, Removal and File Restoration Tips

In case you happen to become an unfortunate victim of this iteration of Cerber ransomware, recommendations are not to focus on paying the ransom. This is not a guarantee your files will be gotten back to you, and furthermore, you support criminal entities in developing Cerber _README_.hta further as well as infecting more users. Instead, we advise following the below-mentioned instructions to remove the virus. In case you are having trouble in manually removing Cerber from your computer, advices are to do it automatically with an advanced anti-malware program which will take care of this threat for you swiftly and remove all of its objects created in various Windows folders and Windows Registry Edior as well.

After removing Cerber _README_.hta, we urge you to immediately create several copies of all the encrypted files that are important for you. Then, you can use one of those copies to try the traditional Cerber decryption instructions from this web link.

They are not for this version of Cerber and may not work, but you are welcome to attempt them and the alternative file restoration methods from step “2. Restore Files Encrypted by Cerber _README_.hta” below. They are also not 100% to succeed, but with the “Deep Scan” features of one of them, there is a chance you will restore some of your files if you haven’t reformatted your hard drive.

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

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  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
  • Step 5

Step 1: Scan for Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.


It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.


2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 2


3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 3


4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 4

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide

Step 2: Uninstall Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta and related malware from Windows

Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:


1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
delete ransomware from windows step 1


2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
delete ransomware from windows step 2


3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
delete ransomware from windows step 3Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.


Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta on your computer.

The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
delete ransomware virus registries step 1


2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
delete ransomware virus registries step 2


3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
delete ransomware virus registries step 3 Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows Key + R.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 1


2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 2


3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
remove ransomware in safe mode step 3
Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.


4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 4


5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 5


Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta.

Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.

Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.

Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:

1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:

stop ransomware decryptor step 1

2. Agree with the license terms:

stop ransomware decryptor step 2

3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:

stop ransomware decryptor step 3

4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.

stop ransomware decryptor step 4

Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.

Method 2: Use data recovery software

Ransomware infections and Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.

1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.


Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta-FAQ

What is Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta Ransomware?

Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files. 

Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.

What Does Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta Ransomware Do?

Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.

Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.

How Does Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta Infect?

Via several ways.Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.

Another way you may become a victim of Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.

How to Open .Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta files?

You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.

What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?

Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

Can I Restore ".Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta" Files?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta files. 

These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.

How To Get Rid of Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta Virus?

The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.

It will scan for and locate Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta files.

Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?

In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.

Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:

Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:

Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei

United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre

United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police

France - Ministère de l'Intérieur

Italy - Polizia Di Stato

Spain - Policía Nacional

Netherlands - Politie

Poland - Policja

Portugal - Polícia Judiciária

Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)

India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell

Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center

Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.

Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?

Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.

Can Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta Ransomware Steal Your Data?

Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.

In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.

Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?

Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.

Should I Pay Ransomware?

No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.

What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?

If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.

Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?

Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.

It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.

Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?

Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.

About the Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.


How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?

Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.

Furthermore, the research behind the Cerber _README_{RAND}_.hta ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.

To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.


As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.

How to recognize trustworthy sources:

  • Always check "About Us" web page.
  • Profile of the content creator.
  • Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
  • Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.

9 Comments
  1. Victor Rij

    On 12 december 2016 I got the newest version of cerber on my PC. All my files were encrypted with the extensions 9150 file, I had a hell of a job to clean my PC with antimalware and super antispyware. I consider my files to be lost after some fruitless attempts to decipher them. When I started to remove them by searching for the 9150 string, I found that almost all the keys in the Programdata/ microsoft/ Crypto/ RSA /S-1-5-18 folder and in the Programdata/ microsoft/ Crypto /RSA /Machine folder, contained the 9150 string in a code string that looks like a normal microsoft code, is this coincidence or are these (system) keys somehow manipulated or created by cerber?? I found the same string in appdata roaming always within the same surrounding more complex code

    Reply
    1. Vencislav Krustev

      Hello buddy!
      Glad you wrote us. We will try and help. Can you please send us the full string so we can do a check up on that? e-mail me at idunn0@abv.bg an encrypted file, the string and if you have a screenshot to see what version you’ve got hit by that’d be great. We receive a lot of e-mails, so make sure the subject is – “RANSOM-C” so that I know it’s you! Thanks in advance.

      Reply
      1. Eduardo Tebes

        Hola yo fui infectado los primeros días de diciembre y mis archivos jpg cambiaron por B6D3, tengo archivos cifrados, tengo el mail con el virus, la nota de rescate, podras ayudarme?

        Reply
        1. Vencislav Krustev

          Hola. At the moment, there is no decryption. Please save copies of the encrypted files in case a decryptor is released. In the meantime you may want to try the alternative tools from step “2. Restore files encrypted by Cerber…” . But backup the encrypted files first!

          Reply
        2. Vencislav Krustev

          Hola, yo hablo espanol todo poquitto. Hablo en ingles?

          Reply
          1. Eduardo Tebes

            Hola Vencislav, entiendo un poco de ingles, uso el traductor. Tengo archivos cifrados su nota de rescate y encontré en una carpeta lo que podría ser el archivo cifrado y el archivo original jpg,. Queres que te los mande por mail? Gracias por tu respuesta seguire esperando.

            Hello Vencislav, I understand a little English, use the translator. I have encrypted files on your rescue note and found in a folder what could be the encrypted file and the original jpg file. Do you want me to mail to you? Thank you for your answer, I’ll keep waiting.

          2. Vencislav Krustev

            Si, un email es idunn0@abv.bg (0-zero)

          3. Eduardo Tebes

            Ok te mande un mail, con la nota de rescate un archivo cifrado y uuno que seria el original del mismo, el mail dice archivos encriptados

            Ok I sent you an email, with the rescue note an encrypted file and one that would be the original of it, the mail says encrypted files

  2. soul badguy

    my laptop has been attacked by cerber ransomware extension.9c8b. PLs help me

    Reply

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