What Is Craa Virus?
Craa virus is a malicious computer ransomware from the STOP/DJVU family that targets Microsoft Windows operating systems. It utilizes a powerful encryption algorithm to lock the files on the infected computer, appending the .craa file extension to them. Following this, a ransom note is displayed, demanding a payment to recover the decryption key to unlock the encrypted files. If the ransom is not paid within the specified time frame, the encrypted files may be lost forever.
Craa Virus – Why Is My Windows Infected?
Ransomware caused by the Craa virus is commonly obtained through downloading and opening hazardous attachments that are sent through emails or from malicious webpages. Furthermore, one can become infected by downloading applications with embedded malware, visiting suspicious websites, or exploiting vulnerabilities in the operating system or other programs with obfuscators.
Craa Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
The primary methods used to spread the Craa virus ransomware include sending malicious emails, visiting malicious websites, downloading malicious software, and exploiting security loopholes in operating systems and other applications. Some methods for distribution include:
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
Craa Virus – Details
Name | Craa virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
File Extension | .craa |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The Craa Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .craa extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
See If Your Mac Has Been Affected by Craa
Download
Malware Removal Tool
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Craa Virus – What Does It Do?
Once a virus has breached your computer, it will start to scramble your data. A message will then appear asking you to pay a certain amount of money to get a decryption key that can recover the encrypted files. The notification likely warns that the encrypted files will be permanently wiped if the ransom is not paid before the specified expiration date.
After the virus has been installed, the malicious payload files will be stored in the following directories:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
The virus may also leave behind a ransom note file, called _readme.txt:
This ransomware may also set up multiple value entries in some Windows Registries.
What Are .craa Files
Files that have been encrypted by ransomware often have the .craa extension, rendering them inaccessible until the encryption is removed. To retrieve these files, you can either pay the ransom or employ a trustworthy data recovery tool. The ransomware virus utilizes the AES encryption algorithm to target the following file types:
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Others.
After encryption, the files assume the following appearance:
Picture.jpg.craa
How to Open .craa Files
If your system has been infected with the .craa virus ransomware, the most important step is to remove the malicious virus and restore your files from a backup. Paying the ransom demanded by the cybercriminals is not recommended, as it is not guaranteed that the files will be decrypted. Similarly, if your files have been encrypted by DJVU ransomware, the priority should be to remove the virus and recover your files from a backup.
What To Do If My Files Are .craa?
The only guaranteed way to restore files that have been encrypted by Craa virus ransomware is to utilize a backup, or reverse the cipher. If a backup is not available, data recovery software may be able to recover the files, as explained in the guide below. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that these methods will be successful.
How To Protect Windows from Craa In The Future?
If you want to increase the protection from this virus, we highly reccomend that you check methods on how to safely store your files to protect them from ransomware
How to Remove Craa Virus?
To avoid further damage from the Craa virus ransomware, disconnect your computer from the internet and use a dependable anti-malware program to locate and eliminate the infected files. If possible, restore the files from a backup. If not, use data recovery software to try to retrieve the encrypted files.
How to Decrypt / Fix .craa Files?
To be able to decrypt the files encoded by this threat, our main suggestion is to find a decryption key using the STOP Ransomware decryption steps.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Craa with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Craa 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Craa 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 Craa there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Craa
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Craa.
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:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
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 Craa 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.
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.
Craa-FAQ
What is Craa Ransomware?
Craa 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 Craa 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 Craa Infect?
Via several ways.Craa 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 Craa 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 .Craa files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Craa 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 .Craa files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Craa" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Craa 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 Craa 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 Craa ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Craa 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 Craa 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 Craa Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Craa 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 Craa 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.