CTB-Faker is ransomware that presents itself as CTB-Locker, but it is just a mere copycat. On top of it all, it does not encrypt files but just gathers them in a .ZIP file archive and locks them with a password. There are a few different contact details left by the ransomware along with different ransom note images. To remove this ransomware and see how you can try to restore your data, you should read the article in full.
Threat Summary
| Name | CTB-Faker |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware will lock your files and display a ransom note, which imitates the CTB-Locker ransomware. It also gives an email for contact with the ransomware creators. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware puts files into a .ZIP archive and locks them with a password. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss CTB-Faker. |
| 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. |
CTB-Faker Ransomware – Infection
CTB-Faker ransomware is distributed through fake profiles on adult sites. On the fake profile page, there is a link to a supposed password-protected video of a girl doing a striptease. The password is provided right next to the link, so it is easy click-bait for people curious to see such videos. A VBS file will launch a fake error message that you graphic card cannot play the file.
A probability exists that there can be spam emails spreading the infection as well. The emails can have attachments or the same texts with links inside them. Opening a link or attachment will get the malicious code on your computer. Social media networks and sites for file-sharing are not excluded to be used for the malware distribution as well. Avoiding infection can be done by being careful and not falling for such suspicious texts and links.
CTB-Faker Ransomware – Information
CTB-Faker is a ransomware which is dubbed like that because of two things. The fact that uses a ransom note very similar to the original CTB-Locker and that it does not encrypt files. Instead, it puts all files inside a .ZIP archive and locks them with a password. Read on, to see how you might get your files back.
Before locking files in the archive, CTB-Faker is going to create these files:
- C:\ProgramData\7zxa.dll
- C:\ProgramData\Default.SFX
- C:\ProgramData\Descript.ion
- C:\ProgramData\Rar.exe
- C:\ProgramData\RarExt.dll
- C:\ProgramData\RarExt64.dll
- C:\ProgramData\RarFiles.lst
- C:\ProgramData\UNACEV2.DLL
- C:\ProgramData\UnRAR.exe
- C:\ProgramData\Uninstall.lst
- C:\ProgramData\WinCon.SFX
- C:\ProgramData\WinRAR.exe
- C:\ProgramData\Zip.SFX
- C:\ProgramData\archiver.bat
- C:\ProgramData\archiver.vbs
- C:\ProgramData\copy.bat
- C:\ProgramData\copy.vbs
- C:\ProgramData\help.exe
- C:\ProgramData\rarnew.dat
- C:\ProgramData\restore.exe
- C:\ProgramData\startup.exe
- C:\ProgramData\startup.vbs
- C:\ProgramData\untitled.png
- C:\ProgramData\untitled.vbs
- C:\ProgramData\zipnew.dat
Then, the following entry in the Windows Registry is going to be created:
→HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\help.exe C:\ProgramData\help.exe
After files get locked with in a .ZIP file, the CTB-Faker ransomware creates a ransom note in the following locations:
- C:\ProgramData\index.html
- C:\ProgramData\your personal files are encrypted.txt
- C:\your personal files are encrypted.txt
You can see one of the pictures with the ransom note below:
In written form the note reads:
Your personal files are encrypted by CTB-Locker
Your documents, photos, softwares and all other important files have been encrypted with a strong encryption (SHA-512) and unique key (RSA-4096), generated for this computer.
Private decryption key is stored on a secret internet server and nobody can decrypt your files until you pay US$50 and get the private key.
You only have 7 days to submit the US$50 of payment. If you do not send the money within the provided time the price will raise to US$100.
Press ‘Decrypt’ to recover your files that have been encrypted after you pay for the unique key password.
Press ‘Internet’ to pay for the unique key password. You can use other computer or smartphone too.
Send 0.08686 bitcoin (US$50) to 1NgrUc748vG5HerFoK3Tkkb1bHjS7T2w5J
After you pay 0.08686 bitcoin send a e-mail to miley@openmailbox(.)org with your transaction ID and I will send your private key password. If you have any doubt you can contact this e-mail too.Warning: Do not try to get rid of the program by yourself. Any action taken will result in decryption ey being destroyed. You will lose your files forever. The only way to recover your files is pay for the key.
The e-mails used for contacting the malware makers are these:
- miley@openmailbox(.)org
- help@openmailbox(.)com
Contacting the CTB-Faker owners is unadvised as paying the asked ransom money gives no guarantee that you will recover your files. Furthermore, there might be ways you can try to restore your files without further consequences. Continue reading to the end of the article to find them out.
The CTB-Faker ransomware claims to use a very strong RSA 4096-bit cipher with a SHA-512 algorithm, but that is not true. The file extensions which the ransomware locks are the following:
→.exe, .msi, .dll, .jpg, .jpeg, .bmp, .gif, .png, .psd, .mp3, .wav, .mp4, .avi, .zip, .rar, .iso, .7z, .cab, .dat, .data
Every file with an extension featured above will be moved and locked in a .ZIP archive, instead of each file being encrypted. CTB-Faker is actually a WinRAR SFX file which puts a lot of executables and batch files in your computer.
The process of moving the files takes up CPU resources so that it might be heavy for your system. Thus, you might actually notice a high load on your computer and see it being slow during this process. It might be a good tip to restart your PC then because that can interrupt the process.
CTB-Faker ransomware is not reported to erase Shadow Volume Copies from Windows, and probably does not need to do so. If no files get deleted from your system, Shadow copies may not help you.
Remove CTB-Faker Ransomware and Restore Locked Files
If your computer machine is infected with the CTB-Faker ransomware, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware when you see how to get your data back. See the step-by-step instructions provided below for more information.
Also, do not forget to see some tips on our forum topic about preventing ransomware infections.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for CTB-Faker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall CTB-Faker 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by CTB-Faker 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 CTB-Faker there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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.
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 CTB-Faker
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CTB-Faker.
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 CTB-Faker 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.
CTB-Faker-FAQ
What is CTB-Faker Ransomware?
CTB-Faker 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 CTB-Faker 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 CTB-Faker Infect?
Via several ways.CTB-Faker 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 CTB-Faker 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 .CTB-Faker files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .CTB-Faker 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 .CTB-Faker files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".CTB-Faker" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CTB-Faker 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 CTB-Faker 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 CTB-Faker ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CTB-Faker 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 CTB-Faker 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 CTB-Faker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CTB-Faker 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 CTB-Faker 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.