Update! According to reports of users the Cerber2 ransomware doesn’t seem to seek for temporary files (.tmp). That makes possible for the recovery of some recent .doc and .xls files by just opening their .tmp counterpart files.
The talking ransomware is back with a bang – malware researchers from TrendMicro got their hands on samples of Cerber2 ransomware and have confirmed that it is the real deal. They have observed an enhancement in the key generation function, so it can be harder for the researchers to decrypt this version. This new variant of Cerber ransomware encrypts a little over than 450 file types and gives five days to victims to pay up. The ransom which is asked initially is 175 US dollars and demanded to be paid in Bitcoins. After exactly five days the price doubles. Carefully read the article to see how to remove the ransomware and possibly decrypt your files.
Threat Summary
Name | Cerber2 |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The ransomware will encrypt your files and show a ransom note. You are given five days to pay, and after that period the ransom price doubles. |
Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt files, and change their names with 10 random characters and the .cerber2 extension appended to each of them. |
Distribution Method | Executables, Spam Emails, File Sharing Networks |
Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Cerber2. |
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. |
Cerber2 Ransomware – Infection Spread
The Cerber2 ransomware has been spotted in the wild, spreading through executables, which use the icon of “Anka”. That is a video game character from the game bearing its name, and you can see an example of how the icon could look like, here on the right. The ransomware might spread the executable through spam email campaigns – putting the file as an attachment. Opening attachments of unknown origin or ones that come from suspicious emails is not advised. Social networks and file-sharing services could also have such files inside them, so be wary of what you click, download and open. Exploit Kits could be a possible entry point for the ransomware.
Cerber2 Ransomware – A Closer Look
Cerber2 is the latest variant of Cerber ransomware. That was confirmed by the TrendMicro researcher @panicall who received samples of the malware and had a thorough look at it.
He also found that Cerber2 ransomware has a blacklist for anti-malware programs (listed below) and that the ransomware is now wrapped (and not a bare file) to make it harder to be detected.
The blacklist is as follows:
- Arcabit
- Arcavir
- Avast
- BitDefender
- Bullguard
- EmsiSoft
- ESET
- eTrust
- F-Secure
- G Data
- Kaspersky Lab
- LavaSoft
- TrustPort
Not only that, but the ransomware checks whether certain processes are active, and if they are, it shuts them down:
- excel.exe
- infopath.exe
- msaccess.exe
- mspub.exe
- onenote.exe
- outlook.exe
- powerpnt.exe
- steam.exe
- sqlservr.exe
- thebat.exe
- thebat64.exe
- thunderbird.exe
- visio.exe
- winword.exe
- wordpad.exe
Afterward, Cerber2 ransomware encrypts files and places an image as a lock-screen, which is the ransom message. You can see a picture of it here:
The text from the ransom note reads:
Your documents, photos, databases, and other important files have been encrypted!
If you understand all importance of the situation then we propose to you to go directly to your personal page where you will receive the complete instructions and guarantees to restore your files.There is a list of temporary addresses to go on your personal page below:
If you go to any of the consecutive links, you will see these instructions loading in your browser:
Upon loading, the web page initiates the countdown counter of a five-day “promotion”. The price that is asked in the beginning is 0.30 Bitcoins and amounts to 175 US dollars. If you go past that date without paying the crooks, your price will be double and amount to 350 US dollars. It is not advised to pay cybercriminals – do not pay them, as this will support them and aid their goals and criminal activity further.
Cerber2 ransomware searches files and encrypts more than 450 file extensions.
You could see all of them right here:
→.1cd, .3dm, .3ds, .3fr, .3g2, .3gp, .3pr, .7z, .7zip, .aac, .ab4, .abd, .acc, .accdb, .accde, .accdr, .accdt, .ach, .acr, .act, .adb, .adp, .ads, .agdl, .ai, .aiff, .ait, .al, .aoi, .apj, .apk, .arw, .ascx, .asf, .asm, .asp, .aspx, .asset, .asx, .atb, .avi, .awg, .back, .backup, .backupdb, .bak, .bank, .bay, .bdb, .bgt, .bik, .bin, .bkp, .blend, .bmp, .bpw, .bsa, .c, .cash, .cdb, .cdf, .cdr, .cdr3, .cdr4, .cdr5, .cdr6, .cdrw, .cdx, .ce1, .ce2, .cer, .cfg, .cfn, .cgm, .cib, .class, .cls, .cmt, .config, .contact, .cpi, .cpp, .cr2, .craw, .crt, .crw, .cry, .cs, .csh, .csl, .css, .csv, .d3dbsp, .dac, .das, .dat, .db, .db_journal, .db3, .dbf, .dbx, .dc2, .dcr, .dcs, .ddd, .ddoc, .ddrw, .dds, .def, .der, .des, .design, .dgc, .dgn, .dit, .djvu, .dng, .doc, .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, .flvv, .forge, .fpx, .fxg, .gbr, .gho, .gif, .gray, .grey, .groups, .gry, .h, .hbk, .hdd, .hpp, .html, .ibank, .ibd, .ibz, .idx, .iif, .iiq, .incpas, .indd, .info, .info_, .ini, .iwi, .jar, .java, .jnt, .jpe, .jpeg, .jpg, .js, .json, .k2p, .kc2, .kdbx, .kdc, .key, .kpdx, .kwm, .laccdb, .lbf, .lck, .ldf, .lit, .litemod, .litesql, .lock, .log, .ltx, .lua, .m, .m2ts, .m3u, .m4a, .m4p, .m4v, .ma, .mab, .mapimail, .max, .mbx, .md, .mdb, .mdc, .mdf, .mef, .mfw, .mid, .mkv, .mlb, .mmw, .mny, .money, .moneywell, .mos, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpeg, .mpg, .mrw, .msf, .msg, .myd, .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, .orf, .ost, .otg, .oth, .otp, .ots, .ott, .p12, .p7b, .p7c, .pab, .pages, .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, .rdb, .re4, .rm, .rtf, .rvt, .rw2, .rwl, .rwz, .s3db, .safe, .sas7bdat, .sav, .save, .say, .sd0, .sda, .sdb, .sdf, .sh, .sldm, .sldx, .slm, .sql, .sqlite, .sqlite3, .sqlitedb, .sqlite-shm, .sqlite-wal, .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, .tax, .tbb, .tbk, .tbn, .tex, .tga, .thm, .tif, .tiff, .tlg, .tlx, .txt, .upk, .usr, .vbox, .vdi, .vhd, .vhdx, .vmdk, .vmsd, .vmx, .vmxf, .vob, .vpd, .vsd, .wab, .wad, .wallet, .war, .wav, .wb2, .wma, .wmf, .wmv, .wpd, .wps, .x11, .x3f, .xis, .xla, .xlam, .xlk, .xlm, .xlr, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xml, .xps, .xxx, .ycbcra, .yuv, .zip
Extensions source: Bleeping Computer
All files will get encrypted with the .cerber2 extension. In addition, the file names are renamed with ten random characters. The Cerber2 ransomware is reported to uses Windows API CryptGenRandom to generate keys. This variant uses 256-bit keys.
It is unknown whether Cerber2 ransomware deletes Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system, but the possibility is very high.
Remove Cerber2 Ransomware and Restore .cerber2 Files
If your computer got compromised and is infected with the Cerber2 ransomware, you should have some experience with removing malware before dealing with it. You should get rid of the ransomware quickly before it can spread further on the network and encrypt other files. The recommended action for you to take is removing the ransomware completely by following the step-by-step instructions guide written down below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Cerber2 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Cerber2 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 Cerber2 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 Cerber2 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 Cerber2
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Cerber2.
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 Cerber2 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.
Cerber2-FAQ
What is Cerber2 Ransomware?
Cerber2 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 Cerber2 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 Cerber2 Infect?
Via several ways.Cerber2 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 Cerber2 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 .Cerber2 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Cerber2 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 .Cerber2 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Cerber2" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Cerber2 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 Cerber2 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 Cerber2 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Cerber2 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 Cerber2 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 Cerber2 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Cerber2 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 Cerber2 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.
Unfortunately, I can confirm that Cerber2 ransomware deletes Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system. At least, it’s what happened on my PC.
Hi FCantin,
What actions have you taken so far?
First of all, I got rid of the ransomware with SpyHunter (Enigma Software) and restore my registry with RegHunter (Enigma Software). Then I tried, without much success, to restore the encrypted files with: Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery, Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery and Jihosoft File Recovery… In fact, I was only able to restore a few pictures (maybe 50 out of 1000 !!!).
On the other hand, I have to say that Stellar Phoenix helped me restore some important .doc (Microsoft Word) and .pdf files. Also, take note that Cerber2 doesn’t seem to search for Word temporary files (.tmp). So it’s possible to recover some of your recent .doc files by simply opening the .tmp files.
In short, I’ve lost some important data, but one thing I know for sure, I will not pay the F**KING RANSOM ! They can go f**k themselves ! ;)
Hi FCantin,
Thank you for the information! And don’t forget to backup your data from now on!