A vbs-script using ransomware virus, named Cyber SpLiTTer has been created to ask 1 BTC from users that have been infected by it. What is interesting about this virus is that it was created by the Cerber model since just like the first Cerber variant, it features a .vbs file with the very same voice massage saying to the user that his files have been enciphered. Since experts are concerned that this virus may spread, it is strongly advisable to back up your data. In case your computer has been infected by Cyber SpLiTTer ransomware, it is strongly suggested to use the instructions below to remove the virus from your computer and try the alternative methods to reverse your files while a decryptor is released for free. Paying the ransom of 1 BTC is strongly not recommended.
Threat Summary
| Name | CyBer SpLiTTer |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with encryption cipher and asks a ransom for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a .vbs voice message file and a wallpaper with a BitCoin address for anonymous payments. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
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| 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. |
CyBer SpLiTTer Ransomware – Infection Technique
This particular type of virus may arrive in several different forms on an infected computer.
One method of infection caused by CyBer SpLiTTer is to arrive on your computer via malicious e-mail attachment or a URL. Such e-mails are cleverly disguised to fool users that it is something important like an invoice or another type of attachment that they need to see. When they open the file or URL, however, users see nothing, but their files becoming unopenable.
The CyBer SpLiTTer virus, however, might also come in an even stealthier way – via fake updates. This is very common for when organizations are targeted. The virus may cause an infection via other malware that may have previously already infected the computer with a Trojan.Dropper, for example. Then it may reset the computer, claiming there is a crucial update, after which encrypt the files on system boot, before any antivirus software even starts.
Whatever the case may be, users are always advised to not fast-click their way through an unfamiliar file and make sure to check it first, no matter how it was situated on their computers.
CyBer SpLiTTer Ransomware – More Details
As soon as it infects your computer, the CyBer SpLiTTer virus may create multiple files in several key locations of Windows:
type=”square”
The files may contain one primary executable which is the encryption module and may have a completely random name or a name imitating a legitimate Windows process (for example, svchost.exe). There may also be other files along with it, like support module which delete the shadow copies and any backups on the victim’s computer via the vssadmin command.
To encrypt the files on a compromised computer, CyBer SpLiTTer may use a scanning technique which identifies how many files are of the most widely used types of formats, for example:
→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”Source:fileinfo.com
As soon as it detects the files it has been preconfigured to, the CyBer SpLiTTer virus gets down to business. The ransomware may scramble the source code of the files, by replacing blocks of code in it with an AES encrypted code. It may not encrypt the whole file, but just enough to render it unusable. The files encrypted by CyBer SpliTTer can no longer be opened by any software what so ever.
What is interesting about this particular virus is that it uses a voice message, just like Cerber ransomware does to notify it’s victims of what has happened. The voice message may inform the following notification:
“Attention! Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted!”
In addition to this voice, message, the CyBer SpLiTTer ransomware also contains a ransom note, which informs the victim with the following message:
Your files have been encrypted!
Send 1 BTC the amount of the account is decrypted your files!
“ CyBer SpLiTTer Vbs”
Send to Account Bitcoin:1BujMC98bu4cYcSz6jzZs5DiGc377p1xED
CyBer SpLiTTer Ransomware – Conclusion
As a bottom line, this may or may not be a modified variant of Cerber ransomware since the virus has been released to be RaaS (ransomware-as-a-service) to many third-party affiliates of the Cerber underground network. This has made the virus to be very widespread, and some coders may have seen an opportunity in this, creating their own version of Cerber. Whether this is the situation or not, this virus should immediately be deleted from your computer, and you should seek alternative methods to restore your files, like the ones in the step 2 under the Automatic removal instructions below.
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: Scan for CyBer SpLiTTer with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall CyBer SpLiTTer 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 CyBer SpLiTTer 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 CyBer SpLiTTer 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 CyBer SpLiTTer
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CyBer SpLiTTer.
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 CyBer SpLiTTer 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.
CyBer SpLiTTer-FAQ
What is CyBer SpLiTTer Ransomware?
CyBer SpLiTTer 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 CyBer SpLiTTer 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 CyBer SpLiTTer Infect?
Via several ways.CyBer SpLiTTer 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 CyBer SpLiTTer 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 .CyBer SpLiTTer files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .CyBer SpLiTTer 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 .CyBer SpLiTTer files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".CyBer SpLiTTer" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CyBer SpLiTTer 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 CyBer SpLiTTer 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 CyBer SpLiTTer ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CyBer SpLiTTer 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 CyBer SpLiTTer 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 CyBer SpLiTTer Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CyBer SpLiTTer 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 CyBer SpLiTTer 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.
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