by Berta Bilbao | Last Update: December 30, 2022 | 0 Comments

This article will help you to remove .Cryptobyte virus effectively. Follow the ransomware removal instructions at the end of this article.

.Cryptobyte is the extension that gets appended to your files after they are encrypted by the Cryptobyte ransomware. Malware researchers state that it is a new variant of the BTCWare cryptovirus. When the payload of the ransomware is launched, your files become encrypted and the virus will leave a ransom note with payment instructions. Keep on reading below to see how you could try to potentially restore some of your files.

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Threat Summary

Name	.Cryptobyte Virus
Type	Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description	The ransomware virus encrypts files on your computer and a ransom note will be left demanding that you pay an unspecified amount of money in Bitcoins, after contacting the extortionists.
Symptoms	This ransomware will encrypt your files and then append the extension .Cryptobyte on every encrypted file.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable Files
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss .Cryptobyte Virus.
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.

.Cryptobyte Ransomware – Update May 2017

Update! A decryption tool is now available for all BTCWare ransomware variants (including .cryptobyte)! The tool was created by the malware researcher Michael Gillespie. You can download the tool and read how to use it from the following article: Decrypt Files Encrypted by BTCWare Ransomware.

.Cryptobyte Virus – Infection Spread

The .Cryptobyte file virus could spread its infection via various methods. One of these methods is seen as the main one for spreading it, which is with a payload file that executes the malicious script for the ransomware, which in turn infects your computer system. Such payload files can be seen distributed around the Internet and you can see examples being detected by many security vendors as showcased right here:

.Cryptobyte file virus could spread its payload file on social media sites and file-sharing networks. Freeware applications which are found on the Web could be presented as useful but at the same time could hide the malicious script for the cryptovirus. Avoid opening files straight away after you have downloaded them. That stands especially for ones that came from sources like suspicious e-mails or links. What you should rather do is to scan files before opening them with a security tool, while also checking their size and signatures for anything dubious. Also, you should read the ransomware prevention tips given in the forum section.

.Cryptobyte Virus – Technical Information

The .Cryptobyte file virus takes its name from the .Cryptobyte extension that it appends to all files which it encrypts. Malware researchers have found that it is a variant of the the .BTCWare File Virus.

The .Cryptobyte file virus could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, launch and repress processes in Windows. Some entries are designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with each launch of the Windows Operating System, and one such entry is outlined down below:

→HKEY_CURRENT_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run

The ransom note will be placed inside your personal computer after the encryption process is complete. The note is written in English, but that doesn’t mean that the main aim of the virus is the English-speaking user. Inside, you will view the payment instructions for restoring your files. The ransom note is written in a file called “#_HOW_TO_FIX.inf”.

The #_HOW_TO_FIX.inf file will show the following ransom note:

The ransom note states the following:

All your files have been encrypted
If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail: btc.com@protonmail.ch
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.

FREE DECRYPTION AS GUARANTEE
Before paying you can send to us up to 3 files for free decryption.
Please note that files must NOT contain valuable information
and their total size must be less than 10Mb

Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss

Your ID: ogZdCLond3dN8so6nqxB9Iny8p2Cbt2Zjld4kv6UxSdg6oiAZoz3kWpcQu7E/zYU3FjZOkaWWYm2aPYjH5gnmOvTZe2wJ7oWIu9LFmedCwknRfvAL8uH92jZUNJr/hnsYnrTl/utIx7ygKXWvFTAMHr/KGvM76XF0JnGg47F+SY=

The developers of the Cryptobyte ransomware are using the ProtonMail encrypted email service can also be seen from the note above. Different malware researchers detect the following two e-mail addresses to be used by Cryptobyte:

btc.com@protonmail.ch
no.xm@protonmail.ch

Instructions presented in the ransom note of the .Cryptobyte file virus should not be followed. You should NOT under any circumstances write to the cybercriminals. Nobody could give you a guarantee that your files will get restored if you pay the ransom. However, you could try to get 3 of your files decrypted, if at a later date a free decryptor is distributed.

.Cryptobyte Virus – Encryption Process

The .Cryptobyte file virus ransomware is spotted to encrypt files that have the following extensions:

→.exe, .cab, .xml, .dll

However, it is not excluded for the ransomware to target the extensions of its predecessor, which are:

→.1c, .3fr, .accdb, .ai, .arw, .bac, .bay, .bmp, .cdr, .cer, .cfg, .config, .cr2, .crt, .crw, .css, .csv, .db, .dbf, .dcr, .der, .dng, .doc, .docm, .docx, .dwg, .dxf, .dxg, .eps, .erf, .gif, .htm, .html, .indd, .iso, .jpe, .jpeg, .jpg, .kdc, .lnk, .mdb, .mdf, .mef, .mk, .mp3, .mp4, .mrw, .nef, .nrw, .odb, .ode, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt, .orf, .p12, .p7b, .p7c, .pdd, .pdf, .pef, .pem, .pfx, .php, .png, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .psd, .pst, .ptx, .r3d, .rar, .raw, .rtf, .rw2, .rwl, .sql, .sr2, .srf, .srw, .tif, .wb2, .wma, .wpd, .wps, .x3f, .xlk, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .zip

Each file that gets encrypted will receive the .Cryptobyte extension appended to itself and the full extension will also contain an e-mail address. For instance, the full extension could be [btc.com@protonmail.ch].cryptobyte. That full extension is as an appendix, leaving the original extension and file name intact. For instance, a file called “Job.xml will be renamed to Job.xml.[btc.com@protonmail.ch].cryptobyte”. It is unclear what algorithm is being used for the encryption process.

The .Cryptobyte file virus is quite likely to erase the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system. That will make the encryption process more viable since it will eliminate one way for a possible file restoration. Keep on reading to see what ways you can try out to potentially recover some of your data.

Remove .Cryptobyte Virus and Restore Your Files

In case your computer got infected with the .Cryptobyte file virus, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect more computer systems. You should remove this ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided down below.

Berta Bilbao

Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.

Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5

Step 1: Scan for .Cryptobyte Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

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

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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 .Cryptobyte Virus 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 3

Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.

Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .Cryptobyte Virus 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 .Cryptobyte Virus 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 .Cryptobyte Virus

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 .Cryptobyte Virus.

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 .Cryptobyte Virus 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:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

.Cryptobyte Virus-FAQ

What is .Cryptobyte Virus Ransomware?

.Cryptobyte Virus 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 .Cryptobyte Virus 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 .Cryptobyte Virus Infect?

Via several ways..Cryptobyte Virus 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 .Cryptobyte Virus 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 ..Cryptobyte Virus files?

You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..Cryptobyte Virus 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 ..Cryptobyte Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

Can I Restore "..Cryptobyte Virus" Files?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..Cryptobyte Virus 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 .Cryptobyte Virus 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 .Cryptobyte Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..Cryptobyte Virus 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 .Cryptobyte Virus 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 .Cryptobyte Virus Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .Cryptobyte Virus 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 .Cryptobyte Virus 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.

.Cryptobyte Virus – Remove and Restore Your Files