A new dangerous .credo ransomware virus has been detected in a large-scale attack campaign. The initial reports indicate that these samples are part of the Dharma ransomware family — one of the most famous groups of malware which are being sent to target users. One of the reasons why this is a preferred method is the fact that over the years these viruses have been offered on the underground hacker markets and are being developed and used by various groups worldwide. When run they will present the typical behavior by encrypting user data and then extorting the users for a ransom payment.
.credo Virus Files – Dharma Ransomware Variant
The .credo ransomware has been confirmed to be a part of the Dharma virus group. Like other samples of this group it can infect using multiple delivery techniques and when run on the local computer differnt malware tasks will be run. This concludes with the files encryption phase in which target user data will be processed with a strong cipher. The users will then be extorted via the creation of a ransom note and/or a lockscreen instance.
.credo virus Summary
| Name | .credo virus |
| File Extension | .credo |
| 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 ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .credo extension to them, along with a unique identification number placing the new .credo extension as a secondary. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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.credo Virus (Dharma Ransomware) – What Is It and How Did I Get It?
Like other similar threats of this category the .credo virus is an example of a file encrypting ransomware. The security analysis performed on them shows that they can be categorized as part of the Dharma ransomware family, one of the most prominent families of threats.
The .credo virus can be deployed to the target systems by following popular infection methods. The most common ones are the following:
- Phishing Strategies — The criminal groups that are responsible for the attacks can send out email messages and hacker-controlled sites that impersonate well-known companies and/or services. They may contain stolen or fake content, graphics and links that will lead to the virus infection. Phishing redirects are also being used.
- Carrier Files — The malware code can also be integrated in various data and the infection will follow when they are run by the users. Popular types are macro-infected documents and setup bundles. The documents can be of all popular file formats while the setup installers will be of popular software that are often used by end users: creativity suites, productivity tools, system utilities and even computer games.
- Malware Files Distribution — The virus files can be spread over file-sharing networks and other areas where virus can potentially be spread. This includes fake profiles on social media, forums and chat rooms.
As soon as it is launched the .credo virus will start its built-in execution sequence. This is typical of Dharma ransomware infections — the actions that are to be run will depend on the local machine conditions or the hacker instructions which are sent by the criminals.
Common actions that might be run include an initial data gathering operation — it is responsible for harvesting both personal information and detailed hardware parts data. This is used to generate a report which includes an unique victim ID which is assigned to every host.
This data gathering is also extended to the installed web browsers from which all user data will be hijacked. The .credo virus will also be able to list all running processes and potentially hook up to in order to modify the user input.
One of the key factors is system modification which includes access to both user-installed and operating system settings. One of the examples is the manipulation of the startup entries> so that the virus can run automatically when the computer is powered on.
This particular Dharma ransomware sample has also been found to delete shadow volume copies and system backups — this makes it very hard to recover the affected hosts.
The installed web browser will be modified by having their settings changed — this is commonly done in order to redirect the users to hacker-controlled pages that might be scams, ads or include other possible malware.
In addition Dharma ransomware strains like the .credo virus can protect themselves from discovery by security programs. The infection engine will use the gathered data in order to scan for the presence of anti-virus programs, sandbox environment, development environments and sandboxes and firewalls. Depending on the configuration that is placed by the criminal controllers the virus may block or entirely remove the programs.
When all intended actions have completed running the actual file encryption will run, as usual it will process user data with a strong cipher. These files will be selected based on an internal list of target file type extensions. Commonly this includes the following data:
- Documents
- Archives
- Multimedia Files
- Backups
- System Data
All of the victim files will be renamed with the .credo extension and appended with the unique victim ID which is generated during the infection process and followed by the hackers contact email address.
The ransom message which blackmails the victims for a decryption fee is shown in two ways — a pop-up window (called from a file called Info.hta) and a text file which is placed in folders where there are victim files.
Remove .credo File Virus (Dharma)
If your computer got infected with the .credo File Virus, you should be experienced in removing malware manually. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the opportunity to spread further and infect more machines. You should remove the ransomware and follow the instructions guide provided with easy-to-follow steps below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for .credo virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .credo 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .credo 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 .credo virus 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 .credo virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .credo 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:
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 .credo 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.
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.
.credo virus-FAQ
What is .credo virus Ransomware?
.credo 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 .credo 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 .credo virus Infect?
Via several ways..credo 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 .credo 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 ..credo virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..credo 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 ..credo virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..credo virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..credo 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 .credo 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 .credo virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..credo 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 .credo 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 .credo virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .credo 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 .credo 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.
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