This article has been created to show you how to remove the .cerber6 file virus from your computer system and try to get back files encrypted with the .cerber6 extension.
A ransomware virus, using the .cerber6 file extension which it adds to the files encrypted by it has been detected in the wild. The virus claims to be GPAA (Global Poverty Aid Agency), however it may be nothing like it, because it extorts it’s victims for the humongous sum of 10.91 BTC. For this price, the cyber-criminals behind it promise to decrypt your files. If your computer has been infected by the .cerber6 file virus, we would recommend that you read this article.
Threat Summary
| Name | CERBER6 |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The .cerber6 infection encrypts the files on the compromised computer making them no longer able to be opened. Demands a ransom payoff of 10.91 BTC. |
| Symptoms | The .cerber6 file extension is added to the encrypted files. !READ.htm ransom note is added with a QR scan code. |
| 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 CERBER6. |
| 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. |
How Does .cerber6 File Virus Infect
This type of ransomware virus is specifically designed to encrypt files. Given the high ransom demand which is the humongous 10.91 BTC, the virus is not joking around and the attackers have invested in multiple tools that may spread it.
The primary method of infecting victim PCs with the .cerber6 ransomware is conducted via exploiting an unprotected RDP configuration. However, as reported by researchers this may not be the only way by which your computer may have been infected by this virus.
Another method of infection which may be related to .cerber6 file infection is to spread a loader file that also contains Windows exploits to infect your computer unsuccessfully. Such files may be sent to you via e-mail attachments as well as uploaded online on suspicious websites, posing as:
- Fake setups of programs.
- Game patches or cracks.
- License activators.
- Key generators.
But the virus may come onto your system via web-injectors as well. This means that It may also be spread via malicious web links that cause a redirect to the infection script. Such web links may be spammed as comments or exist in any other form online.
.cerber6 Ransomware – Analysis
Once an infection by .cerber6 takes place on your computer, the ransomware virus immediately drops a malicious file. This file has a completely random name and is an executable type of file. Besides this file, the .cerber6 file virus may also drop other support files that are usually the following file types:
→ .dll, .tmp, .vbs, .cmd, .bat
The malicious files of .cerber6 may be located in several different Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Windows%
In addition to these objects, this ransomware virus also leaves behind it’s ransom note, which is the primary method to motivate you into paying the ransom. The note is named !READ.htm and it contains the following message:
Congradulations! Now you are a member of GPAA (Global Poverty Aid Agency).
We need bitcoins, our crowdfunding goal is to get 1000 BTCs. 1 BTC for 1 CHILD!
>> Click Here To Buy Bitcoins << Q: What happened? A: Ooops, your inportant files are encrypted. lt weans you will not be able to access them anyeore until they are decrypted. These files could NOT be decrypted if you do not have the KEY (RSA4096). Q: How can I get the decrypt programme? A: Your task is 10.91 btc. Send the correct amount to the bitcoin address 19ZLfCEpxdskvWGLLhNUnM6dUG7yikhz2W You can send more coins. When the goal is achieved, you will get the decrypt programme. Q: Where to get the decrypt programme? A: When the goal is achieved, we will send it to sc19ZLfCEpxdskvWGLLhNUnM6dUG7yikhz2W@outlook.com (You may register it first with the specified password: Save1000Children!!! ).
Other activity of the .cerber6 file virus is to likely make it harder for you to restore your files. This is done by deleting the Windows restore points and shadow volume copies. But before doing this, the GPAA ransomware virus has to obtain administrative permissions. Only then it can enter the following commands in WCP as an administrator to delete Windows backups:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
.cerber6 Ransomwre – The Encryption
Although it has not been confirmed as the latest variant of the notorious Cerber ransomware, this virus may use an encryption just as strong on your files. It’s primary end goal is to render the files no longer openable, but in the same time generate unique keys which are sent to the crooks and make them the only ones able to unlock your files.
The .cerber6 file virus is programmed in a way to look only for specific types of files to encrypt. These files are often used documents, pictures, audio files plus other often used files. The file types it looks for to encrypt have the following file extensions:
→ .123, .3dm, .3dmap, .3ds, .3dxml, .3g2, .3gp, .602, .7z, .accdb, .act, .aes, .ai, .arc, .asc, .asf, .asm, .asp, .assets, .avi, .backup, .bak, .bat, .bdf, .blendl, .bmp, .brd, .bz2, .c, .c4dl, .catalog, .catanalysis, .catdrawing, .catfct, .catmaterial, .catpart, .catprocess, .catproduct, .catresource, .catshape, .catswl, .catsystem, .cdd, .cgm, .class, .cmd, .config, .cpp, .crt, .cs, .csr, .csv, .dae, .db, .dbf, .dch, .deb, .der, .dif, .dip, .djvu, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .dwg, .dxf, .edb, .eml, .fbx, .fla, .flv, .frm, .gif, .gl, .gl2, .gpg, .gz, .h, .hpgl, .hwp, .ibd, .icem, .idf, .ig2, .igs, .ipt, .iso, .jar, .jasl, .java, .jpeg, .jpg, .js, .jsp, .key, .lay, .lay6, .ldf, .library, .m3u, .m4u, .mal, .max, .maxl, .mb, .mdb, .mdf, .mid, .mkv, .mml, .model, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpeg, .mpg, .msg, .myd, .myi, .nef, .obj, .odb, .odg, .odp, .ods, .odt, .onetoc2, .ost, .otg, .otp, .ots, .ott, .p12, .paq, .pas, .pdf, .pem, .pfx, .php, .pl, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .ps, .ps1, .psd, .pst, .rar, .raw, .rb, .rtf, .sch, .session, .sh, .sldm, .sldx, .slk, .sln, .snt, .sql, .sqlite3, .sqlitedb, .stc, .std, .step, .sti, .stp, .stw
If the file extensions on your computer match with some of the ones above, the GPAA ransomware infection encrypts them and then adds the .cerber6 file extension as a suffix to them. During the encryption process, your computer may freeze and after this you will begin seeing your files looking like the following:
The virus also begins to pretend it is a charity agency, claiming it helps hungry children, but there is no way to confirm this. In any case, experts strongly advise against paying the ransom, because you may not get your files back and you support criminal activity.
Remove GPAA Ransomware and Restore .cerber6 Encrypted Files
Before beginning the removal process of this ransomware virus, we urge you to backup your files, despite the fact that they are encrypted.
Since the .cerber6 file virus is by far one of the worst type of threats you can encounter, it may create multiple different objects in critical for Windows places and files. Removing these files manually may eliminate the virus, but you also risk breaking your operating system. This is why, security experts recommend removing the .cerber6 file virus automatically with a ransomware-specific removal software that will scan for the malicious objects and eliminate them safely.
At this point, there is no free decrypter for this ransomware virus. But we will track the situation and update as soon as there is one developed, so follow this blog post.
In the meantime, do not despair, there are still ways by which you can restore your encrypted files. These methods are alternative and in no way 100% effective, however you may be able to restore a big portion of your encrypted files. For more information, check step “2. Restore files encrypted by .cerber6 virus.”
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 CERBER6 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall CERBER6 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 CERBER6 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 CERBER6 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 CERBER6
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CERBER6.
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 CERBER6 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.
CERBER6-FAQ
What is CERBER6 Ransomware?
CERBER6 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 CERBER6 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 CERBER6 Infect?
Via several ways.CERBER6 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 CERBER6 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 .CERBER6 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .CERBER6 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 .CERBER6 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".CERBER6" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CERBER6 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 CERBER6 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 CERBER6 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CERBER6 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 CERBER6 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 CERBER6 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CERBER6 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 CERBER6 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.