This article aims to show you how to remove the CerBerSysLocked ransowmare virus from your computer (Xorist variant) and how to restore files that have been encrypted with the .CerBerSysLocked0009881 file extension added to them.
New variant of the Xorist ransomware family known as CerBerSysLocked malware has been reported to infect the computers of unsuspecting victims after which add the .CerBerSysLocked file extension with random numbers to the files which have been encrypted by this threat. The virus aims to also drop a ransom note file, named HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt which has the one and only purpose of trying to convince victims into paying a hefty ransom fee in order to get the encrypted files restored by the cyber-criminals and become openable once more.
Threat Summary
| Name | CerBerSysLocked |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A Xorist ransomware variant. Encrypts the files on your computer after which aims to get you to pay a hefty ransom fee in order to get them decrypted once more. |
| Symptoms | Aims to encrypt the files on the infected computer, adding the .CerBerSysLocked0009881</strong< file extension and HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt ransom note. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss CerBerSysLocked. |
| 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. |
.CerBerSysLocked0009881 – How Does It Infect
The primary infection process of .CerBerSysLocked0009881 files virus is conducted via e-mail spam campaigns that may distribute a variety of different spam e-mails accros a lot of users who are deceived into thinking that the e-mails are legitimate and open the malicious infection file that is either uploaded as an attachment or linked on an external website. Here is an example of how such an e-mail may appear:
In addition to via spam e-mails the .CerBerSysLocked0009881 files virus may also be spread via other methods, such as:
- Via fake software setups.
- Fake game patches or cracks.
- Fake License activation software.
- Key generators.
.CerBerSysLocked0009881 Files Virus – More Information
Once the malicious executable of this ransomware virus is opened on your computer, it may immediately drop the malicious files in the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
- %Common%
- %System32%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
The files that are dropped by this ransomware are two executables, which have completely random names. In addition to them, the ransomware virus may also attack the Windows Registry sub-keys, that responisble for it’s files to automatically run on system boot. This results in the malware leaving registry entries with the location of the malicious file it wants to run automatically in a value string that is located within the following sub-keys:
→ 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
In addition to this, the ransomware may also attack other aspects of the infected computer, such as delete the backed up files or shadow volume copies of the infected computer. This Is done by executing the following commands as an administrator without the user noticing them:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet & bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no & bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures”
In addition to this, the malware also drops a ransom note in the face of HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt document, which contains the following message:
Problem with your Files ?
Don’t worry! Your files are SAFE!
Files are Backed up by our Service!
You need to buy Cerber Decryptor v5.0 updated 2017-November
Hi, I’am CERBER RANSOMWARE ;)
YOUR DOCUMENTS, PHOTOS, DATABASES AND OTHER IMPORTANT FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED!
The only way to decrypt your files is to receive the private key and decryption program.
Contact Email : TerraBytefiles@scryptmail.com
Subject PRIVATE-ID: CerBerSysLocked0009881
!!! ANY ATTEMPTS TO RESTORE YOUR FILES WITH THE THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE WILL BE FATAL FOR YOUR FILES. !!!
!!! IF YOU ATTEMPT TO RECOVER YOUR DATA WITH OTHER SOFTWARE THE RANSOMWARE WILL SE THIS ACTION.!!!
!!! AND WILL GENERATE ANOTHER CODE ON THE FILES THAT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO RECOVER THEM BACK.!!!
!!!!!PLEASE NE REZONABLE!!!!!
!!! AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTION BY CONTACTING THE EMAIL ADDRESS ABOVE. !!!
CerBerSysLock Ransomware – Encryption Process
The encryption process of the CerBerSysLock ransom virus is conducted via the XOR encryption algorithm. The virus firstly scans for the most commonly used file types on your computer, among which are the following:
- Images.
- Audio files.
- Videos.
- Documents.
- Archives.
The CerBerSysLock virus is very careful not to scan for files, located In the %Windows% and %Program Files% directories as they may damage drivers and other key software, which may break your OS. After the files are detected, the CerBerSysLock ransomware applies the encryption process and the files can no longer be opened. They appear similar to the image below:
Remove CerBerSysLock Ransomware and Restore Your Files
If you want to remove this ransomware virus from your computer, we recommend that you follow the removal manual below. It has been divided in manual and automatic removal steps and if you lack the experience in removing CerBerSysLock ransomware manually, security experts often advise to use an advanced anti-malware program in order to remove this malware automatically from your computer system. Having such tool will also protect your computer against future intrusions, like CerBerSysLock ransomware as well.
If you want to restore files that have been encrypted by this ransomware virus, be advised that you should try the alternative methods for recovery in step “2. Restore files encrypted by CerBerSysLock” below to attempt and recover as many encrypted files as possible.
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 CerBerSysLocked with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall CerBerSysLocked 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 CerBerSysLocked 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 CerBerSysLocked 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 CerBerSysLocked
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CerBerSysLocked.
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 CerBerSysLocked 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.
CerBerSysLocked-FAQ
What is CerBerSysLocked Ransomware?
CerBerSysLocked 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 CerBerSysLocked 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 CerBerSysLocked Infect?
Via several ways.CerBerSysLocked 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 CerBerSysLocked 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 .CerBerSysLocked files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .CerBerSysLocked 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 .CerBerSysLocked files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".CerBerSysLocked" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CerBerSysLocked 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 CerBerSysLocked 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 CerBerSysLocked ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CerBerSysLocked 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 CerBerSysLocked 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 CerBerSysLocked Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CerBerSysLocked 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 CerBerSysLocked 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.
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