This post has been created to show you (i) how to remove Naampa ransomware virus from your computer and (ii) how to restore .crptd files.
A ransomware virus, known as Naampa ransomware has been spotted to encrypt important files in the computers it infects, adding the .crptd file extension after their file names. The virus aims to drop it’s ransom note, named !—-README—-!.jpg which notifies the victims that their files are encrypted via RSA-2048 encryption algorithm and they must contact the crooks via TOR browser and make a ransom payment in return for their files. If you have become an unfortunate victim of the .crptd file virus, we advise reading the following material.
Threat Summary
| Name | .crptd |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Encrypts the files on your computer possibly with RSA-2048 and then demands a ransom payoff to get them back. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted with an added .crptd file extension to them. A ransom note, named !—-README—-!.jpg Is added to the infected computer. |
| 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 .crptd. |
| 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. |
Naampa .crptd Virus – How Did I Get Infected With It
The primary infection method of viruses like the Naampa .crptd ransomware is via e-mail. Since this virus is primarily written in Russian language, the cyber-criminals may have targeted widely used e-mail providers such as mail.ru accounts. The spam messages distributing the .crptd virus may have e-mail attachments which aim for one thing and one thing only – to trick you into opening the attachment.
The attachments are created with the one and only purpose to deceive victims into opening them. They often pretend to be invoices, receipts, bank statements. The most aggressive ones even claim that there is a suspicious activity on your bank account to get you to open the e-mail attachments embedded. Here is an example of such message:
Besides this main method by which over 80% of ransomware viruses are spread, the Naampa virus may also exist in an uploaded form on suspicious websites. It may pose as a fake setup, fraudulent system update, fake game crack or program activator, etc.
More Information About .crptd File Virus
After you have clicked on the malicious attachment, it may infect your computer by connecting to a remote location and using unsecured port to download the malicious payload of the .crpd threat. It consists primarily of the following files;
- naampa.exe
- Mmspert.exe
- Key.res
- PH0246U.BMP
- !—-README—-!.jpg
The key.res and the “read me” file are located in the default documents of your profile folder, whereas the naampa.exe and mmspert.exe files may be located in other system folders, among which are:
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Temp%
Even though it has not been confirmed, the .crptd file virus may extract other files that may be under random names, called modules and these may also be located in the abovementioned folders. To download the payload, the malware may use the following domain:
→ schemas.openxmlformats.org/drawingml/2006/main
n3r2kuzhw2h7x6j5.onion
When you enter the second address, which is also featured in the ransom note, you are taken to the primary web page of the virus, which provides the e-mail of the cyber-criminals, which is:
→ unlckr@protonmail.com
Among the activities of the .crptd ransomware virus is to delete the shadow volume copies of the infected computer. This happens by executing a hidden command on your computer without you even noticing. The command is the following:
→ vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
This command may not be noticed by the victim and it may also be accompanied by other commands that may disable system recovery as well as shut down Windows Backup Service.
The main ransom note of the !—-README—-!.jpg file has been created with a Russian ransom note in general and it translates to the following message:
“Your files are encrypted using the RSA-2048 algorithm.
If you want to return them, send one of the encrypted files and key.res file to e-mail:
unlckr@protonmail.com
If you do not receive a reply within 24 hours or the letter is returned with an error, then download from the site www.torproject.com browser TOR and with his help go to the site
n3r2kuzhw2h7x6j5.onion – there will be specified a valid mailbox.
Attempts to repair files yourself can irrevocably ruin them!”
How Does Naampa Ransomware Encrypt Files
For the encryption process, the .crptd file virus claims to use RSA-2048 encryption algorithm, which is a strong and stable cipher and it’s core competence is that it generates set of private and public decryption key. Each of the keys the .crptd ransomware has generated is unique, meaning that if there is no decryption flaw which can allow for researchers to discover a master key, it may take years to get your files restored back to normal.
The files which are targeted by the .crptd file virus may have the following file extensions:
→ “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 .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
After this has occurred, the ransomware virus adds the .crptd file extension to the encrypted files. They begin to appear like the following:
Remove .crptd File Virus you’re your Computer and Restore Data
If you are a victim of the .crptd file virus, we advise you to go ahead and backup all your encrypted files for if a decrypter is released in the future. Then you can proceed to contain the damage done by this infection by removing it. This is achievable by following the removal instructions for .crptd file virus below. They are specifically designed to help you delete this virus either manually or automatically. Since the .crptd file virus tampers with key components of Windows, we recommend users to download and install the proper anti-malware software to fully remove the .crptd ransomware from your computer.
After the virus has been removed, to help you restore as many files as you can, we have designed alternative instructions under the name “Restore files encrypted by .crptd File Virus” below. They are some indirect methods with which you can recover at least some of your files. But make sure to first make a backup and try them at your own risk with copies of your files.
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 .crptd with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .crptd 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 .crptd 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 .crptd 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 .crptd
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .crptd.
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 .crptd 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.
.crptd-FAQ
What is .crptd Ransomware?
.crptd 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 .crptd 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 .crptd Infect?
Via several ways..crptd 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 .crptd 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 ..crptd files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..crptd 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 ..crptd files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..crptd" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..crptd 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 .crptd 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 .crptd ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..crptd 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 .crptd 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 .crptd Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .crptd 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 .crptd 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.