Believes that the glass is rather half-full and that nothing is bigger than the little things. Enjoys writing, reading and sharing content – information is power.
Believes that the glass is rather half-full and that nothing is bigger than the little things. Enjoys writing, reading and sharing content – information is power.
Believes that the glass is rather half-full and that nothing is bigger than the little things. Enjoys writing, reading and sharing content – information is power.
Note! Your computer might be affected by Cry (CSTO) Ransomware and other threats.
Threats such as Cry (CSTO) Ransomware may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Believes that the glass is rather half-full and that nothing is bigger than the little things. Enjoys writing, reading and sharing content – information is power.
Ransomware is quickly becoming a major threat in the cyber space since it’s easy to use, hard to track and decrypt and the ROI is high. As a result, it’s evolving and improving with horrific speed.
Cry ransomware, for example, also known as Central Security Treatment Organization and CSTO uses the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) to communicate and Imgur and Google Maps to spread itself. Although it’s a rather simple encryption Trojan, and not sophisticated like Zepto or Cerber3, Cry ransomware should not be underrated as no decryption for it has yet been found, and experts say it has affected 8,000 users in just 2 weeks.
Threat Summary
Name
Cry (CSTO) Ransomware
Type
Ransomware
Short Description
Encrypts the user’s files with a strong encryption algorithm and requests to contact e-mail address to make a ransom payoff of approximately 2000 dolalrs in BitCoin.
Symptoms
Files are encrypted and become inaccessible and a .cry file extension is being added to them. A ransom note is left as a text file on the desktop.
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.
Cry (CSTO) Ransomware Virus Uses UDP, Imgur and Google Maps to Collect and Communicate Victims’ Data
The User Datagram Protocol, or UDP, is the perfect protocol for network applications such as gaming, voice and video communications due to its low perceived latency and good quality. UDP is also used for applications requiring lossless data transmission.
The creators of Cry (CSTO) ransomware have chosen to use the UDP protocol in order to hide the location of the command and control server (C&C server). Once Cry infects a computer, it will gather information on the host such as the Windows and OS version, username, CPU type, installed service pack, etc. Then it will “communicate” that information via the UDP to 4096 different IP addresses, among which will be the hidden C&C server.
On another side, Cry uses Google Maps API to determine the victim’s location via Server Set Identifiers (SSIDs) of wireless networks in the given area. Experts have not yet, however, discovered why the Cry developers would need the victims’ locations.
BleepingComputer.com reported that Cry ransomware would also use websites such as Imgur.com and Pastee.org to host the collected information about the victims. Cry would then encrypt the collected information and compile it in a fake PNG file, and would send it to a photo gallery on Imgur.com. In return, Imgur would rename the PNG file and “communicate” the new name via the UDP protocol to the C&C server.
According to researchers at Invincea, Cerber ransomware has also used similar technique with the UDP protocol in order to hide the C&C server location.
Cry (CSTO) Ransomware Virus In Detail
Cry ransomware also uses the name of a fake security organization – Central Security Treatment Organization – probably in order to appear legitimate to the users and thus to be more convincing as to why they need to pay the demanded ransom fee, which is 1.1 bitcoin, or $625. The Department of Pre-Trial Settlement or the Federal Agency of Investigation are also non-existent.
Once Cry ransomware is inside the computer, it will encrypt the victims’ sensitive data consisting of the following file types: BAT, TXT, LOG, DAT, MP3, JPG, WMV, BMP, XML, HTML, CSS and JS. The encrypted files will receive the .cry extension, hence the name of the ransomware. It will then delete the Shadow Volume Copies to prevent victims from restoring their files without paying the ransom.
Cry will then drop the ransom notes named “Recovery_[random_chars].html” and “!Recovery_[random_chars].txtencrypts” on the victim’s desktop with instructions.
The ransom note reads like this:
‘WARNING! DOCUMENTS, DATABASES, PROJECT FILES, AUDIO AND VIDEO CONTENT AND OTHER CRITICAL FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED WITH A PERSISTENT MILITARY-GRADE CRYPTO ALGORITHM How did this happen? Specially for your PC was generated personal 4096 bit RSA key, both public and private. All your files have been encrypted with the public key. Decrypting of your files is only possible with the help of the private key and de-crypt program. What do I do? If you HAVE REALLY VALUABLE DATA, you better NOT WASTE YOUR TIME, because there is NO OTHER WAY to get your files, EXCEPT MAKE A PAYMENT’
The victims are instructed on where they should click to pay the ransom fee.
Cry (CSTO) Ransomware Virus Removal
As mentioned earlier, Cry is quickly spreading around as it reached 8,000 infected users in just 2 weeks. Decryptors have not yet been developed and if your system has been attacked by Cry, we urge you to not pay the demanded amount. Cyber criminals may never send you a decryption key, and even if they do, Cry will remain in your system and may strike again.
It’s best to remove the virus from your system as soon as possible. Only then you could wait for a decryptor to be released or try to use a file recovery program to restore some of your data if possible.
Below you’ll find instructions on how to manually remove Cry, or what program to use to automatically remove the virus for you.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Cry (CSTO) Ransomware and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Cry (CSTO) Ransomware. 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.
To remove Cry (CSTO) Ransomware follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Cry (CSTO) Ransomware files and objects
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
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by Cry (CSTO) Ransomware on your PC
Find files created by Cry (CSTO) Ransomware
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove Cry (CSTO) Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Cry (CSTO) Ransomware and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Cry (CSTO) Ransomware. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
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.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: 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.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by Cry (CSTO) Ransomware
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Cry (CSTO) Ransomware
Ransomware infections and Cry (CSTO) Ransomware aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Believes that the glass is rather half-full and that nothing is bigger than the little things. Enjoys writing, reading and sharing content – information is power.
Believes that the glass is rather half-full and that nothing is bigger than the little things. Enjoys writing, reading and sharing content – information is power.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Cry (CSTO) Ransomware and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
