This material is created to explain what is Crypted ransomware and help remove the virus files and restore files encoded with the .crypted file extension.

A ransomware infection, reported as a new version of Nemucod Ransomware that is spread via the same malicious e-mail spam used to spread Locky ransomware has appeared, infecting different Windows OS machines. Dubbed Nemucod or .Crypted virus, the ransomware infection may use an encryption algorithm to make the files on the infected computer no longer openable. The virus drops a DECRYPT.txt file in which it asks the victims to pay the sum of 0.23 BTC to get the files decrypted again. In case you have become a victim of the Crypted ransomware, advices are to read the following article carefully.

Threat Summary

Name	.Crypted Virus
Type	Ransomware
Short Description	The user may witness a file “DECRYPT.txt” on his desktop and the ransom message to open in a text document every time Windows starts.
Symptoms	The user may witness ransom notes and “instructions” linking to a web page and a decryptor. The .crypted file extension is used.
Distribution Method	Via the notorious Kovter malicious e-mail spam carrying .zip email attachments.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join our forum to Discuss .Crypted Virus.
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.

.Crypted File Virus – Infection Process

The infection of this virus is conducted via malicious e-mail spam, also known as malspam. Malware researcher at malware-traffic-analysis.net has reported that multiple malicious files are spread via e-mails that pretend to be customer service from post services. One particular e-mail was a fake UPS service mail with the following content:

Dear Customer,
Your item has arrived at the UPS Post Office at March 12, but the courirer was unable to deliver parcel to you!
Please check the attachment for complete details!
Best regards
Casey Pearson,
UPS Parcels Delivery Clerk.

These e-mails contain a malicious .zip file attachment, named UPS-Label-{random number}.zip. In it there is a file with the same name that is a malicious JavaScript, but tries to hide it by inserting the interfix .doc. The file ends in .doc.js, for example UPS-Label-{random number}.doc.js.

Once the user clicks on the malicious JavaScript file, the infection is immediate. The virus immediately inserts the script which in it’s turn connects to one or more distribution websites to transfer information from and to the infected computer. The malicious websits to which the virus connects are reported to have the following hosts:

The virus uses the port 80 for all communication of those domains.

After an infection is already conducted, the Crypted virus drops the following files on the infected computer.

• A .bat file with a random name, for example f332.bat, located in a random named folder in the %Local% directory.
• Another randomly named file in the same folder with unknown format.
• A .doc file in the %Temp% folder, usually named with one latin letter.
• A one letter .txt file in the same %Temp% folder.
• Two more executable files in %Temp%, named with letter and number, for example b1.exe and b2.exe.

.Crypted File Ransomware – Post-Infection Activity

Once the Crypted ransomware causes an infection, it does not change the wallpaper, but rather drops and opens a .txt file, named DECRYPT.txt. This file is the virus ransom note and it aims to notify the user of the demands of the cyber-criminals who have infected the computer. The content of DECRYPT.txt is the following:

“ATTENTION!

All your documents, photos, databases and other important personal files
were encrypted using strong RSA-1024 algorithm with a unique key.
To restore your files you have to pay 0.21753 BTC (bitcoins).
Please follow this manual:

1. Create Bitcoin wallet here:

https://blockchain.info/wallet/new

2. Buy 0.21753 BTC with cash, using search here:

https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins

3. Send 0.21753 BTC to this Bitcoin address:

0123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwx

4. Open one of the following links in your browser to download decryptor:

https://stihocom.com/counter/?0123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwx
https://ippa-max.com/counter/?0123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwx
https://therapy4healing.com/counter/?0123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwx
https://kanhona.com/counter/?0123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwx
https://bessondesign.com/counter/?0123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwx

5. Run decryptor to restore your files.

PLEASE REMEMBER
– If you do not pay in 3 days YOU LOOSE ALL YOUR FILES.
– Nobody can help you except us.
– It`s useless to reinstall Windows, update antivirus software, etc.
– Your files can be decrypted only after you make payment.
– You can find this manual on your desktop (DECRYPT.txt).”

When one of the websites are visited, the page does not let the user, if the ransom is not paid, meaning that the cyber-criminals may use IP address whitelist and allow only the IP addresses of victims that have paid the ransom.

Among these activities, the Crypted ransomware infection may also perform other types of infection activities, like create malicious registry values to run the executables in %AppData% that encrypt files automatically when Windows starts. The usually targeted registry keys for this are the Run and RunOnce sub-keys in the Windows Registry Editor.

In addition to this, the Crypted virus may also perform a deletion of any backups and shadow copies of the infected computer.

Crypted Ransomware – Encryption Information

Regarding the encryption procedure of Crypted ransomware, it is widely believed this virus uses the RSA (Rivest Shamir Adleman) encryption algorithm with the strength of 1024 bits. This type of encoding procedure results in the generating of unique decryption keys for each encrypted file or set of files. The encryption can be configured to encrypt the whole file, but there are files with huge sizes, this is why it may be coded to encode a portion of the file, enough to make it no longer openable.

For the encryption, various types of files may be targeted, like documents, pictures, audio files, music and other data of importance. To sum it up, .crypted files could become most of the following file types:

After the encryption process by the .crypted file virus has been completed, the encoded files appear like the following and cannot be opened:

Whatever the situation may be, paying the ransom is not advisable since the virus may be

Remove .Crypted Ransomware and Restore Infected Files

The removal of the ransomware is rather simple than complicated. Since it may have an active connection to several remote servers, we advise following the removal instructions below to break this connection and remove the malicious files and entries. This can happen by downloading an advanced anti-malware tool and scanning the computer in offline Safe Mode with no third-party applications running and no active connection.

If you want to decrypt your files, you are lucky, because this is one of the few ransomware variants that have a working decryptor. The credit for that goes to Emsisoft researchers who have developed Nemucod decrypter. To see how to work with the decryptor and revert your files, please check the instructions in this article after you perform the removal of this virus below.

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .Crypted Virus

Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode

1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.

For Windows XP, Vista, 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 the Start Menu

Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.

Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.

Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.

Step 6: Click on Restart.

Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.

2. Remove .Crypted Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Remove .Crypted Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove .Crypted Virus.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove .Crypted Virus.

Step 1:Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.

It is highly 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.

Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.

Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.

Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any .Crypted Virus files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.

Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.

3. Back up your data to secure it against infections and file encryption by .Crypted Virus in the future

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 automatically with cloud backup and insure it against any type of data loss on your device, even the most severe. We recommend reading more about and downloading SOS Online Backup .

SOS Online Backup

To back up your files via Windows and prevent any future intrusions, follow these instructions:

1. For Windows 7 and earlier 1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)

1-Click on Windows Start Menu

2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup

4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.

5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.

6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by .Crypted Virus.

1-Press Windows button + R

2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter

3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’

4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.

5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from .Crypted Virus.

1- Press Windows button + R keys.

2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.

3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.

5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from .Crypted Virus is on.

Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.

2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.

3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by .Crypted Virus should be restored.

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
• Step 2
• Step 3
• Step 4
• Step 5

Step 1: Scan for .Crypted Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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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.

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2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

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3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

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4. 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.

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide

Step 2: Uninstall .Crypted 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:

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1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

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2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

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3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.

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Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .Crypted 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 .Crypted Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

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2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

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3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it. 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.

IMPORTANT!
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 .Crypted Virus

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

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1. Hold Windows Key + R.

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2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

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3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK". Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.

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4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

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5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

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Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .Crypted 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 .Crypted 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.

1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

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.Crypted Virus-FAQ

What is .Crypted Virus Ransomware?

.Crypted 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 .Crypted 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 .Crypted Virus Infect?

Via several ways..Crypted 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 .Crypted 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 ..Crypted Virus files?

You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..Crypted 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 ..Crypted Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

Can I Restore "..Crypted Virus" Files?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..Crypted 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 .Crypted 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 .Crypted Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..Crypted 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 .Crypted 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 .Crypted Virus Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .Crypted 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.

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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 .Crypted 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.

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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.

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