| Name | CryptPKO |
| Type | Ransomware, Trojan |
| Short Description | CryptPKO encrypts significant user files, demanding most likely financial compensation ransom from the victim. |
| Symptoms | Encrypted files such as ‘document.docx.fd2342412’ that cannot be opened and ‘HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt’ object on the user desktop. |
| Infection Method | Via spam/spoof emails, using botnet computers. Via physical access to the PC. Via downloads from the internet. |
| Detection tool | Download SpyHunter, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By CryptPKO |
CryptPKO is regarded as a Ransomware Trojan that encrypts important files and deploys HOW TO DECRYPT.txt file on the victim PC’s desktop. This dangerous threat may be distributed via many methods, main of which are via email, downloads from redirects or MITM attacks. This type of malware is very dangerous, and security officials report that in the .txt file there are ransom demands to decrypt the data along with contacts. Experts strongly advise against complying with the attackers’ terms and not to communicate with them by any means.
How Did I Get CryptPKO?
Cyber criminals have become very smart in how they infect computers. Their attacks have become targeted mainly towards businesses and organizations. FBI have reported an estimate of 18 million dollars in losses from such attacks. Black hat hackers are believed to use botnets, which are networks of computers worldwide that are under their control, i.e. ‘zombie’ PCs. Via those, hackers conduct their attacks, mainly through spoof emails. This type of mail disguises the sender’s address, making it look like someone known to the recipient, increasing the likelihood of infection.
Once infected, the attacker may have full control over every move the victim does on the computer. However most attackers may tend to break connection with the victim PCs so that they cannot be traced back by law enforcement. Another method of infection from this hideous threat is man-in-the-middle type of attacks. In some cases, the attacker may physically install ransomware on an unmonitored computer in an organization.
What Does CryptPKO Do?
This ransomware is reported to encrypt mostly documents and other files, changing the name of the file as shown:
→document.docx to document.docx.i2dzqu
After which, it deploys a text document on the desktop of the PC with the following text:
→Attention !!! You broke the law !! All your files are encrypted !!
To restore your files visit https://plc.lixter.com if the site is not working, please write to email stoppiracy@email.su Your id f3424452
You have 5 attempts to enter the code. Above this
limit, all the data irreversibly deteriorate.
From this point, the files of the user that have been changed are not accessible via any software. They have been encrypted most likely with an encryption ranging from 2048 to 4096 bits. This kind of encryption is not an easy one to break if you do not have the proper decrypting software. In some cases, the files may even be replaced with other encrypted data and the original information could be stored only in the attackers’ hard drives.
After scanning the registries of an infected computer with CryptPKO security researchers have displayed in forums which registry keys and values were associated with this threat.
→ [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{7444C717-39BF-11D1-8CD9-00C04FC29D45}] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{7444C717-39BF-11D1-8CD9-00C04FC29D45}\VersionIndependentProgID] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CryptPKO.CryptPKO.1] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Wow6432Node\CLSID\{7444C717-39BF-11D1-8CD9-00C04FC29D45}] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Wow6432Node\CLSID\{7444C717-39BF-11D1-8CD9- 00C04FC29D45}\VersionIndependentProgID] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Classes\CLSID\{7444C717-39BF-11D1-8CD9-00C04FC29D45}] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Classes\CLSID\{7444C717-39BF-11D1-8CD9-00C04FC29D45}\VersionIndependentProgID] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{7444C719-39BF-11D1-8CD9-00C04FC29D45}] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\{7444C719-39BF-11D1-8CD9-00C04FC29D45}\VersionIndependentProgID] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CryptSig.CryptSig.1] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Wow6432Node\CLSID\{7444C719-39BF-11D1-8CD9-00C04FC29D45}] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Wow6432Node\CLSID\{7444C719-39BF-11D1-8CD9- 00C04FC29D45}\VersionIndependentProgID] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Classes\CLSID\{7444C719-39BF-11D1-8CD9-00C04FC29D45}] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Classes\CLSID\{7444C719-39BF-11D1-8CD9-00C04FC29D45}\VersionIndependentProgID]
Security experts strongly advise against manually removing any objects associated with CryptPKO ransomware, because they may initiate a script that will delete their files and, therefore, lose them
CryptPKO Ransomware Removal And Decryption
In case you have this ransomware installed on your computer, it is highly recommended not to comply with the ransom demands in any way and to seek immediately professional help. First, you should swiftly disconnect your equipment. After that, it is recommended to reboot the PC in Safe mode and download a reputable anti-malware program on a non-infected PC. You may use a USB flash drive to transfer the installer of the anti-malware program to your Safe Mode booted PC. After which it is advisable to scan your computer, and the anti-malware will remove any files associated with this ransomware.
IMPORTANT: Transfer a copy of the encrypted files to another USB flash drive before attempting any removals.
Also, here are easy step-by-step instructions to enable the Microsoft Windows Defense feature to backup your files and have the ability to restore them immediately to an earlier state before their encryption:
1) Download a particular anti-malware scanner and remove the CryptPKO files from the computer.
2) Open Properties by right-clicking on My Computer and then choosing it.
3) Open Advanced System Settings
4) Go to System Protection.
5) Mark the HDD partition on which you have necessary files, and you want to defend.
6) Click Configure and then click on Turn On System Protection.
7) Click OK and you are all set
After you have this protection switched on, if something happens to your data, you may be able to restore them, using those steps:
1) Right-Click the encrypted file and then choose Properties.
2) Click the Previous Versions button.
3) At this point, you should see an earlier version of the file with a ‘last modified’ date.
4) Mark the file with the mouse and then choose the down-right button that says Restore.
IMPORTANT:
If your files were previously encrypted, this software might leave some files, such as registry values and others on your system. This is why, recommendations are to download a particular anti-malware program that will ensure your protection and terminate any traces of the malicious software.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
How to Remove CryptPKO from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove CryptPKO
Step 2: Uninstall CryptPKO and related software 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 uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by CryptPKO 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 CryptPKO 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: Scan for CryptPKO with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptPKO.
Ransomware infections and CryptPKO 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of CryptPKO from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall CryptPKO and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove CryptPKO via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptPKO.
Ransomware infections and CryptPKO 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
CryptPKO FAQ
What is CryptPKO ransomware and how does it work?
CryptPKO 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 algorithm how 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.
How does CryptPKO ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.CryptPKO Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of CryptPKO 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 .CryptPKO files?
You can't. At this point the .CryptPKO files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .CryptPKO files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by CryptPKO ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".CryptPKO" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CryptPKO files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of CryptPKO ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate CryptPKO ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CryptPKO files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like CryptPKO ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
