Read this article to learn how to remove CURATOR ransomware and how to possibly recover files.
CURATOR Ransomware
CURATOR is the name of a ransomware virus that has been spotted in the wild. This cryptovirus is developed to corrupt computer operating systems and lock personal files. It lands on computer systems without being noticed. The encryption of personal files is followed by the creation of a ransom note called !=HOW_TO_DECRYPT_FILES=!.txt. This file aims to convince victims to contact hackers at one of the presented email addresses and ask for further details on ransom payment. Since .CURATOR files remain inaccessible until their code is reverted back to the normal state, many users rush into paying the demanded ransom. However, even the successful completion of this step provides no guarantee that .CURATOR files will be decrypted by the specialized decryption tool.
Read this article to learn how to get rid of malicious files installed by CURATOR ransomware and how to potentially restore files without paying the ransom.
CURATOR Ransomware Summary
| Name | CURATOR |
| File Extension | .CURATOR |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Ransom Notes | !=HOW_TO_DECRYPT_FILES=!.txt |
| What is It? | A ransomware that encodes your important files and asks you to pay a ransom to recover them. |
| Symptoms | All .CURATOR files cannot be opened due to changes applied to their code. You are asked to contact hackers and pay a ransom for a data decryption tool. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable Files, Hacked Websites |
| Removal | To effectively remove active CURATOR Ransomware virus infections, we recommend that you use an advanced anti-malware tool. Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss CURATOR Ransomware. |
| 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. |
More Information About the CURATOR Ransomware Virus
CURATOR ransomware also dubbed CURATOR virus is a malicious piece of software. It is created with the purpose to encrypt personal data and blackmail victims into paying a hefty ransom fee. An infection with CURATOR ransomware happens via different mechanisms. The main one is considered to be malspam or spam emails that attempt to deliver malicious code. Such emails usually contain file attachments, clickable links, buttons, etc.
If it is an attachment, it may be presented as a legitimate document and stated to be:
- Invoice.
- Plane ticket information.
- PayPal or other banking information file.
- Receipt for a purchase you do not recollect making.
- Security problem with your account.
The purpose of this method is to convince people to download and run the file on their PCs without considering the risks. Once started on a system the file triggers the infection process. The infection passes through a few stages each one of which corrupts different system settings. Malicious changes usually affect specific registry keys and shadow volume copies. The first is responsible for the proper system functioning while the second is kind of a system backup.
Malicious CURATOR ransomware files may be dropped in the following directories:
- %Local%
- %AppData%
- %LocalLow%
- %Temp%
- %System%
Data corruption occurs after all neccessary system modifications. For this stage, the ransomware utilizes special module that scans system drives for personal files and encodes them. Encoding happens via two cipher algorithms – ChaCha and AES. Corrupted files can be easily spotted as they all have the extension .CURATOR appended to their names. For example, the file image.jpg may be renamed to image.jpg.CURATOR
Files that store important information are likely to be encoded by this virus. So, they could be of the following types:
- Documents.
- Images.
- Video files.
- Archives.
- Virtual drive files.
Following encryption, the ransomware drops the file !=HOW_TO_DECRYPT_FILES=!.txt to inform victims about its presence and impact. The ransom message states that files are encoded with a combination of two cipher algorithms – ChaCha and AES. The purpose of this message is to present you with hackers’ email addresses and make you contact them for details about the ransom payment process.
It is highly inadvisable that you contact hackers to pay for a decryption tool. No amount of money paid guarantees that the code of their threat is working. Even a single bug in the code of CURATOR ransomware may prevent the decryptor from restoring .CURATOR files.
Here is what the content of the text file reads:
Hello!
All your important data has been encrypted. !
Your files are safe! Only modified(ChaCha+AES)
There is no way to decrypt your files without unique decryption key and special software. Your unique decryption key is CURATORly stored on our server.
HOW TO RECOVER FILES???
Please write us to the e-mail:
assistantkeys[@]rape.lolIf you will get no answer within 24 hours contact us by our alternate emails:
mending7788[@]protonmail.chTo verify the possibility of the recovery of your files we can decrypted 1-3 file for free.
Attach 1-3 file to the letter (no more than 5Mb). Indicate your personal ID on the letter:
id-RA[redacted 10 lowercase hex]* No software available on internet can help you. We are the only ones able to solve your problem.
* Make contact as soon as possible. Your private key (decryption key) is onlystored temporarily.
* Please be sure that we will find common languge. We will restore all the data and give you recommedations how to configure the protection of your server.
Try not to contact the cyber-criminals. Every form of contact with them exposes the system at risk of further malware infections. Their promises should not be trusted. They are crooks after all.
Remove CURATOR Virus – Try Restoring Files
In order to Remove CURATOR ransomware, we strongly recommend that you read the instructions in this article. Experts suggest that the best way towards fully erasing CURATOR Virus is to follow the removal steps that are underneath in combination with downloading an advanced malware removal tool. Such software will scan your computer for any malware and make sure that it’s fully gone from it.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for CURATOR Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall CURATOR Ransomware 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 CURATOR Ransomware 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 CURATOR Ransomware 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 CURATOR Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CURATOR Ransomware.
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 CURATOR Ransomware 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.
CURATOR Ransomware-FAQ
What is CURATOR Ransomware Ransomware?
CURATOR Ransomware 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 CURATOR Ransomware 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 CURATOR Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.CURATOR Ransomware 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 CURATOR Ransomware 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 .CURATOR Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .CURATOR Ransomware 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 .CURATOR Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".CURATOR Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CURATOR Ransomware 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 CURATOR Ransomware 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 CURATOR Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CURATOR Ransomware 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 CURATOR Ransomware 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 CURATOR Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CURATOR Ransomware 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 CURATOR Ransomware 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.