.cvc virus file – what is it? The virus is known as Dharma ransomware which encrypts files and demands a ransom. .cvc virus file uses patrik008@tutanota.com as mail for contacting the cybercriminals.
.cvc Virus Files – Dharma Ransomware Variant
The .cvc virus is a new iteration of the Dharma ransomware family. . The current version of the Dharma family ransomware encrypts files by appending the .cvc extension to them, making them inaccessible. It also may add a unique identification number as previous versions do. All encrypted files will receive the new extension as a secondary one. The ransomware drops a ransom note, which gives instructions to victims on how they can allegedly recover their files.
cvc virus Summary
| Name | cvc virus |
| File Extension | .cvc |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .cvc extension to them, along with a unique identification number placing the new .cvc extension as a secondary. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss cvc virus. |
.cvc File Virus (Dharma Ransomware) – What Is It and How Did I Get It?
The .cvc virus is a new Dharma ransomware release which has been captured in an ongoing attack campaign. This campaign is orchestrated by an unknown hacking group and directed at users worldwide. The detected samples are very low at this moment, for this reason, we assume that these viruses are still a testing release. They are made by modifying the base source code of the Dharma virus and adding in the necessary variables and configuration options. At this moment we assume that the attacks are targeted to users around the world.
Like the previous versions of Dharma, it is possible that the same infection strategies will be used here as well. This involves the creation and operation of virus-infected files — they will appear as safe and legitimate data that is downloaded from a presumably trusted location. The criminals typically create them in documents, files that are commonly used by such programs: presentations, spreadsheets, text documents, and databases. Upon opening them a prompt will be shown asking for the execution of the built-in scripts. The same can be done with application installers — program setup bundles that are of popular programs. They are created by taking the original setup bundles of system utilities, creativity suites, and even computer games.
Different distribution techniques can be used to spread these virus samples. Usually this includes the creation and spreading of email messages. They are created using common templates and will include the virus data either attached or linked in them. The hackers will impersonate letters, notifications, and other types of documents that are received by using this medium. A similar strategy is used with hacker-created sites: they can be download portals, sites, landing pages, search engines, and etc. Such content can be hosted on similar-sounding domain names to confuse the users.
This particular version has also been found to activate a security bypass function — it will search for any active security programs and disable them. They can be anti-virus programs, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and etc.
When the .cvc virus files are run on a given computer, the built-in action sequence will start. This is done using the common procedures as seen with previous Dharma ransomware versions. This will start with a data gathering procedure: this is used to hijack both users’ files and information from the operating system. This can potentially be used to identify the identity of the victims, as well as important information about the system. A generated hardware profile can be programmed to create a unique identifier (ID), it can be shown in the ransom note or be part of the extension applied to the hackers.
The .cvc virus can be used to carry out system changes, some of them may be the following:
- Persistent Boot Installation — This is a procedure that will automatically start the virus when the computer is powered on. It may also disable access to the recovery boot options, thereby making it very hard to follow most manual user recovery guides.
- Windows Registry Changes — The .cvc virus can modify the existing values found in the Windows Registry or create new ones for itself. This can lead to different types of issues for the criminals: the inability to launch certain services and applications, performance issues, data loss, and unexpected errors.
- Other Virus Installations — The .cvc Dharma virus can be used as a payload carrier for the deployment of other malware. Desktop threats will usually consider the installation of Trojan Horse clients — they are a very effective mechanism for causing damage to the hosts. They create a secure connection to a hacker-controlled server, thereby allowing the hacking group to take over control of the system, and also to steal user’s data.
When all modules have completed running, the final stage will be started. It will use a strong cipher to affect target users’ data. They will be governed by a built-in list of target file type extensions. They can be the following: multimedia files, backups, archives, documents, and etc. All of the affected files will be processed by a very strong cipher. The affected files will be renamed with the .cvc extension. A ransomware note will be created in folders where there are affected files. In some other versions, other signs of infection can also be created: wallpapers can be changed or lockscreens can be instituted. All of them will blackmail the victims to pay the hackers a quoted decryption fee.
Remove .cvc File Virus (Dharma)
If your computer got infected with the .cvc File Virus, you should be experienced in removing malware manually. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the opportunity to spread further and infect more machines. You should remove the ransomware and follow the instructions guide provided with easy-to-follow steps below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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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 cvc virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove cvc virus
Step 2: Uninstall cvc virus 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 cvc 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 cvc virus 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 cvc virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by cvc virus.
Ransomware infections and cvc 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.
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 cvc virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall cvc virus 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 cvc virus 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 cvc virus.
Ransomware infections and cvc 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.
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.
cvc virus FAQ
What is cvc virus ransomware and how does it work?
cvc 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 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 cvc virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.cvc virus 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 cvc 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 .cvc virus files?
You can't. At this point the .cvc virus 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 .cvc virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by cvc virus 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 ".cvc virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .cvc virus 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 cvc virus 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 cvc virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .cvc virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like cvc virus 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.
