What Is Cyberpunk Virus?
Cyberpunk virus is the name of a dangerous ransomware virus. The main objective of this infection is to get inside your computer system and begin encrypting your files, adding the .CYBER file extension after their names. Then, the virus uses a ransom note (CYBER.txt), in order to extort you into paying a lot of money to the criminals in the form of cryptocurrencies as a payoff.
Read this article if you want to find out further information about this nasty ransomware infection and what steps you should take to fully get rid of it.
Cyberpunk Virus Summary
Name | Cyberpunk Ransomware |
File Extension | .CYBER |
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 Cyberpunk Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .CYBER extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | CYBER.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Cyberpunk Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
Cyberpunk ransomware is a typical crypto virus infection, just like the recently spotted TOWZ, POHJ and Royal viruses.
Viruses, like this one avenues questionable methods there which they end up on your computer without you knowing it. The main ones of those could be the following:
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
Cyberpunk is the kind of ransomware that may be sent to you via email, where the infection file often portrays a legitimate an important document for the victim in a well-staged fake message:
- Invoices.
- Work-related files.
- Receipts.
- E-Tickets for events or flights.
Once victims download and execute such documents, they may contain malicious code within them, which may activate the following infection process:
There is also another way via which the virus may have gotten inside your computer. It includes downloading the infection file from some type of a shady website, which advertises files that are often of the following kinds:
- Fake installation files.
- Software patches.
- Self extracting archives or regular archives.
- Cracked portable versions of apps.
- Software or game cracks.
- Key generator (or Keygen).
Cyberpunk Virus – What Does It Do?
Once Cyberpunk ransomware has infected your computer system, the virus may begin to connect to a third-party website, from where it may download it’s payload files. They are often located in folders, like the following and well masked, containing various names:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
Cyberpunk ransomware imitates the “cyberpunk” genre and the recently appeared game “Cyberpunk 2077” as the hackers probably like the term. The ransom note of the virus is called CYBER.exe and it has the following text:
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
cyberpunk
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, write to the mail: cyberpunk@onionmail.org YOUR ID –
If you have not answered by mail within 12 hours, write to us by another mail:cyberpsycho@msgsafe.io
ATTENTION!
We recommend you contact us directly to avoid overpaying agents
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
Cyberpunk ransomware may also target the Windows Registries, where it may set certain value strings in keys, like the Run and RunOnce ones, responsible for auto-running files on startup:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
What Are .CYBER Files
The .CYBER files are encoded using cyphers, such as the AES encryption algorithm. The virus firstly performs a scan outside legitimate Windows directories and then encrypts files of importance, like:
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Others.
Once encrypted, there is no way to open the files and they start appearing, like the following example shows:
Picture.jpg.CYBER
Decrypting the files can be done using their decryption key, that is generated when encryption has completed.
How to Remove Cyberpunk Ransomware Virus?
To remove Cyberpunk virus means to remove its malicious files residing on the infected machine. One way to do that is to manually get rid of it using the steps in the instructions below. For the best possible removal method, scanning your computer automatically using a professional anti-malware program is something that we would strongly advise doing. The main reason for that is because such a software has the latest updates against most viruses and can fully check and delete any malicious objects from your device and protect it in the future.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Cyberpunk with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Cyberpunk 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Cyberpunk 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 Cyberpunk there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Cyberpunk
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Cyberpunk.
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 Cyberpunk 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.
Cyberpunk-FAQ
What is Cyberpunk Ransomware?
Cyberpunk 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 Cyberpunk 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 Cyberpunk Infect?
Via several ways.Cyberpunk 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 Cyberpunk 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 .Cyberpunk files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Cyberpunk 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 .Cyberpunk files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Cyberpunk" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Cyberpunk 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 Cyberpunk 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 Cyberpunk ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Cyberpunk 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 Cyberpunk 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 Cyberpunk Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Cyberpunk 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 Cyberpunk 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.