.cypher Files Virus – How to Remove and Recover Your Files

by Ventsislav Krastev | February 20, 2018 | 0 Comments file-encryption, malware, ransomware

Threat Summary .cypher Ransomware – Update December 2018 .cypher Ransomware – Spread .cypher Ransomware – More Information .cypher Files Virus – Encryption Process Remove .cypher Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files

This article has been created in order to explain what is the .cypher files virus and how to remove it from your computer system plus how to restore files, that have been encrypted by it without having to pay the ransom.

The ransomware infection, known as the .cypher files virus has been reported to infect victims via an .exe file, which immediately begins to encrypt the important files on their computers and then the malware may demand a ransom payoff from it’s victims to get the files to become accessible again. In the event that your computer has been infected by the .cypher ransomware infection, we advise you to read the following article in order to understand what is this infection and how to remove it from your computer, plus how to try and recover your files without paying the ransom.

Threat Summary

Name	.cypher Files Virus
Type	Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description	The .cypher files virus aims to encrypt the files on the infected computer with a possible goal to get the victim to pay a hefty ransom (1 BitCoin) to decrypt the encrypted files.
Symptoms	The main symptom after this virus runs on your PC is the files having the .cypher file extension added.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss .cypher Files 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.

.cypher Ransomware – Update December 2018

December 2018 brings an update for .cypher Ransomware. It appears that the ransomware still encrypts files by adding the same extension to them, but has a new ransom note. You can preview it from the screenshot provided below:

The ransom note message states the following:

Your files have been encrypted.

To decrypt your files, follow the instructions

Open your explorer, in the pathbar, enter %appdata%

Find the file encryption_key and send it to to email: biggsurprise@tutanota.com or ochennado@tutanota.com

Await payment instructions.

The note is shorter, but the cybercriminals want you to write an email so you could get further instructions.

.cypher Ransomware – Spread

The main method which accounts to more than 80% of the ransomware viruses out there for propagation is reported to be e-mail spam. The spammed messages may directly contain the infection file of this virus, masked as a legitimate Microsoft Office document, an Invoice, a banking receipt, or any other form of order confirmation or documents of importance. Such e-mails are often sent and accompanied by various different types of deceitful messages that aim to deceive you that the attachment is important, for example:

In addition to via e-mail, the .cypher ransomware may also be spread by being uploaded as a seemingly legitimate file, like a fake setup of a program, a license activator or a game patch or crack. Such files are often uploaded on suspicious sites, from the likes of torrent websites, or software providing sites with low rating.

.cypher Ransomware – More Information

After it infects your computer, .cypher files virus drops an executable type of file on your computer which has a random A-Z, a-z, 0-9 name and has the following parameters, according to analysis at reverse.it.

When the malicious file is finally executed, it may begin to drop the ransom note of the virus, named README_.txt. It has the following message for the victims of this malware:

Your files have been encrypted!
To decrypt your files, send 1.0 Bitcoin to this address: {BTC Address}
Affter your payment is complete, you can decrypt files with decryption program.
Download decryption program here.
Payment status: Not paid yet.
FAQ
Question: Where can I get BitCoin wallet?
Answer: Simple and easy to use wallet.
Question: Where can I buy Bitcoins?
Answer: Guide to various methods of buying Bitcoin.

Then, the .cypher malware begins to read the computer name, by chedking the registry entry “COMPUTERNAME”:

→ “HKLM\SYSTEM\CONTROLSET001\CONTROL\COMPUTERNAME\ACTIVECOMPUTERNAME”

In addition to this, the malware drops over 2000 different files and furthermore, it also deletes the following system files:

→ “%PROGRAMFILES%\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Reader\IDTemplates\DEU\AdobeID.pdf”
“C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Reader\IDTemplates\DEU\DefaultID.pdf”
“C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Reader\IDTemplates\ENU\AdobeID.pdf”
“C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Reader\IDTemplates\ENU\DefaultID.pdf”
“C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Reader\PDFSigQFormalRep.pdf”
“C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Reader\plug_ins\Annotations\Stamps\DEU\Dynamic.pdf”
“C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Reader\plug_ins\Annotations\Stamps\DEU\SignHere.pdf”
“C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Reader\plug_ins\Annotations\Stamps\DEU\StandardBusiness.pdf”
“C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Reader\plug_ins\Annotations\Stamps\ENU\Dynamic.pdf”
“C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Reader\plug_ins\Annotations\Stamps\ENU\SignHere.pdf”
“C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Reader\plug_ins\Annotations\Stamps\ENU\StandardBusiness.pdf”
“C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Reader\plug_ins\Annotations\Stamps\Words.pdf”
“C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Resource\ENUtxt.pdf”
“C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Resource\TypeSupport\Unicode\Mappings\Adobe\symbol.txt”
“C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 11.0\Resource\TypeSupport\Unicode\Mappings\Adobe\zdingbat.txt”
“C:\Program Files\AutoIt3\AutoItX\Examples\C++\_readme.txt”
“C:\Program Files\AutoIt3\AutoItX\Examples\VBScript\_readme.txt”
“C:\Program Files\AutoIt3\Examples\COM\Worksheet.xls”

Then, the ransomware virus drops the following types of files on the victim’s computer:

→ “ReadMe.txt.cypher”
“HPFeb15_arrow_left[1].png.cypher”
“pspubws@bidswitch[1].txt.cypher”
“TableTextServiceDaYi.txt.cypher”
“readme.txt.cypher”
“flower_settings.png.cypher”
pspubws@uplift-platform[2].txt.cypher
“docked_gray_hail.png.cypher”
“shadowonlyframe_selectionsubpicture.png.cypher”
“CA-wp5.jpg.cypher”
“BBjBl9m[1].png.cypher”

In addition to this, the ransomware virus may also begin to execute Windows Command Prompt script which begins to encrypt the files on the infected computer.

.cypher Files Virus – Encryption Process

The encryption process of this ransowmare is conducted via a script which scans for the important files on the victim’s PC, such as:

Documents.
Audio files.
Videos.
Images.
Archives.

The malware also immediately adds it’s distinctive .cypher file extension to the encrypted files, making them appear like the image below displays:

Remove .cypher Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files

In order to delete this ransomware infection, we advise that you follow the removal instructions down below. They are specifically designed in order to help you to remove the .cypher virus either manually or automatically. If you lack the experience in removing malware, like .cypher ransomware manually, experts always recommend using an advanced anti-malware software to delete this virus automatically and to protect your computer in real-time against threats in the future.

If you want to restore files that have been encrypted with the .cypher file extension, we advise you to follow step “2. Restore files encrypted by .cypher Files Virus”. They may not be 100% guarantee you will recover all of the files, but with their aid, you may restore most of your important documents.

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.

How to Remove .cypher Files Virus from Windows.

Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .cypher Files 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

1. Hold Windows key() + R

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

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.

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

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

Step 2: Uninstall .cypher Files 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:

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

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

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 uninstall most programs.

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

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

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

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: Scan for .cypher Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

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

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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.

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

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

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.

Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .cypher Files Virus.

Ransomware infections and .cypher Files 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 reccomended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

Windows Mac OS X

Get rid of .cypher Files Virus from Mac OS X.

Step 1: Uninstall .cypher Files Virus and remove related files and objects

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!

We Recommend To Scan Your Mac with SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy

1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:

2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to .cypher Files Virus:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to .cypher Files Virus. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

6: Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference. Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to .cypher Files Virus. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

7: Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:

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 .cypher Files 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:

Disclaimer! If you are about to tamper with Library files on Mac, be sure to know the name of the virus file, because if you delete the wrong file, it may cause irreversible damage to your MacOS. Continue on your own responsibility!

1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:

2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:

3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as .cypher Files Virus. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.

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.

Click the button below below to download SpyHunter for Mac and scan for .cypher Files Virus:

Download

SpyHunter for Mac

Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .cypher Files Virus.

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

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

.cypher Files Virus FAQ

What is .cypher Files Virus ransomware and how does it work?

.cypher Files 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 .cypher Files Virus ransomware infect my computer?

Via several ways..cypher Files 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 .cypher Files 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 ..cypher Files Virus files?

You can't. At this point the ..cypher Files 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 ..cypher Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

One way to restore files, encrypted by .cypher Files 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 "..cypher Files 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 ..cypher Files 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 .cypher Files 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 .cypher Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..cypher Files Virus files.

Also, keep in mind that viruses like .cypher Files 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.