This article aims to help you remove CypherPy ransomware from your computer and it also aims to show you how you can try and restore your files without having to pay a ransom.
New ransomware infection, called CypherPy has been detected by malware researchers. The virus is so far only a stub, but it can encrypt the files on infected computers via the AES encryption algorithm in CBC encryption mode. After encryption, the virus may append the .crypt file extension to the encrypted files and drops a file, named “README”, that aims to extort victims. At the moment the ransomware is in construction, but it may become active very soon. If you have already been infected by CypherPy ransomware, we strongly recommend that you read this article and learn how to remove CypherPy ransomware from your computer after which restore files with the .crypt file extension.
Threat Summary
| Name | CypherPy |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Currently in construction. Encrypts the files using AES cipher and then may demand a ransom payoff. Can encrypt on Windows and Linux as well. |
| Symptoms | A ransom note without an extension, named README and the .crypt file extension on the encoded files. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss CypherPy. |
| 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. |
How Can CypherPy Ransomware be Spread
In order to be spread, the CypherPy virus may come under different shapes. One of those may be a fake e-mail attachment, posing as Microsoft Word document. The document appears legitimate after you open it, however in it, there are instructions on how to enable macros to read it’s content (otherwise you can’t). When you click on the “Enable Content” button, the malicious macros are activated and your computer may become infected. The infection procedure via those document performs the following actions:
Besides infected Microsoft Office documents and .PDF files, other e-mail attachments may also be sent out, that directly infect your computer, once you open them. Such may be .wsf, .js, .exe and other files which can be concealed from your antivirus program when executed.
The e-mails that may be sent, containing CypherPy ransomware may are deceitful and very well thought out. They may pose as mails from big companies, such as:
- eBay.
- PayPal.
- FedEx.
- DHL.
The e-mails themselves may contain deceitful messages, like the example below displays:
Besides this, other methods of infection may also include using various different types of fake installers, downloaders and other methods that deceive you into downloading an infected file.
CypherPy – More Information About It
The CypherPy ransomware is a virus very similar to most ransomware threats out there. Upon infection, the malware drops multiple malicious files on the computer of it’s victims. They are usually located in the often targeted Windows folders, such as:
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Temp%
As soon as the malicious files, the main of which is called cyphermain.py, belonging to CypherPy ransomware are dropped, the virus may execute a script that runs commands in Windows command prompt. The commands may be as follows and aim to delete the shadow volume copies of an infected computer:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
In addition to this, the virus may also create values In multiple different Windows Registry sub-keys. The most often targeted ones are the Windows Run and RunOnce sub-keys which are responsible for the malicious files of CypherPy to run every time Windows boots up. The keys are as follows:
→ 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
Among the activities of the CypherPy ransomware is to also connect to a remote host and transfer information about the infected computer, such as:
- Your IP address.
- Your location.
- Network configuration.
- Antivirus software installed.
Furthermore, it drops it’s distinctive ransom note, named “README” and at the moment of writing this, it looks like the following:
Source: id-ransomware.blogspot.com
CypherPy Ransomware – Encryption Process
When it comes to encrypting files, CypherPy ransomware performs multiple different activities, the main of which is to firstly scan your computer for the following types of files:
.3g2, .3gp, .7z, .asf, .asx, .avi, .bak, .bundle, .c, .cpp, .deb, .docx, .exe, .flv, .gif, .h, .html, .jar, .jpeg, .jpg, .log, .m2ts, .mkv, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpeg, .mpg, .pdf, .php, .png, .py, .pyc, .rar, .rm, .sh, .sq1, .sqlite3, .swf, .tar, .tar.gz, .tiff, .txt, .vob, .wmv, .zip
If you have those files on your computer and it becomes infected with CypherPy ransomware, the virus encrypts them in CBC (Cipher Block Chain) mode using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption algorithm. This immediately results in the files no longer being able to be opened. And after this has been done, the virus at the time of writing this appends the .crypt file extension to the files. They may look like the following example image after their encryption:
The scariest part of it all is that the virus also works on Linux systems and can encrypt files there as well, suggesting that it may be slithered using an unknown Linux vulnerability(https://sensorstechforum.com/notorious-linux-bugs-vulnerabilities-exploits/) if someone decides to spread it.
Remove CypherPy Ransomware and Try Restoring .crypt Files
Even though this virus is still under construction, according to malware researcher Karsten Hahn (@struppigel), who unfolded it, it can be released any time and if you have been already infected by it, immediate removal actions are advisable. To remove CypherPy completely from your computer, our recommendations are to follow the instructions for Manual or Automatic removal below. They are specifically designed to help you remove the files and objects associated with this ransomware. For maximum effectiveness, it is also advisable to use an advanced anti-malware software that will help you automatically scan for and remove CypherPy from your PC, completely secure it and protect it against future intrusions as well.
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.
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Step 1: Scan for CypherPy with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall CypherPy 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 CypherPy 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 CypherPy 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 CypherPy
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CypherPy.
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 CypherPy 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.
CypherPy-FAQ
What is CypherPy Ransomware?
CypherPy 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 CypherPy 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 CypherPy Infect?
Via several ways.CypherPy 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 CypherPy 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 .CypherPy files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .CypherPy 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 .CypherPy files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".CypherPy" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CypherPy 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 CypherPy 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 CypherPy ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CypherPy 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 CypherPy 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 CypherPy Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CypherPy 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 CypherPy 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.