Article created to help you remove the Robert Swat ransomware virus and extension and to restore Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp files encrypted by it.

A very odd virus has appeared in the wild. The malware is from the file encryption kind and uses the e-mail [email protected] for contant. What is odd about it is that the virus threatens to break the encrypted files on the computers it has infected if the user tries to modify them in any way, like changing their names. In addition to this, the ransomware also demands victims to pay a hefty ransom fee of 400$ in it’s “how_to_decode_files!!!.txt” ransom note to get access to the files that are encoded and no longer openable. In case your system has been infected by the .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp ransomware, we advise reading the following article to understand what is the situation and how to react.

Threat Summary

Name	.Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus
Type	Ransomware
Short Description	The malware encrypts users files using a strong encryption algorithm, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available to the cyber-criminals for the price of $400.
Symptoms	The user may witness ransom notes and “how_to_decode_files!!!.txt” “instructions” linking to an e-mail address where further instructions are sent. Changed file names and the file-extension .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp has been used.
Distribution Method	Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner.
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join our forum to Discuss .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp 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.

.Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp – How Does It Distribute

To spread, the Robert Swat virus may utilize different techniques. One of those techniques is to spam fake messages via e-mail, that may contain different file types embedded within them as attachments. The messages may be deceptive and aim to lure potential victims into opening the attachments, similar to the example image below:

Besides this technique for spreading, the .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp file ransomware, may also take advantage of several other methods such as embedding malicious scripts in spammed web links all over the web and also have loaders posing as game patches, cracks and updates.

.Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus – Activity

For the activity of this infection, it uses multiple distribution sites, to which it’s loader may connect after already infecting your computer. Then, the loader may drop multiple different types of files. These very files may have the same names as processes that are completely legitimate or completely random names. They may be located in the usually targeted Windows folders, for example:

After the malicious files of this virus are dropped on the computer of the user, they may exhibit different activity on the computer of the user. One of the actions that may be performed by the .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp threat is to force delete the shadow volume copies of the encrypted computer. This is usually achievable by executing the vssadmin and bcedit commands in Windows Command Prompt in the background, without the user noticing it is happening:

In addition to this activity, the ransomware infection may also modify the Windows Registry Editor by adding malicious value strings in the Run or RunOnce sub-keys which run it’s malicious executables automatically:

.Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Files And Their Encryption

Regarding the encryption process of this ransomware infection, one or more encryption modes may be used. Among the suspected encryption algorithms may be among the following:

• RSA(Rivest-Shamir-Adleman).
• SHA(Secure Hash Algorithm).
• AES(Advanced Encryption Standard).
• ECDH(Elliptic Curve Diffie–Hellman).
• Other less sophisticated ciphers.

In addition to those ciphers an encryption mode known as RC4 may or may not be employed. For the process, the .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp virus targets specific files to encode. Among those files may be the following file types:

→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”Source:fileinfo.com

The encryption process consists of replacing portons data from the original files with data from the cipher being used. After encryption, the files may appear like the following:

The encrypted files may also be encoded with a mode that is set to break them when they are modified, for example with changed filenames. The other scenario is if the cyber-criminals are just claiming this in the ransom note as a scare tactic, not to try and decrypt the encoded files. The ransom note opened after the encryption process has finished is called how_to_decode_files!!!.txt and has the following content:

*******************************************************************************
ATTENTION!!! Changing the file name makes the restore process impossible!
*******************************************************************************
Your data is encrypted.
To receive a program of decoding, You need to pay ~ $ 400 and
You need to send the personal code:
{UNIQUE PERSONAL CODE HERE}
To the email address [email protected]
Then you will receive all the necessary instructions.
Attempts to decipher independently will not lead to anything, except irretrievable
loss of information.
We respond to all emails, if there is no answer within 10 hours, duplicate your
letter other email services.
Thank you for your attention and have a good day.
*******************************************************************************
ATTENTION!!! Changing the file name makes the restore process impossible!
******************************************************************************* Source:Pastebin

Remove .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus and Try To Recover Encrypted Files

Before removing malicious files belonging to this ransomware infection, recommendations are to focus on backing up the encrypted files first, just in case. For the removal process of this ransomware, we advise using the removal instructions in the end of this article. In case you are having difficulties in manually removing files encrypted by this virus, experts advise using an advanced anti-malware program which will take care of the removal process for you automatically and ensure future protection as well.

After having successfully removed this ransomware infection, reccomendations are to focus on restoring files encrypted by it using multiple alternative methods, like the ones we have suggested below in step “2. Restore files encrypted by .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus”. These methods are not 100 percent guaranteed to work but they may be of use for restoring at least some of the encoded files.

Manually delete .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus from your computer

Note! Substantial notification about the .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus threat: Manual removal of .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus requires interference with system files and registries. Thus, it can cause damage to your PC. Even if your computer skills are not at a professional level, don’t worry. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using a malware removal tool.

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus files and objects

Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode

1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus on your PC.

For Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:

1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:

– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.

– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.

3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.

4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account

While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.

Step 1: Open the Start Menu

Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.

Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.

Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.

Step 6: Click on Restart.

Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.

Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries of your computer to change different settings. This is why manual clean up of your Windows Registry Database is strongly recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit lenghty, we recommend following our instructive article about fixing registry entries.

2.Find malicious files created by .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus on your PC

Find malicious files created by .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus

1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.

For Newer Windows Operating Systems

Step 1:

On your keyboard press  + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.

Step 2:

Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.

Step 3:

Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:

N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.

For Older Windows Operating Systems

In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:

Step 1:

Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.

Step 2:

After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.

Step 3:

After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.

Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.

Automatically remove .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus by downloading an advanced anti-malware program

1. Remove .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data

Remove .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus. Back up your data to secure it against infections and file encryption by .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus in the future.

Step 1:Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is highly 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.

Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.

Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.

Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.

Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.

Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future

IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data automatically with cloud backup and insure it against any type of data loss on your device, even the most severe. We recommend reading more about and downloading SOS Online Backup .

SOS Online Backup

2. Restore files encrypted by .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus

Restore Files Encrypted by .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus

Ransomware infections like .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to directly decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that they may not be 100% effective but they may help you little or a lot in some situations.

Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software.
Another method of restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:

• Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery Technicians License(Pro version with more features)
• Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery
• Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery

Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors.
If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:

• Kaspersky Decryptors
• Emsisoft Decryptors

Urgent! It is strongly advisable to first remove the .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus threat before attempting any decryption, since it may interfere with system files and registries. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using an advanced malware removal tool.

Method 3: Using Shadow Explorer

To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for shadow copies in Windows using this software if ransomware has not deleted them:

• Shadow Explorer

Method 4: Finding .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus decryption key while it communicates it via a network sniffing software.

Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:

Instructions on How to Find Decryption Key for Files Encrypted By Ransowmare

Optional: Using Alternative Anti-Malware Tools

Remove .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus Using Other Alternative Tools

STOPZilla Anti Malware

1. Download and Install STOPZilla Anti-malware to Scan for And Remove .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus.
Step 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.

Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.

Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.

Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.

Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.

2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all .Do_not_change_the_file_name.cryp Virus associated files completely.
Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you haven’t launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.

Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.

Vencislav Krustev

A network administrator and malware researcher at SensorsTechForum with passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cyber security. Strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.

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