Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
This is an instructive article to help you remove Cerber README.hta Ransomware and restore encrypted files.
Cerber ransomware virus has appeared out into the wild in a new variant using a README.hta file, according to malware researcher Michael Gillespie. What differs in this version of Cerber is that it drops a the .hta file with completely new ransom demands and encrypts the files of infected computers with random file extensions with 4 alpha numerical characters, for example .a123 or .y2k2. Since there have already been three versions of the notorious ransomware virus plus it’s massive affiliate campaign is running wild all over the world, this is a strong indicator that the developers of the virus may have created a completely new version or heavily modified the older Cerber ransomware. The Cerber virus’ purpose is to extort infected users to make a ransom payoff ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 BTC by following the instructions in the readme file. Anyone who has been affected by this or any other versions of the virus should not pay any type of ransom since malware researchers are constantly on the lookout for a free decryption solution. Instead, we advise you to back up your files, remove this ransomware and try several alternative methods to revert your files by following the instructions below.
This Cerber ransomware variant encrypts files with the RSA or AES ciphers adding four randomly generated A-Z 0-9 characters(ex. .z33f) as a file extension to the encrypted files and asks a ransom payoff for decryption.
Symptoms
Files are enciphered and become inaccessible by any type of software. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a “README.hta” file.
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery Technician’s License 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.
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.
The Latest Cerber Virus – How Does it Spread
There is not much change in how Cerber causes infections. Just like the 1st Cerber as well as the second and of course Cerber 3 ransomware, the virus uses affiliate campaigns to be widespread. This widely broadens the spreading methods because the creators of the ransomware do not spread it themselves, but instead may use a complex network of affiliates all over the world who want to make profits illegally.
The developers of Cerber may, however, sell the ransomware as a service along with an advanced exploit kit which is “the bottleneck” of the infection process. This is primarily because it guarantees a successful infection by exploiting bugs in Windows or obfuscating a malicious executable so that it runs undetected by firewalls or antivirus programs.
Given that Cerber may already have a huge affiliate network, a different set of tools and approaches may have been undertaken to spread the virus. Some of those tools may include:
Malware obfuscators to hide the malicious file.
Spam bots and fake online accounts to spread the virus via malicious web links as comments on websites or via social media.
Temporary self-destructible e-mail service to remain untraceable.
Spamming software to massively send e-mails to a pre-modified list of users.
A pre-configured set of fake, phishing e-mails.
All of those tools may be used to replicate Cerber ransomware’s malicious executable under different forms. One of the forms may be as a malicious attachment uploaded in an e-mail, disguised as an Invoice or another important document. It may also be drive-by downloaded via a malicious URL posted in the phishing message.
Cerber Ransomware – What Does This Variant Do
After having compromised a computer, the Cerber malware may attempt a connection with the C&C (Command and Control) servers belonging to the cyber-criminals. After this has been performed, Cerber then may download and drop one or more malicious files of the following file types:
.vbs, .exe, .dll, .tmp, .bat, .cmd, .hta
The malicious files may have different purposes and may be dropped in important Windows directories, most likely believed to be:
%AppData%
%SystemDrive%
%Temp%
%Roaming%
%System%
%Local%
%LocalRow%
After the malicious files have been dropped, Cerber ransomware gets down to the point. The virus may use an administrative command to delete the shadow copies of the infected computer, erasing all types of previous file versions. The command is the following:
Cerber may also immediately begin encrypting files on the compromised computer. It usually looks for widely used types of files, such as videos, photos, audio files, documents and others that may be important to you.
In addition to this, Cerber may also add value strings with a path to the malicious executables in the Run and RunOnce keys of Windows and make the virus run every time Windows starts and encrypt every newly added files as well.
After encryption, Cerber ransomware renders the files unusable and generates a unique decryption key. This key may be encrypted additionally and sent to the C&C server of the ones controlling the malware.
Files encrypted by this Cerber variant usually look like the following:
The ransom note of Cerber ransomware also suggests that a CBC (Cipher Block Chaining) mode may be used when encrypting the files which essentially breaks the files if a third-party decryption software is directly used on them.
Cerber’s ransom note is also dropped in a README.hta file and it has the following brief message with a web link to a payment page:
“CERBER RANSOMWARE Instructions Can’t you find the necessary files? Is the content of your files not readable? It is normal because the files’ names and the data in your files have been encrypted by “Cerber Ransomware”. It means your files are NOT damaged! Your files are modified only. This modification is reversible. From now it is not possible to use your files until they will be decrypted. The only way to decrypt your files safely is to buy the special decryption software “Cerber Decryptor”. Any attempts to restore your files with the third-party software will be fatal for your files! You can proceed with purchasing of the decryption software at your personal page: Please wait… {Unique link for the victim}”
Remove New Cerber Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files
Whatever the case may be, it is very important to get rid of Cerber as soon as possible instead of paying any form of ransomware to cyber-criminals for obvious reasons:
You support the cyber-criminals’ organization.
No guarantee you will receive your files back.
Malware researchers often recommend to users infected by Cerber to create copies of the encrypted files and backing them up on an external drive if a decryptor is released for free, like it happened with the 1st version of Cerber.
To remove Cerber ransomware, please follow the instructions posted below. In case you are having a tough time removing the files manually, the best solution for you is to use an advanced anti-malware software which will automatically take care of the malicious files and registry objects created by the ransomware.
To attempt alternative file restoration methods, we advise you to take a look at our suggestions in step “2. Restore Files Encrypted by Cerber” below. They may or may not work in your situation, and the outcome may vary, but we have users who report restoring at least some of their important files. The outcome of how many files you will be able to revert comes down to whether or not you have a backup, whether or not you have reformatted your hard drive and other variables.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Cerber may remain persistent on your system and may re-infect it. We recommend you to download SpyHunter and run free scan to remove all virus files on your PC. This saves you hours of time and effort compared to doing the removal yourself.
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.
Preparation before removing Cerber.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
Be patient as this could take a while.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Cerber
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”, tick “Network” 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: Clean any registries, created by Cerber on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Cerber 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.
Step 3: Find files created by Cerber
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
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.
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:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
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.
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.
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 Cerber with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
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 Cerber.
Ransomware infections and Cerber 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:
2. On the download page, click on the “Download” button:
3. Click on “Save File” button:
4. Accept all agreements and click “Next”:
5. After all the “Next” steps, click on “Install” and then wait for the installation to complete:
6.Run the software. Click on the location to scan for missing or deleted files and click on “Scan”:
7. Wait for the scan to complete, it may take some time. Be advised that this scan is not 100% guaranteed to recover all files, but it does have some chance to get your data back:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Cerber may remain persistent on your system and may re-infect it. We recommend you to download SpyHunter and run free scan to remove all virus files on your PC. This saves you hours of time and effort compared to doing the removal yourself.
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.
Preparation before removing Cerber.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
Do a backup of all of your files, even if they could be damaged. You should back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats.
Be patient as this could take a while.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Cerber
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: Clean any registries, created by Cerber on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Cerber 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.
Step 3: Find files created by Cerber
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
1: On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
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.
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:
1: Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
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.
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.
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 Cerber with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
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.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Cerber may remain persistent on your system and may re-infect it. We recommend you to download SpyHunter and run free scan to remove all virus files on your PC. This saves you hours of time and effort compared to doing the removal yourself.
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.
Preparation before removing Cerber.
Before starting the actual removal process, we recommend that you do the following preparation steps.
Make sure you have these instructions always open and in front of your eyes.
Be patient as this could take a while.
Step 1: Uninstall Cerber and related software from Windows
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
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 2: Clean your Browsers from Cerber.
Remove an extension from Mozilla FirefoxRemove an extension from Google Chrome Remove an extension from Internet Explorer Remove an extension from Microsoft Edge
1. Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
2. Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu.
3. Select the unwanted extension and click “Remove“
4. After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” button at the top right corner and start it again.
1. Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
2. Move the cursor over “Tools” and then from the extended menu choose “Extensions“
3. From the opened “Extensions” menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its “Remove” button.
4. After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red “X” button at the top right corner and start it again.
1. Start Internet Explorer: 2. Click on the gear icon labeled ‘Tools’ to open the drop menu and select ‘Manage Add-ons’
3. In the ‘Manage Add-ons’ window.
4. Select the extension you want to remove and then click ‘Disable’. A pop-up window will appear to inform you that you are about to disable the selected extension, and some more add-ons might be disabled as well. Leave all the boxes checked, and click ‘Disable’.
5. After the unwanted extension has been removed, restart Internet Explorer by closing it from the red ‘X’ button located at the top right corner and start it again.
1. Start Edge
2. Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.
3. From the drop menu select “Extensions”.
4. Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.
5. Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Cerber on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Cerber 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 Cerber with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
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.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Cerber may remain persistent on your system and may re-infect it. We recommend you to download Combo Cleaner and run free scan to remove all virus files on your Mac. This saves you hours of time and effort compared to doing the removal yourself.
Combo Cleaner’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read Combo Cleaner’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Preparation Phase:
Before starting to follow the steps below, be advised that you should first do the following preparations:
Backup your files in case the worst happens.
Make sure to have a device with these instructions on standy.
Arm yourself with patience.
Step 1: Uninstall Cerber 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 Combo Cleaner
Keep in mind, that Combo Cleaner needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check Combo Cleaner’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 Cerber:
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 Cerber. 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 Cerber. 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 Cerber 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 Cerber. 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.
Step 2: Remove Cerber – related extensions from your Mac’s browsers
Remove a toolbar from Mozilla FirefoxRemove a toolbar from Google Chrome Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
1. Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window
2. Select the “Add-ons” icon from the menu.
3. Select the Extension and click “Remove“
4. After the extension is removed, restart Mozilla Firefox by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
1. Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu
2. Move the cursor over “Tools” and then from the extended menu choose “Extensions“
3. From the opened “Extensions” menu locate the add-on and click on the garbage bin icon on the right of it.
4. After the extension is removed, restart Google Chrome by closing it from the red “X” in the top right corner and start it again.
1. Start Safari
2. After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.
3. From the menu, click on “Preferences“
4. After that, select the ‘Extensions’ Tab
5. Click once on the extension you want to remove.
6. Click ‘Uninstall’
A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select ‘Uninstall’ again, and the Cerber will be removed.
How to Reset Safari
IMPORTANT: Before resetting Safari make sure you back up all your saved passwords within the browser in case you forget them.
Start Safari and then click on the gear leaver icon.
Click the Reset Safari button and you will reset the browser.
Step 3: Scan for and remove Cerber files from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts and programs such as Cerber, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Hi, yesterday my computer infected by this cerber ransomware and encrypted .doc and .mdb (accounting software) files and the extension after encyption is .B712. Please suggest what to do, how to delete the ransomware from my pc and how to decrypt my data
Unfortunately, there’s still no decryption solution for this new version. However, you can still try to restore some of your data by using data recovery software. As stated in the article:
To remove Cerber ransomware, please follow the instructions posted below the article. In case you are having a tough time removing the files manually, the best solution for you is to use an advanced anti-malware software which will automatically take care of the malicious files and registry objects created by the ransomware.
To attempt alternative file restoration methods, we advise you to take a look at our suggestions in step “2. Restore Files Encrypted by Cerber” below. They may or may not work in your situation, and the outcome may vary, but we have users who report restoring at least some of their important files.
please urgent need help, yesterday my computer infected by this cerber ransomware and encrypted .doc and .xl and .pdf files and the extension after encryption is .9cff. Please give me a suggestion or any solution for decrypt it. already i have deleted all cerber ransomware but i can not decrypt my data. all file look like the following picture
At this point, there is not much that can be done about it. Simply back up your files store them somewhere safe after which remove the virus. If a decryptor is released in public, we will update this article or create a new one with links to it here. Make sure to check regularly.
I strongly suggest you TO MAKE COPIES of the encrypted files because direct decryption may break them permanently and they will become destroyed forever.
Hi, I’ve got infected and I could find the readme.hta files in my Google drive. So after sync, it’s everywhere – Google drive in my other devices. How to tackle this problem? Thanks.
wow, i have never head cerber spread to Google Drive, this is new.. for now you can back up the encrypted files on a flash drive or other external memory carrier (USB stick, CD drive, etc.) and wait for a decryptor to be released. GIven how many cerber instances were decrypted you may have to wait longer. In the meantime you can try using data recovery software. And next time do not use Google Drive, but use a third-party cloud-backup program, like SOS Online Backup, for example: http://sensorstechforum.com/sos-online-backup-software-review/
hi, i have same problem as like STEPAN FIKRLE’S iSSUE. In my Pc All Files are Encrypted, The encryption Looks like 2in0sY9NQU.9175. this renamed Extension .9175 is by every encrypted file. i tried With All Data Recovery Tolls of Older Version & All Articles But it do not Work.
Unfortunately, there is no decryption available for this ransomware. Have you tried alternative restoration file methods such as the ones described in this article?
Loading...
This is an instructive article to help you remove Cerber README.hta Ransomware and restore encrypted files.
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
Remove an extension from Mozilla Firefox
Remove an extension from Google Chrome
Remove an extension from Internet Explorer
Remove an extension from Microsoft Edge
Remove an extension from Safari and reset it.
Hi, yesterday my computer infected by this cerber ransomware and encrypted .doc and .mdb (accounting software) files and the extension after encyption is .B712. Please suggest what to do, how to delete the ransomware from my pc and how to decrypt my data
Hello VISHAL,
Unfortunately, there’s still no decryption solution for this new version. However, you can still try to restore some of your data by using data recovery software. As stated in the article:
To remove Cerber ransomware, please follow the
instructions posted below the article. In case you are having a tough time removing the files manually, the best solution for you is to use an advanced
anti-malware software which will automatically take care of the
malicious files and registry objects created by the ransomware.
To attempt alternative file restoration methods, we advise you to take a look at our suggestions in step “2. Restore Files Encrypted by Cerber” below.
They may or may not work in your situation, and the outcome may vary,
but we have users who report restoring at least some of their important
files.
i have two important folder . you told that you have some users but which one?
please urgent need help, yesterday my computer infected by this cerber
ransomware and
encrypted .doc and .xl and .pdf files and the extension
after encryption is .9cff. Please give me a suggestion or any solution
for decrypt it. already i have deleted all cerber ransomware but i can
not decrypt my data. all file look like the following picture
already i have followed all procedure that is described in this page above but i can not recover my file..please suggest me what can i do?
Hello, Nurun.
At this point, there is not much that can be done about it. Simply back up your files store them somewhere safe after which remove the virus. If a decryptor is released in public, we will update this article or create a new one with links to it here. Make sure to check regularly.
Hello, thanks for asking. There is no decryptor for this virus, but you can try with the older version, although i do not believe this will work.
Here is the link: http://sensorstechforum.com/decrypt-encrypted-files-cerber-ransomware/
I strongly suggest you TO MAKE COPIES of the encrypted files because direct decryption may break them permanently and they will become destroyed forever.
Hi, I’ve got infected and I could find the readme.hta files in my Google drive. So after sync, it’s everywhere – Google drive in my other devices. How to tackle this problem? Thanks.
wow, i have never head cerber spread to Google Drive, this is new.. for now you can back up the encrypted files on a flash drive or other external memory carrier (USB stick, CD drive, etc.) and wait for a decryptor to be released. GIven how many cerber instances were decrypted you may have to wait longer. In the meantime you can try using data recovery software. And next time do not use Google Drive, but use a third-party cloud-backup program, like SOS Online Backup, for example: http://sensorstechforum.com/sos-online-backup-software-review/
hi, i have same problem as like STEPAN FIKRLE’S iSSUE.
In my Pc All Files are Encrypted, The encryption Looks like 2in0sY9NQU.9175.
this renamed Extension .9175 is by every encrypted file.
i tried With All Data Recovery Tolls of Older Version & All Articles But it do not Work.
So,Please Also Suggest me How To Solve it?
Hi Darshan,
Unfortunately there is no working decrypter for this ransomware. Always back up your data to avoid ransomware damage.
Hello, I need help my files turn to .8d28 and have Readme.hta file.
please help how to recover these files.
Hello, my server has been infected with this virus. The files turned to .java.
Can someone help me?
Thank you
Hi Wendy,
Unfortunately, there is no decryption available for this ransomware. Have you tried alternative restoration file methods such as the ones described in this article?