This article has been created in order to best explain what is Cyborg ransomware and how you can remove it from your computer.
Cyborg Ransomware is a virus whose main idea is to enter your computer and encrypt your files using an advanced encryption mode. The outcome of this is all your documents become unusable with the added .petra file extension to the encrypted files. The main objective of Cyborg Ransomware is to drop its ransom note, called Cyborg_DECRYPT.txt and get you to follow the instructions in it. They contain the demands of the crooks who want you to pay $300 USD in the form of BitCoin to an anonymous wallet. Read this article to learn more about Cyborg Ransomware plus how you can try and decrypt files, encrypted by it on your computer.
Threat Summary
Name | Cyborg Ransomware |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | Cyborg Ransomware aims to use encryption on your important files and then ask you to pay the sum of $300 to get the files to work again. |
Symptoms | Cyborg Ransomware ads the .petra extension to the encrypted files, changes the wallpaper and drops a note, called Cyborg_DECRYPT.txt. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Cyborg Ransomware. |
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. |
Cyborg Ransomware – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
The primary method that is used to propagate the infection file of Cyborg Ransomware is via spam e-mail messages. These e-mails often tend to contain e-mail attachments in them, whose main goal is to get you to download and run virus files. These attachments often pose as invoices, receipts or other forms of fake documents. Once downloaded and ran, the Cyborg Ransomware may be activated and encrypt files almost immediately.
Another possible method of infection used by Cyborg Ransomware to spread is to hide the infection file on software download sites or torrent sites. There it can appear as if it is a crack for a program, software patch or some sort of fake installer.
Once your computer is infected by Cyborg Ransomware, the virus may immediately begin to encrypt your files. The following types of files are under attack by this virus:
- Documents.
- Images.
- Videos.
- Audio files.
- Archive files.
- Database files.
- Virtual drive images.
Once the Cyborg Ransomware has encrypted your files, they can no longer be opened. The encryption process replaces data from the files with data used by the encryption cipher. This process generates a decryption key that is known by the cyber-criminals, making them the only ones who seem to be able to unlock your files.
After encryption, the files assume the .petra file suffix and they start to look like the following:
Once the Petra virus variant of Cyborg Ransomware encrypts files, it almost immediately changes your wallpaper to the following:
Once this is done, the Cyborg ransomware virus may also drop the Cyborg_DECRYPT.txt ransom note. It contains the following ransom demands:
———— ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED BY CYBORG RANSOMWARE ————————
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!All your files like documents, photos, databases and other important are encrypted
What guarantees do we give to you?
You can send one of your encrypted file and we decrypt it for free.
You must follow these steps To decrypt your files :
1) Send $300 bitcoin to wallet :9e3dde3fad796f4eb15962b74fb2e55fed7
2) write on our e-mail :petra-mail.ru
Your personal ID
The cyber-criminals even promise to decrypt one file for free, but we recommend not to fall into their ransom demands and back up the encrypted files plus use the steps below to remove the malware until later decryption becomes available by researchers.
Remove Cyborg Ransomware and Try to Restore .petra Files
For the removal of Cyborg Ransomware, we strongly recommend that you follow up the removal instructions below. They are made to help you delete this virus step-by-step by using the manual below. Not only this, but also we strongly recommend that you download and run a scan with an advanced malware removal software. Such software has the capability of running a complete scan of your PC to eliminate all virus files, belonging to Cyborg Ransomware plus protect your computer in the future as well.
If you want to try and restore files, encrypted by Cyborg Ransomware, our advice is to wait and NOT pay the ransom. Not only you risk getting scammed by the crooks who might want more money, but also there could be free decryption in the near future. Another methods which you can try to restore files are listed below and they may not be 100% effective, but you could still try them.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Cyborg Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Cyborg Ransomware and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Cyborg Ransomware 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 Cyborg Ransomware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Cyborg Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Cyborg Ransomware.
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 Cyborg Ransomware 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.
Cyborg Ransomware-FAQ
What is Cyborg Ransomware Ransomware?
Cyborg Ransomware 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 Cyborg Ransomware 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 Cyborg Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Cyborg Ransomware 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 Cyborg Ransomware 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 .Cyborg Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Cyborg Ransomware 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 .Cyborg Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Cyborg Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Cyborg Ransomware 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 Cyborg Ransomware 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 Cyborg Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Cyborg Ransomware 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 Cyborg Ransomware 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 Cyborg Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Cyborg Ransomware 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 Cyborg Ransomware 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.