The Casseto virus is a new ransomware threat that encrypts target user data with a strong cipher called and renames them with the .cassetto extension. At the moment the acquired samples indicate that this may be a test release. Our article provides an overview of the virus operations and it also may be helpful in attempting to remove the virus.
Threat Summary
| Name | Casseto virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system with the .cassetto extension and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Casseto 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. |
Cassetto Virus – Distribution Ways
The Casseto virus is a ransomware strain that has been spotted in a limited distribution release. The acquired samples do not seem to target specific countries and due to the low number of captured virus code the security analysts were not able to state the which delivery method is the preferred one. We anticipate that in future attacks several methods may be used at once. In the meantime any one of the popular tactics can deliver a Casseto virus infection.
The first and most prominent way is to coordinate the construction of an email SPAM campaign. They use various social engineering tactics to coerce the users into interacting with the malicious content. The virus file itself can be delivered directly as a file attachment or linked in the body contents.
Another mechanism is the creation of numerous fake download sites that use a familiar design layout that imitates popular web portals that users typically use. These two methods are also the main ones responsible for distributing payload carriers. The two most popular forms are the following:
- Documents — The Casseto virus code can be embedded in scripts that are inserted in documents of various types: rich text documents, spreadsheets, presentations or databases. Once they are opened by the victim users a notification prompt will appear asking them to enable the built-in macros. If this is done the virus infection will follow.
- Infected Software — The threat can be embedded in software installers, plugins or updates. The most common way this is done is by taking the legitimate files from the vendors sites and modifying them with the relevant code. As a result whenever they install such an app the virus will be delivered automatically.
Other tactics include the upload of the infected files on file sharing networks like BitTorrent where pirate content is usually found. Links can be spread also on community forums and web sites. The criminals can also make use of scripts to subvert the sites and messages to the virus download action.
Advanced infection campaigns can make use of browser hijackers, also called redirects. They represent malicious plugins made for the most popular web browsers. They are spread on the official extension repositories and third-party sites making use of elaborate descriptions, fake user reviews and developer credentials. Once installed they will modify the installed browser settings to redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled page. Following this the dangerous payload will be downloaded from a remote server and executed on the local machine.
Cassetto Virus – In-Depth Analysis
The captured strains associated with the Casseto virus have been acquired during a test release campaign. The initial security analysis shows that the main engine does not contain any code taken from the famous ransomware families. This leads us to believe that it may be possible that the hacker or criminal collective behind it may be the original authors. The other hypothesis is that the controllers have bought the ransomware code from an underground marketplace or have paid other hackers to produce a custom version for a particular goal. Whatever the reason the Casseto virus will follow the prescribed behavior as instructed by the hacker operators.
A typical infection will begin with a data harvesting module. The extracted information is classified into two main categories. The engine can extract information that can expose the victim’s identity. The strings that are extracted can include their name, address, phone number, interests, location and account credentials. Other information that is typically acquired includes campaign optimization metrics. It is used to optimize the attacks by acquiring information such as the installed hardware components, certain user settings and operating system variables.
This information can then be used to bypass any installed security services — anti-virus products, sandbox environments and virtual machine hosts. The associated real-time engines can be bypassed or entirely removed. This will allow the engine of the Casseto virus to continue with various system modifications. They can be different depending upon the integrated instructions.
One of the first actions executed by most viruses is the Windows Registry changes. The engine of the Casseto virus can modify existing strings belonging to the operating system or user-installed applications. The consequences include severe performance issues when using the computer and the inability to access certain functions or services. Strings can be created for the virus itself. When this is combined with modifications of boot settings this can lead to a persistent installation. When this feature is active it will automatically start every time the computer is powered on and will disable access to the recovery boot menu. This will render most manual removal instructions useless. Additional measures that make it more difficult to restore the computer is to delete Restore Data — this includes all identified Restore Points and Shadow Volume Copies information.
In certain cases ransomware threats like the Casseto virus are configured to deploy additional threats such as Trojans. Their route of behavior is to establish a secure connection with a hacker-controlled server. It allows the criminals to spy on the victim machines in real-time, hijack files and install other viruses.
Cassetto Virus — Encryption
Once all components have completed operation the ransomware engine will be called. Like other popular threats it will make use of a built-in list targeting the most popular file types. They will be encrypted with a strong cipher and processed further if instructed. An example list may contain the following data:
- Archives
- Documents
- Backups
- Images
- Music
- Videos
All victim files will be renamed with the .cassetto extension. The associated ransomware note is called “IMPORTANT ABOUT DECRYPT.txt” and reads the following:
L!W2Be%BS4
WARNING!! YOU ARE SO F*UCKED!!!Your Files Has Encrypted
What happened to your files?
All of your files were protected by a strong encryptation
There is no way to decrypt your files without the key.
If your files not important for you just reinstall your system.
If your files is important just email us to discuss the the price and how to decrypt your files.You can email us to omg-help-me@openmailbox.org
We accept just BITCOIN if you don´t know what it is just google it.
We will give instructions where and how you buy bitcoin in your country.
Price depends on how important your files and network is.
It could be 0.5 bitcoin to 25 bitcoin.
You can send us a encrypted file for decryption.
Fell free to email us with your country, computer name and username of the infected system.
Remove Casseto Virus and Restore Encrypted Files
If your computer system got infected with the Casseto Virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for Casseto virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Casseto virus 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 Casseto virus on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Casseto virus 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 Casseto virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Casseto virus.
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 Casseto virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
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.
Casseto virus-FAQ
What is Casseto virus Ransomware?
Casseto virus is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption 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 Casseto virus 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 Casseto virus Infect?
Via several ways.Casseto virus 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 Casseto virus is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Casseto virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Casseto virus 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 .Casseto virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Casseto virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Casseto virus 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 Casseto virus 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 Casseto virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Casseto virus 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 Casseto virus 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 Casseto virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Casseto virus 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 Casseto virus 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.
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