This article will help you remove .cerber3 file extension virus (Locky ransomware) successfully. Follow the ransomware removal instructions below.

One of the most devastating viruses out there – Cerber ransomware has been released in a 3rd version, adding a .cerber3 file extension to encrypted files and changing the file-names as well, leaving the # HELP DECRYPT #.txt file after encryption. The Cerber ransomware viruses have been notorious for an immensely strong encryption and new versions of them are released as soon as malware researchers discover decryptors for them. Users who have been infected by this virus, should not comply by the ransom note dropped by this virus and not pay any type of ransom money to the cyber-criminals and not comply to any instructions in the ransom note of the virus. Instead, we advise you to follow this article, because we will update it with more information about Cerber ransomware’s 3rd version, how to remove it and alternative methods to try and restore your files.

Threat Summary

Name	Cerber 3
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.
Symptoms	The user may witness ransom notes and “instructions” and a sound message all linking to a web page and a decryptor. Changed file names and the file-extension cerber3 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 malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join our forum to Discuss Cerber 3 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.

Cerber 3 Virus – How Does It Infect

Similar to the other Cerber(Cerber Version 2) viruses, this ransomware does not limit itself to a simple executable that infects the user. Instead, it is a whole operation that is created to synchronize a variety of infection and spamming technologies and techniques into one big and successful operation, called Cerber ransomware. This includes several different tools that are being used to infect users with the virus:

• Malware obfuscators to hide Cerber 3 ransomware’s files from any real-time protections and firewalls.
• File joiners that may conceal the payload dropper of the virus by combining them with legitimate files, like Microsoft Office documents that have malicious macros, for instance.
• Exploit Kits which may be used for a successful download of the directly by connecting to the command and control server of the cyber-criminals from the infected machine itself.
• Malicious JavaScript (.js) files disguised as legitimate files that may cause the infection. Themselves.

Such tools may be used in combinatain with spamming bots or spamming services that may spread the malicious files belonging to Cerber 3 ransowmare via several different methods, mainly in the form of uploads on malicious URLs or as e-mail attachments.

Below is an example of a spam e-mail, the malicious URLs of which may lead to a browser redirect that could cause a drive-by download infection with Cerber ransomware:

Cerber Ransowmare – In-Depth Information

As soon as it has been dropped on the computer, Cerber 3 may be dropped on key Windows folders with files that have different names. Several directories it may exist in are the following Windows targeted locations:

Along with CryptoWall and Locky ransomware, Cerber may also modify the registry entries of infected computers, to make the malicious executable that may be different type of file (.tmp, .dll, .js, .exe) run when Windows boots up and encrypt a wide variety of files even before the antivrus program of the computer has started. The registry entries to make it run on system startup are the following keys in Windows Registry Editor:

As soon as Cerber 3 ransomware’s encryption, begins the user is doomed. The virus may immediately scan for a wide variety of file types and encrypt them as soon as it detects them:

Cerber ransomware may not only encrypt almost any file on your computer beside the files essential to run Windows, but the virus may also change the names of the files as well. Files encrypted by Cerber 3 ransomware do not only have the .cerber3 file extension but they also have completely random names, preventing them from being identified. A tweetpost by the malware researcher PhysicalDrive0 indicates how the files look after encryption by Cerber 3 ransomware:

To encipher the files, the 3rd variant of this virus may use RSA or AES encryption algorithms and the virus may even use the so-called Cipher Block Chaining(CBC) mode which protects the encrypted files by permanently breaking them if you try to tamper with their code structure (decrypt them, for example).

After encrypting the files, Cerber 3 ransomware drops a ransom note, named # HELP DECRYPT #.txt that is primarily focused on notifying the user his situation is very dire.

Another variant of Cerber 3 employs a different ransom note, known as @___readme___@.txt:

Contents of the @___readme___@.txt note.

The ransom note may be located on every folder containing encrypted files or on the desktop and even on the %Startup% folder so that it opens every time Windows runs.

Furthermore, after the encryption and notification process is complete, Cerber ransomware may generate a unique decryption key which it sends to the cyber-criminals’ command and control servers. After this procedure is done, the malicious files of Cerber ransomware may be deleted to avoid any researchers from peeking into the virus.

The ransom instructions of the virus may lead to a Tor-based web page, similar to the following:

Cerber 3 Ransomware – Conclusion, Removal and File Restoration

The appearance of the 3rd version of this virus is a good indicator that it may either be a part of a large-scale ransomware operation that is well-organized or be sold by an organization as a service (RaaS). Either way, this is one of the biggest viruses out there and researchers strongly advise to immediately remove it and not pay any ransom money demanded.

To remove Cerber 3 ransowmare’s associated files, registry objects and other settings related to it, in case it is still residing on your computer, we advise following the step-by-step instructions below. They are designed so that they help in the best way possible to get rid of the virus methodologically. The most effective and fastest solution for complete removal of Cerber 3 ransowmare still remains to be the usage of an advanced anti-malware program. It will not only delete all associated files safely, but will also protect your computer in the future as well.

To try and restore files encoded by Cerber 3 ransomware, we strongly advise you to make sure that Cerber ransomware is fully deleted from your computer and then attempt using the file-restoration methods provided in step “3. Restore files encrypted by Cerber 3” below. They may not be 100% successful but, these methods are a good temporary solution until malware researchers release a decryptor. As soon as a decryptor has been released for this virus, we will update this article, so we advise you to check on it regularly.

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

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• Guide 1: How to Remove Cerber 3 from Windows.
• Guide 2: Get rid of Cerber 3 from Mac OS X.
• Guide 3: Remove Cerber 3 from Google Chrome.
• Guide 4: Erase Cerber 3 from Mozilla Firefox.
• Guide 5: Uninstall Cerber 3 from Microsoft Edge.
• Guide 6: Remove Cerber 3 from Safari.
• Guide 7: Eliminate Cerber 3 from Internet Explorer.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

How to Remove Cerber 3 from Windows.

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Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Cerber 3

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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

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1. Hold Windows key() + R

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2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

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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.

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4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

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5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

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Step 2: Uninstall Cerber 3 and related software 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:

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1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.

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2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

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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.

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Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Cerber 3 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 Cerber 3 there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

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2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.

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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 3 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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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.

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2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

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3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

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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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

Get rid of Cerber 3 from Mac OS X.

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Step 1: Uninstall Cerber 3 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 SpyHunter for Mac

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter for Mac needs to purchased to remove the malware threats. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’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:

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2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:

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3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Cerber 3:

Tip: To quit a process completely, choose the “Force Quit” option.

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4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.

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5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Cerber 3. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash”.

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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 3. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.

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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 3 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 3. 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.

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Step 2: Scan for and remove malware from your Mac

When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, 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.

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Combo Cleaner

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

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Remove Cerber 3 from Google Chrome.

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Step 1: Start Google Chrome and open the drop menu

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Step 2: Move the cursor over "Tools" and then from the extended menu choose "Extensions"

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Step 3: From the opened "Extensions" menu locate the unwanted extension and click on its "Remove" button.

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Step 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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

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Erase Cerber 3 from Mozilla Firefox.

Step 1: Start Mozilla Firefox. Open the menu window

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Step 2: Select the "Add-ons" icon from the menu.

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Step 3: Select the unwanted extension and click "Remove"

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Step 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.

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Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

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Uninstall Cerber 3 from Microsoft Edge.

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Step 1: Start Edge browser.

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Step 2: Open the drop menu by clicking on the icon at the top right corner.

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Step 3: From the drop menu select "Extensions".

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Step 4: Choose the suspected malicious extension you want to remove and then click on the gear icon.

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Step 5: Remove the malicious extension by scrolling down and then clicking on Uninstall.

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Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

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Remove Cerber 3 from Safari.

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Step 1: Start the Safari app.

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Step 2: After hovering your mouse cursor to the top of the screen, click on the Safari text to open its drop down menu.

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Step 3: From the menu, click on "Preferences".

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Step 4: After that, select the 'Extensions' Tab.

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Step 5: Click once on the extension you want to remove.

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Step 6: Click 'Uninstall'.

A pop-up window will appear asking for confirmation to uninstall the extension. Select 'Uninstall' again, and the Cerber 3 will be removed.

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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.

Windows Mac OS X Google Chrome Mozilla Firefox Microsoft Edge Safari Internet Explorer

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Eliminate Cerber 3 from Internet Explorer.

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Step 1: Start Internet Explorer.

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Step 2: Click on the gear icon labeled 'Tools' to open the drop menu and select 'Manage Add-ons'

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Step 3: In the 'Manage Add-ons' window.

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Step 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'.

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Step 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.

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22 Comments

1. nico August 31, 2016 at 9:59 am

   Hello,

   Do you have a solution to decrypt the ceber3 files?

   Reply ↓
   1. Vencislav Krustev August 31, 2016 at 1:30 pm

      Hello, nico

      At the moment we are testing the older decryptor on a testing computer. You can try it also yourself. Here are the instructions:

      http://sensorstechforum.com/decrypt-encrypted-files-cerber-ransomware/

      Bear in mind that these instructions are for the first variant of Cerber. However if this turns out to be a modified version of the first variant but still using the same strategy, there may be a method to decrypt the files soon.

      Reply ↓
      1. Rohit September 19, 2016 at 6:30 am

         Sir, Please tell us if you it works on cerber.3, i also got infected by cerber 3 and looking for solutions.Thanks.

         Reply ↓
2. Alex September 1, 2016 at 1:57 pm

   Are there known HASH/HASH’s for this variant?

   Reply ↓
   1. Vencislav Krustev September 2, 2016 at 8:20 am

      Well, according to these guys, the situation with the HASH’s is quite relative: https://www.invincea.com/2016/06/hash-factory-new-cerber-ransomware-morphs-every-15-seconds/

      So even if there are there is a big variety, see..

      Reply ↓
3. Karla September 6, 2016 at 8:03 am

   Can I try to use cerber one decryptor on cerber three ?

   Reply ↓
   1. Karla September 6, 2016 at 8:06 am

      Please help me, because the pc I’m using at work is infected with cerber3. I really need the files to be decrypted or I could Loose my job. Thanks in advance.

      Reply ↓
4. rishabh dev tyagi September 7, 2016 at 3:07 pm

   Sir,I am also a victim of this cerber3.I was very angry on
   these shit dudes.But I didn’t lost my mind.They demand 500$.Today I have
   found a great solution for this ransomware.I was searching for the
   solution on various tech sites but found nothing.Sensors, if u want the
   solution then contact me on my email-rishab2019@gmail.com.No recovery software worked for me.Sir can i get a job on your company?But the job must be top salary paying.Otherwise i will join other Antivirus tech solution organisation.

   Reply ↓
5. Khalid September 8, 2016 at 7:47 am

   Sir my file was also encrypt by cerber3 is there any solutions ?

   Reply ↓
   1. Vencislav Krustev September 19, 2016 at 8:36 am

      Hello, Khalid see the reply above : )

      Reply ↓
6. Aitor September 8, 2016 at 5:58 pm

   I will paciently wait for that people who work hard to provide a solution for us but I have a question to ask, if anyone could answer it. Why cerber encrypted videos can be reproduced and photos can not be seen? The encryption does not affect to videos but in the name and photos are fully encrypted?

   Thank you very much.

   Reply ↓
   1. Vencislav Krustev September 19, 2016 at 8:36 am

      Hello, it seems that either the code of the ransomware may be poorly written or there is some type of defense that stops it from fully encrypting everything. Make sure to backup all of the files while you wait for a decrypter, even the ones that you can reproduce, because you may need them.

      Reply ↓
7. Khalid September 9, 2016 at 1:51 am

   Good day ! Base in my case all of my excel files are encrypted but my video and pictures are okay.

   Reply ↓
   1. Vencislav Krustev September 19, 2016 at 8:34 am

      Hello Khalid,
      It seems that something interrupted the ransomware virus while it was encrypting files. It could be your antivirus protection (if you have any) or other type of protection. It is unfortunate that your excel files are encrypted, do you have any features that remember previous versions of excel documents you worked on, like shadow copies?

      Reply ↓
      1. Khalid September 19, 2016 at 9:30 am

         Hello Sir,
         There is no shadow copies. We try to recover the files but all we recover are the encrypted files. Is there any solutions ?

         Reply ↓
      2. Khalid September 19, 2016 at 9:39 am

         Sir can you teach me how to recover the shadow files.Thank you

         Reply ↓
8. Angelo September 17, 2016 at 3:53 pm

   Vencislav Krustev buongiorno,
   la prego, sa dirmi come decriptare i file con estensione cerber3? Ho bisogno di un suo aiuto.
   Grazie

   Reply ↓
   1. Vencislav Krustev September 19, 2016 at 8:33 am

      Ciao, purtroppo a questo punto non vi è stato un decryptor rilasciato per i file crittografati da Cerber3 ransomware. Questo è il motivo per cui vi consiglio di provare programmi di recupero dati per ripristinare almeno alcuni dei file e seguire questo articolo. Vi aggiorneremo non appena c’è un decrypter. Grazie.

      Reply ↓
9. Rohit September 19, 2016 at 6:31 am

   I have got infected by cerber 3 ransomware 3 days ago, If anyone got any solutions please let me know asap. Thanks.

   Reply ↓
   1. brunonsv September 22, 2016 at 12:37 am

      the solution (in portuguese Brasil): faça um backup e formate o sistema para liquidar o virus. Após renomeie cada um dos arquivos com a extensão de origem por exemplo: sdfsoid.cerber para xxx.xls

      Reply ↓
10. brunonsv September 22, 2016 at 12:35 am

    the solution (in portuguese Brasil): basta renomear o arquivo de origem e o problema da criptografia está acabado. Por exemplo 124usxo.cerber para xxx.docx

    Reply ↓
11. Cihan Erdem October 12, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    hi, i can help you for your .enc and .encrypted files, please send me 1 or 2 encrypted files with ransom note file (html or txt), mcerdem82@yahoo.com

    Reply ↓

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