A ransomware crypto-virus called Crypren popped up a couple of days ago. The virus will lock files and append an extension .encrypted to all of them. The ransom money that Crypren demands is around 45 US dollars. To see how to remove the ransomware and what you can try to restore your files, you should read this article to its end.
Threat Summary
| Name | Crypren |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with .encrypted extension and demands a ransom of around 45 US dollars. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware targets around 60 different file extensions for encryption. READ_THIS_TO_DECRYPT.html file is created with instructions inside. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable Files |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Crypren. |
| 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. |
Crypren Ransomware – Delivery Methods
Crypren ransomware is delivered in a couple of ways. As most other ransomware viruses out there, spam emails are the common method of getting infected with this ransomware. The emails deliver the malicious code from attached files. These attachments come with a story of how you made a purchase of something or you are awaiting a shipment from eBay, DHL or other such nonsense.
Do not feel curious, because even just downloading the attachment can execute Crypren. Always check the exact email address of the sender and check in other ways if a purchase has been made from your account or you have some package coming.
Social media websites and services for file-sharing might also be a common way to spread this infection. The best prevention tactic is to steer clear of suspicious files and not click, nor download, any files or messages of unknown origin.
Crypren Ransomware – Description
Crypren is the name of this new encrypting ransomware virus. It emerged a couple of days ago, spreading with spam emails. The emails try to convince people that they have a shipment or some package to be delivered to them to attract their attention. If they open the attached file, their files get encrypted.
A file READ_THIS_TO_DECRYPT.html is created after successful encryption.
The file READ_THIS_TO_DECRYPT.html contains instructions for paying the ransom and is put in each folder that has encrypted files. The file can be seen in the picture down here:
The file reads the following:
YOUR PERSONAL FILES HAS BEEN ENCRYPTED
–
Your data (photos, documents, databases, etc.) have been encrypted with a private and unique key generated for this computer. This means that you will not be able to access your files anymore until they are decrypted. The private key is stored in our servers and the only way to receive your key to decrypt your files is making a payment.The payment has to be done in Bitcoin to a unique address that we generated for you. Bitcoins are the virtual currency to make online payments. If you don’t know how to get Bitcoins, you can click the button “How to buy Bitcoins” below and follow the instructions. If you have problem with this task use internet.
You have only 1 week to submit the payment. When this time ends, the unique key will be destroyed and you won’t be able to recover your files anymore.
YOUR UNIQUE KEY WILL BE DESTROYED IN 1 WEEK FROM ENCRYPTION!
To recover your files, you must send 0,1 Bitcoins ( ~$37 ) to the next Bitcoin address…
The ransom note is pretty straight-forward. The price which is asked as ransom money is 45 US dollars, and to be paid within one week. According to the instructions, the price won’t rise after that period, but all of your files will get erased.
Do NOT pay the ransom. Doing so will only help fund the creator of this virus and possibly inspire him and others to make similar malware. You cannot know for sure if you will get your files back by paying. Plus, you have a week to restore your files – read further to find out how you can get your files back.
The Crypren ransomware encrypts files with around sixty different extensions. The encryption process is believed to use an RSA-2048 bit cryptosystem with 256-bit AES algorithm. The extensions that the ransomware seeks to encrypt are the following:
→.html, .jpg, .jpg2, .mdb, .mp3, .mp4, .mp4infovid, .mp4v, .pdf, .php, .php3, .png, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .accdb, .accde, .accdr, .accdt, .bmp, .cpp, .cs, .css, .csv, .csy, .doc, .docm, .docx, .docxml, .docz, .gif, .gzip, .py, .rar, .rar5, .rb, .rtf, .sql, .sqlite, .sqlite3, .sqlitedb, .swf, .swfhtml, .tar, .targz, .targz2, .tarlzma, .tarxz, .txt, .xlmv, .xls, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xml, .zip, .zipx
The list of file extensions given above might be incomplete, but these will be encrypted for sure. After the encryption process is finished, all of the files will have the same extension – .encrypted.
Crypren ransomware is known to delete Shadow Volume Copies from the Shadow Explorer process in the Windows Operating System.
Remove Crypren Ransomware and Restore .encrypted Files
If your computer is infected with the Crypren ransomware, you should have a bit experience with removing viruses. You should get rid of this ransomware as soon as possible because it can encrypt more files and spread deeper into the network. We recommend that you remove this ransomware and then follow the step-by-step instructions provided herein. There you will also find a decryptor.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Crypren with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Crypren 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 Crypren 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 Crypren 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 Crypren
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Crypren.
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 Crypren 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.
Crypren-FAQ
What is Crypren Ransomware?
Crypren 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 Crypren 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 Crypren Infect?
Via several ways.Crypren 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 Crypren 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 .Crypren files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Crypren 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 .Crypren files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Crypren" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Crypren 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 Crypren 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 Crypren ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Crypren 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 Crypren 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 Crypren Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Crypren 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 Crypren 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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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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