A ransomware named CryptoBit was found by Panda Security Researchers a few days ago. Files with around 100 extensions are locked with an AES key, and then encrypted with an RSA algorithm. The ransom demands a payment of one Bitcoin within the first day after encryption. Every day that passes with the ransom left unpaid will increase the price with a Bitcoin more. To remove the ransomware and see if you can restore your files, you should carefully read this article.
Name | CryptoBit |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with a mixture of AES and RSA algorithms and asks a ransom to be paid in BitCoins for decryption. |
Symptoms | Files for archives and storage, images, databases, and documents will get encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom message with instructions for paying is created. |
Distribution Method | Targeted Emails, Exploit Kits |
Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
User Experience | Join our forum to discuss CryptoBit. |
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. |
CryptoBit Ransomware – Delivery
CryptoBit ransomware can infect you in a number of ways. The current and most effective delivery method for it is through Exploit Kits.
The first attacks are reported to have happened the beginning of April. Other delivery methods for this ransomware are not excluded. Malicious attachments containing the malware found in spam or targeted emails might occur as well. The sole body of such emails might contain malicious code too.
Your computer might get infected from similar malicious files and exploit kits delivered by social networks and services for file sharing. CryptoBit is still a new ransomware. So, visiting websites that you don’t know or clicking on suspicious links might also get the infection started.
CryptoBit Ransomware – Description
The CryptoBit malware is classified as ransomware. Panda Security researchers discovered it in their in their PandaLabs a couple of days ago. After infection, your computer will be scanned for files to be encrypted. The ransomware searches to encrypt files from office documents to whole databases. A possibility after infection is for CryptoBit to make registry entries with the aim to auto-load upon every start of Windows.
CryptoBit could be able to be reverse-engineered, researchers say, as it has a unique pattern in the way it encrypts files. The ransomware looks similar to Salam! ransomware or at least uses the same ransom note. The only difference in the note is that the malware creators left an alternative way of being contacted.
The note containing the message with instructions for contacting the cyber criminals is named HEY!. You can see it down here:
You are given a unique ID. The instructions read:
Your ID: 32489981
***
Hi. Your files are now encrypted. I have the key to decrypt them back.
I will give you a decrypter if you pay me. If you pay me today, the price is only 1 bitcoin.
If you pay me tomorrow, you will have to pay 2 bitcoins. If you pay me one week later the price
will be 7 bitcoins and so on. So, hurry up.Contact me using this email address: torrenttracker@india.com
If you don’t get a reply or if the email dies, then contact me using Bitmessage:
download it form here
https://github.com/mailchuck/PyBitmessage/releases/download/v0.5.8/Bitmessage-0.5.8.exe
Run it, click New Identity and then send me a message at BM-NBvzKEY8raDBKb9Gp1xZMRQpeV5svwg2
The ransomware makers have put a price for decryption in the first 24 hours for 1 Bitcoin. If the payment conditions are not met, the price will grow with 1 Bitcoin for each passing day, after the given deadline. The price for 1 Bitcoin is the equivalent of 447 US dollars at this moment.
Intending to pay the ransom and contacting the ransomware creators is NOT recommended. In that way, there could be no guarantee that you will get your files back. Paying up would only support the cyber crooks and their criminal actions. They might even get motivated to make a stronger variant of their product.
The CryptoBit ransomware is recorded to search files for encryption with around 100 different file extensions. The encryption process is very peculiar – it locks all files with a single AES 256-bit key. After that, the key itself is encrypted with an RSA-4096 algorithm.
Still unknown is whether the ransomware deletes Shadow Volume Copies from Windows. Apart from reading the removal instructions written below, you should check out the tips given in this forum topic about ransomware and how you can prevent it from working and infecting your PC.
Remove CryptoBit Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Files
If CryptoBit ransomware infected you, you should have at least some experience in removing malware. The ransomware can encrypt all of your files. So, it is highly recommended that you act and follow the step-by-step instructions provided below.
Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
How to Remove CryptoBit from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove CryptoBit





Step 2: Uninstall CryptoBit 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:



Step 3: Clean any registries, created by CryptoBit 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 CryptoBit 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: Scan for CryptoBit with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptoBit.
Ransomware infections and CryptoBit 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of CryptoBit from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall CryptoBit and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- 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 CryptoBit 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:
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 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptoBit.
Ransomware infections and CryptoBit 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
CryptoBit FAQ
What is CryptoBit ransomware and how does it work?
CryptoBit 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 algorithm how 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.
How does CryptoBit ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.CryptoBit Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of CryptoBit 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 .CryptoBit files?
You can't. At this point the .CryptoBit files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .CryptoBit files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by CryptoBit ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".CryptoBit" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CryptoBit files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of CryptoBit ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate CryptoBit ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CryptoBit files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like CryptoBit ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.