Ransom Virus, known by the nickname CryptoFinancial has been reported to ask the sum of 0,2 BTC from affected users. The virus is regarded as a Fake Ransomare meaning that it may delete user files upon infection. To notify the user, CryptoFinancial uses a lock screen with its ransom note. All users who have been infected by CryptoFinancial are strongly advised to read this article and learn how to safely remove this ransomware and try to restore missing files.
Threat Summary
Name |
CryptoFinancial |
Type | Fake Ransomware |
Short Description | The malware may delete users’ files after force restarting their PC, locking the screen with its ransom message. |
Symptoms | The user may witness ransom messages and “instructions” on how to make a payoff. |
Distribution Method | It may spread via malicious PDFs and an Infostealer featured in spam e-mail messages. |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss CryptoFinancial 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. |
CryptoFinancial Ransomware – How Does It Replicate
To be distributed across victim computers, CryptoFinancial may use several techniques:
- Referral spam methods of web links that redirect to malicious URLs.
- Spam bots replicating e-mail messages sent to many users from a pre-made list with e-mail addresses. They may contain malicious e-mail attachments or malicious URLs.
- Spam bots or fake social media posts which redirect to third-party websites that may cause infection via a drive-by download, malicious script or an Exploit Kit.
Whatever the case may be, the cyber-criminals realize that how they infect the user is a key part of their ransomware campaign and on it, depends whether or not the campaign is going to be successful. This is why the CryptoFinancial ransomware’s creators may use different techniques, pretending to be a legitimate service or a user in their messages.
CryptoFinancial Ransomware In Detail
As soon as it has been dropped on the infected machine, CryptoFinancial may create files under different names in several key Windows folders:
As soon as this has been done, CryptoFinancial may modify the Run and RunOnce registry entries of Windows, making its file encryption process to run when you turn on your computer:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
In addition to that, the ransomware virus may also modify registry entries which allow it to lock the screen of the infected computer. To do this, CryptoFinancial may target the following keys:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\ScreenSaveTimeOut
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
As soon as it is ran, it may begin to scan and look for a wide variety of file types to delete. Malware researchers believe that it primarily scans for all files which are videos, audio files, images, databases, virtual machines and files associated with different programs which are often used. Here is an example of some extensions, CryptoFinancial Ransowmare may erase:
After the procedure has been completed, all of the files may seem to be missing. The CryptoFinancial ransomware then locks the screen of the infected machine and displays a wallpaper, which has the following ransom message to the victim:
→ “YOUR COMPUTER AND FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
YOU MUST PAY 0,2 BITCOINS TO UNLOCK YOUR COMPUTER
YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN MOVED TO A HIDDEN PARTITION AND CRYPTED.
ESSENTIAL PROGRAMS IN YOUR COMPUTER HAVE BEEN LOCKED
AND YOUR COMPUTER WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.
ONCE YOUR BITCOIN PAYMENT IS RECEIVED YOUR COMPUTER AND
FILES WILL BE RETURNED TO NORMAL INSTANTLY.
YOUR BITCOIN PAYMENT ADDRESS IS:
{CYBER-CROOKS PAYMENT ADDRESS HERE}
[COPY THE ADDRESS EXACTLY I CASE SENSITIVE]
[CONFIRM PAYMENT BELOW TO UNLOCK COMPUTER AND FILES]
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE BITCOINS VISIT WWW.LOCALBITCOINS.COM TO PURCHASE
IF YOU HAVE MADE THE BITCOIN PAYMENT CLICK BELOW TO UNLOCK YOUR COMPUTER AND FILES
I MADE PAYMENT
PLEASE VERIFY
AND UNLOCK MY COMPUTER”Source: Infected Users
CryptoFinancial Ransomware – Conclusion, Removal, and File Restoration
In brief, this is yet another virus that can cause massive headaches to users. Experts strongly advise to remove it as soon as detected instead of paying any money to criminals, who may invest it in more cyber-crime activities. More to it, paying may not get your files back.
To delete CryptoFinancial Ransomware, it is important to act swiftly and follow our instructions below. Even though you can manually find the malicious files by using the Manual guide, experts strongly suggest attempting with the Automatic Instructions. They include the installation of an advanced anti-malware software which will ensure the safe removal of CryptoFinancial Ransomware and protect you in the future as well.
If you want to remove CryptoFinancial ransomware, then you must forget about paying off the cyber criminals. This is why you should seek alternative methods like the ones in step “3.Restore files erased by CryptoFinancial”. They may not be fully effective. However, they are better than nothing, and if you are lucky and have a backup, you may restore a big portion of your data.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for CryptoFinancial with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall CryptoFinancial 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 CryptoFinancial 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 CryptoFinancial 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 CryptoFinancial
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptoFinancial.
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 CryptoFinancial 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.
CryptoFinancial-FAQ
What is CryptoFinancial Ransomware?
CryptoFinancial 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 CryptoFinancial 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 CryptoFinancial Infect?
Via several ways.CryptoFinancial 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 CryptoFinancial 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 .CryptoFinancial files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .CryptoFinancial 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 .CryptoFinancial files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".CryptoFinancial" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CryptoFinancial 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 CryptoFinancial 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 CryptoFinancial ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CryptoFinancial 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 CryptoFinancial 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 CryptoFinancial Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CryptoFinancial 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 CryptoFinancial 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.
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