There is a ransomware named CryptoHost. The ransomware collects files with different extensions and locks them in an archive with a password. To see the solution of how to restore your files and remove the ransomware, you should read the article to the end.
| Name | CryptoHost Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware locks files in an archive and asks a ransom for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files with different extension get locked in an archive file. A message with instructions for paying the ransom is displayed. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks |
| Detection tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss CryptoHost 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. |
CryptoHost Ransomware – Delivery
CryptoHost ransomware can be delivered in a variety of ways. One is through spam emails containing an attachment with a malicious file. Opening the attachment and loading the executable can inject the malware inside your PC. The file can have the name uTorrent.exe pretending to be a torrent client program.
The ransomware might also be spread around social networks and file sharing services. Messages or posts may have files with malicious code attached, just as the one mentioned above. You might get the CryptoHost ransomware from visiting suspicious sites and from clicking various links.
CryptoHost Ransomware – Technical Information
The CryptoHost malware is classified as a ransomware. It locks your files, so you don’t have access to them and asks for paying a ransom.
Update! Various anti-malware programs have different names for this ransomware – Ransom_CRYPTOHOST.A or more commonly MSIL/Manamecrypt.A.
It might make modifications in the Windows Registry. The following registry entries have been found by researchers:
HKCU\Software\Classes\FalconBetaAccount
and
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\software
The second string modification made in the registry can make the ransomware load automatically with every boot of the Windows operating system.
Next, the ransomware loads a screen notifying you that your files are locked. The instructions in it never change, but as time passes the sum you have to pay as ransom may begin to increase:
You are asked to pay ~0.35 Bitcoins within ten days. At this moment, that amounts to about 150 US dollars.
If you click on How It Works or Check Payment buttons, these screen windows will show, consecutively as in the picture:
Reaching out to ransomware makers with the intention of giving them the ransom money is strongly NOT advised. No guarantee exists that your files will be unlocked. Paying the ransom will not only give its creators stimuli to make the ransomware more durable but it is considered like supporting them.
The CryptoHost ransomware searches your computer’s disk drives for files to encrypt. The files which it searches for, have these extensions:
→ .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt, .ppt, .pps, .pptx, .wpd, .wps, .xlr, .xls, .xlsl, .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .png, .psd, .ppd, .tiff, .3gp, .3g2, .7z, .zip, .flv, .avi, .mov, .qt, .wmv, .rm, .asf, .mp4, .mpg, .mpeg, .m4v
After finding such files, it puts all of them in an archive file and locks them with a password. There is no actual encryption involved, and all you have to do is to unlock that file.
You needn’t worry because there is already a solution to unlocking your files successfully. You can read the instructions on how to do that down below.
Remove CryptoHost Ransomware and Restore Locked Files
If CryptoHost ransomware infected your computer, there is a solution to unlock your files without paying anything. First, you should stop the ransomware and remove it. You can remove it manually, by deleting the executable file of the ransomware called cryptohost.exe found here:
%AppData%\cryptohost.exe
After that you have to remove the following registry entry from preventing it from auto-starting:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\software
In case the manual removal doesn’t work, an anti-malware tool can do it for you.
After successful removal of the threat you can restore your files from the locked archive file. To do it, you need to go to the file and enter the password. The password is combination of your Windows User name and the name of the archive found in the folder:
C:\Users\(user name)\AppData\Roaming
If the file name of the archive, found in the above folder directory was “Test7345” and your Windows User name was “Admin1”, the password would be “Test7345 Admin1”. Best of luck!
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for CryptoHost Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall CryptoHost Ransomware 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 CryptoHost Ransomware 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 CryptoHost Ransomware 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 CryptoHost Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptoHost Ransomware.
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 CryptoHost Ransomware 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.
CryptoHost Ransomware-FAQ
What is CryptoHost Ransomware Ransomware?
CryptoHost Ransomware 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 CryptoHost Ransomware 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 CryptoHost Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.CryptoHost Ransomware 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 CryptoHost Ransomware 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 .CryptoHost Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .CryptoHost Ransomware 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 .CryptoHost Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".CryptoHost Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CryptoHost Ransomware 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 CryptoHost Ransomware 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 CryptoHost Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CryptoHost Ransomware 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 CryptoHost Ransomware 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 CryptoHost Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CryptoHost Ransomware 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 CryptoHost Ransomware 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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