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
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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove CryptoHost Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of CryptoHost Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove CryptoHost Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove CryptoHost Ransomware
Step 2: Uninstall CryptoHost Ransomware 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most 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: Scan for CryptoHost Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptoHost Ransomware.
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 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 CryptoHost Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall CryptoHost Ransomware 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 CryptoHost Ransomware 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 CryptoHost Ransomware.
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 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 and how does it work?
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 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 CryptoHost Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.CryptoHost Ransomware 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 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. At this point the .CryptoHost Ransomware 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 .CryptoHost Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by CryptoHost Ransomware 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 ".CryptoHost Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
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% 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 CryptoHost Ransomware 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 CryptoHost Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CryptoHost Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like CryptoHost Ransomware 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.
