Remove Cryptolocker V3 Ransomware and Restore .crypted Files

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.

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A new version of one of the pioneers in ransomware infections, called Cryptolocker has risen from the depths of the Dark Web. The ransomware creates different modules that serve various purposes. It may also tamper with the Windows Registry Editor to run its modules every time Windows starts. Version 3 of Cryptolocker may be identified by the .crypted file extension on the affected user’s files. All users who have come across this ransomware are advised not to obey the ransom payment instructions which Cryptolocker leaves after encrypting the data and try using the alternative tools and methods for removal and restoration.

Cryptolocker V3 – How Did I Get Infected

One way to become a victim of this vile threat is by opening a malicious email attachment or clicking on a URL from such spam messages. Usually cyber criminals tend to mask the spam mails they send by resembling a reputable service. Here are few examples of what fraudulent spam mails may look like:

• “Your free Windows 10 Upgrade Is Here.”
• “Get your free 100 songs from Itunes Now.”
• “Your PayPal account has been suspended.”
• “The files you requested.”
• “You have won a free trip from our eBay lottery.”
• “Free Amazon gift cards.”

Furthermore, cyber criminals tend to mask the malicious payload by obfuscating its files via special software or archiving it in a .zip, .rar or other archived formats so that it does not get blocked by the email website. Users should be very careful and always perform a scan of the files they download. It is also recommended to double check web-links that are shared to some degree because checking any link you open would be frustrating. This is why it is good to have a browser extension that blocks malicious links from opening.

Cryptolocker V3 Ransomware – More About It

Symantec researchers have analyzed this Trojan and have established that once activated on your computer, the ransomware creates its payload:

→In %Application Data% of %User Profile%:
Key.dat
Log.html
.exe file with random characters, for example 08210e209u18.exe
On the user’s desktop:
CryptoLocker.lnk
HELP_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.bmp
HELP_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt

The malicious threat then creates the following registry objects:

→In the key “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\” value with the data: “crypto13” = “%UserProfile%\Application Data\[the file with random characters].exe”

After this, Cryptolocker V3 begins to encrypt user files. Symantec have reported it to corrupt files with these extensions:

→ .7z .rar .m4a .wma .avi .wmv .csv .d3dbsp .sc2save .sie .sum .ibank .t13 .t12 .qdf .gdb .tax .pkpass .bc6 .bc7 .bkp .qic .bkf .sidn .sidd .mddata .itl .itdb .icxs .hvpl .hplg .hkdb .mdbackup .syncdb .gho .cas .svg .map .wmo .itm .sb .fos .mcgame .vdf .ztmp .sis .sid .ncf .menu .layout .dmp .blob .esm .001 .vtf .dazip .fpk .mlx .kf .iwd .vpk .tor .psk .rim .w3x .fsh .ntl .arch00 .lvl .snx .cfr .ff .vpp_pc .lrf .m2 .mcmeta .vfs0 .mpqge .kdb .db0 .DayZProfile .rofl .hkx .bar .upk .das .iwi .litemod .asset .forge .ltx .bsa .apk .re4 .sav .lbf .slm .bik .epk .rgss3a .pak .big .unity3d .wotreplay .xxx .desc .py .m3u .flv .js .css .rb .png .jpeg .txt .p7c .p7b .p12 .pfx .pem .crt .cer .der .x3f .srw .pef .ptx .r3d .rw2 .rwl .raw .raf .orf .nrw .mrwref .mef .erf .kdc .dcr .cr2 .crw .bay .sr2 .srf .arw .3fr .dng .jpe .jpg .cdr .indd .ai .eps .pdf .pdd .psd .dbfv .mdf .wb2 .rtf .wpd .dxg .xf .dwg .pst .accdb .mdb .pptm .pptx .ppt .xlk .xlsb .xlsm .xlsx .xls .wps .docm .docx .doc .odb .odc .odm .odp .ods .odt

After the encryption process for a file is complete the .crypted file extension is added, for example:

→Document1.docx.crypted

Furthermore, the Trojan may connect to these hosts:

• 7tno4hib47vlep5o(.)tor2web(.)blutmagie(.)de
• 7tno4hib47vlep5o(.)tor2web(.)fi
• 7tno4hib47vlep5o(.)tor2web(.)org

What is more Cryptolocker V3 changes the desktop wallpaper of the affected machine with the following:

Source: Symantec Security Response

Also, it displays a message box, which includes In-depth instructions on how to pay the ransom money and restore the files.

Source: Symantec Security Response

Remove Cryptolocker V3 Completely

To remove this cyber threat from your computer, it is recommended to act as if you were infected with any other Trojan horse. The difference is that the Trojan may affect your files. This is why it is advisable to disconnect from the internet copy the encrypted data to an external drive before attempting any removal.

One way to remove the cyber threat is by following the after-mentioned removal instructions:

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Cryptolocker V3

1. Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode

1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.

For Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:

1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:

– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.

– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.

3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.

4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account

While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.

Step 1: Open the Start Menu

Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.

Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.

Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.

Step 6: Click on Restart.

Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.

2. Remove Cryptolocker V3 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

2. Remove Cryptolocker V3 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove Cryptolocker V3.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove Cryptolocker V3.

Step 1:Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.

It is highly recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.

Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.

Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.

Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any Cryptolocker V3 files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.

Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.

3. Remove Cryptolocker V3 with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.

3. Remove Cryptolocker V3 with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

1. Install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to scan for and remove Cryptolocker V3. 2. Scan your PC with MalwareBytes to remove all Cryptolocker V3 associated files automatically.

Step 1: Download Malwarebytes by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.


Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.

Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.

Step 6: Review and click on ‘Next’ on the following 4 steps that will appear afterwards and after that click on the ‘Install’ button.

Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button and check the ‘Launch MalwareBytes AntiMalware’ check box.

Step 1: Launch MalwareBytes if you havent launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to update and then click on the blue ‘Scan Now’ button. If it doesnt start updating automatically, click on the blue ‘Update Now’ highlighted text.

Step 3: At this point, after clicking the ‘Scan Now’ button, the system should start scanning your PC. It may take a while but be patient – it is worth it.

Step 4: After the scan has been complete and all of the threats have been identified, click on the ‘Remove Selected’ button to detelete them permanently.

Step 5: Once the scan has completed, MalwareBytes will prompt you to restart your computer. It is recommended to save all your data you are working on before restarting.

4. Remove Cryptolocker V3 with STOPZilla AntiMalware

4. Remove Cryptolocker V3 with STOPZilla AntiMalware

1. Install STOPZilla Anti Malware to scan for and remove Cryptolocker V3. 2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all Cryptolocker V3 associated files completely.

Step 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.

Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.

Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.

Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.

Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.

Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you havent launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.

Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.

5. Back up your data to secure it against infections and file encryptions by Cryptolocker V3 in the future

5. Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future

Security engineers recommend that you back up your files immediately, preferably on an external memory carrier in order to be able to restore them. In order to protect yourself from Cryptolocker V3 (For Windows Users) please follow these simple steps:

1. For Windows 7 and earlier 1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)

1-Click on Windows Start Menu

2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup

4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.

5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.

6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by Cryptolocker V3.

1-Press Windows button + R

2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter

3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’

4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.

5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from Cryptolocker V3.

1- Press Windows button + R keys.

2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.

3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.

5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from Cryptolocker V3 is on.

Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.

2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.

3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by Cryptolocker V3 should be restored.

Restore .crypted Files

Since Cryptolocker V3 claims to use an RSA 2048 encryption algorithm you should try restoring your files using each of the following methods and tools:

To restore your data, your first bet is to check again for shadow copies in Windows using this software:

Shadow Explorer

If this method does not work, Kaspersky have provided a decryptor for files encrypted with the RSA encryption algorithm:
Kaspersky RectorDecryptor

The other method of restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some examples of data recovery programs:

• Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery Technicians License(Pro version with more features)
• Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery
• Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery

For further information you may check the following articles:
Remove RSA-2048 Key From Crypto Ransomware
Restore Files Encrypted via RSA Encryption

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.

More Posts - Website