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.
Name | Cryptolocker V3 |
Type | Ransomware Trojan |
Short Description | The Trojan creates registry files, connects to remote hosts and encrypts user files of various formats, asking for a ransom to decrypt them. |
Symptoms | The user may be unable to open his files and may witness a .crypted extension after them. |
Distribution Method | Via malicious URLs or mail attachments. |
Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
User Experience | Join our forum to follow the discussion about Cryptolocker V3. |
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. |
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:
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:
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
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 Cryptolocker V3 from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Cryptolocker V3 from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Cryptolocker V3 from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Cryptolocker V3





Step 2: Uninstall Cryptolocker V3 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 Cryptolocker V3 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 Cryptolocker V3 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 Cryptolocker V3 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Cryptolocker V3.
Ransomware infections and Cryptolocker V3 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 Cryptolocker V3 from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Cryptolocker V3 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 Cryptolocker V3 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 Cryptolocker V3.
Ransomware infections and Cryptolocker V3 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.
Cryptolocker V3 FAQ
What is Cryptolocker V3 ransomware and how does it work?
Cryptolocker V3 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 Cryptolocker V3 ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Cryptolocker V3 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 Cryptolocker V3 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 .Cryptolocker V3 files?
You can't. At this point the .Cryptolocker V3 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 .Cryptolocker V3 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Cryptolocker V3 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 ".Cryptolocker V3" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Cryptolocker V3 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 Cryptolocker V3 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 Cryptolocker V3 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Cryptolocker V3 files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Cryptolocker V3 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.