Ransomware infection, calling itself CryptoLockerEU 2016 uses the “.send 0.3 BTC crypt” file extension which it adds to files it encrypts on infected computers. This is the first case we’ve seen where the ransom money demanded are included in the file extension itself. The virus also drops a file, called “ĐŔŃŘČÔĐÎÂŔŇÜ ÔŔÉËŰ.txt” which translates to “ РАСШИФРОВАТЬ ФАЙЛЫ“, and means “DECRYPT FILES”, containing it’s ransom note. The file contains the ransom instructions on how to make a payoff to the cyber-criminals behind the virus so that they decrypt the files. Since such type of viruses often become decrypted, it is strongly advisable not to pay any ransom money since it is no guarantee you will get your files back. Instead, reccomendations are to remove CryptoLockerEU 2016 completely from your computer and while waiting for researchers to decrypt the virus if they succeed, to try alternative methods like the ones in the instructions below to restore your files.
SensorsTechForum is investigating this malware. Expect an update here soon.
Threat Summary
| Name | CryptoLockerEU 2016 |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | CryptoLockerEU 2016 encrypts files using a strong encryption cipher after which drops a ransom note in a .txt file with ransom demands. |
| Symptoms | A .txt file named “DECRYPT FILES” or “РАСШИФРОВАТЬ ФАЙЛЫ“ dropped on the infected PC. Files unopenable with an added “.send 0.3 BTC Crypt” file extension on them. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| 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. |
CryptoLockerEU 2016 – Distribution Strategy
In case you have opened an e-mail attachment or clicked on a suspicious URL featured in a spam message you believed was real, there is a very good possibility that this may have caused a CryptoLockerEU 2016 infection. Such malware usually spreads via an exploit kit or a malicious .js(JavaScript) file that may cause a “fileless” infection. Common message topics that may spread the CryptoLockerEU 2016 could be on different subjects, similar to the following:
- Upgrade to Windows 10 for Free.
- Claim the free iTunes tracks now.
- You have lost access to your PayPal funds.
- Your flight status has been confirmed.
- Someone wants to add you on LinkedIn.
The e-mails usually may contain buttons that lead to malicious URLs or attachments concealed as documents or other legitimate types of files.
CryptoLockerEU 2016 – More Information
There is little information known about this threat. However, from what is familiar so far, it has not been created by someone experienced, because the ransom note is very poorly written and at times it is not understandable.
After infection, CryptoLockerEU 2016 may situate files in %User’sProfile% AND %AppData% folders. The files may be of the following file types:
The main executable file of the ransomware (.exe) may contain a completely random name, such as 982d230d23d32.exe and it may be set in a registry entry to run every time Windows starts. The entry may be located on one of the following keys in the Windows Registry editor:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHIN\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHIN\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\
When the malicious executable has been ran, it immediately may begin encrypting files. Similar to previous CryptoLocker versions, thit may look fo the following file extensions to encrypt them:
→.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 is complete, the files enciphered by CryptoLockerEU 2016 can no longer be opened by any type of software and looks like the following:
After the encryption, the virus drops a ransom note which is written in Russian and says “Decrypt Files”.txt in it’s names if you translate it. Interestingly enough the note itself is written in English.
This strongly suggests that CryptoLockerEU 2016 is created to be spread all over Europe as well as other places over the world.
CryptoLockerEU 2016 – Conclusion, Removal and File Restoration
The bottom line is that this virus appears to be created by a Russian cyber-crook who is not very experienced in malware and definitely in English. It may be someone pretending to be such by in any case malware researchers strongly advise against trusting the crook and paying the ransom. Instead, it is recommended to remove CryptoLockerEU 2016 by following the instructions below. In case you have difficulty in removing this malware manually it is experts recommend doing it automatically by using an advanced anti-malware tool which will scan for and find every object and file associated with CryptoLockerEU 2016 on your PC and protect it in the future as well.
To attempt and restore your files, you may want to try the methods which are illustrated in step “2. Restore files encrypted by CryptoLockerEU 2016” below until a free decryptor is publicly released.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for CryptoLockerEU 2016 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall CryptoLockerEU 2016 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 CryptoLockerEU 2016 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 CryptoLockerEU 2016 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 CryptoLockerEU 2016
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptoLockerEU 2016.
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 CryptoLockerEU 2016 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.
CryptoLockerEU 2016-FAQ
What is CryptoLockerEU 2016 Ransomware?
CryptoLockerEU 2016 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 CryptoLockerEU 2016 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 CryptoLockerEU 2016 Infect?
Via several ways.CryptoLockerEU 2016 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 CryptoLockerEU 2016 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 .CryptoLockerEU 2016 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .CryptoLockerEU 2016 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 .CryptoLockerEU 2016 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".CryptoLockerEU 2016" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CryptoLockerEU 2016 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 CryptoLockerEU 2016 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 CryptoLockerEU 2016 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CryptoLockerEU 2016 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 CryptoLockerEU 2016 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 CryptoLockerEU 2016 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CryptoLockerEU 2016 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 CryptoLockerEU 2016 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.
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.
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