Crypton ransomware is the newest bilingual cryptovirus that has been found. Malware researchers from the MalwareHunterTeam have made the discovery. The payload of the virus tries to trick users that it is WinRar. The virus will encrypt your files and place “_crypt” as the ending of their name. A ransom message appears after that, and depending on the language you prefer to use on your system, the note will be written either in Russian or English. To see how to remove this ransomware and how you can try to restore your data, read the full article.
Threat Summary
| Name | Crypton |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware will encrypt your files and then display a ransom note with instructions for payment either in the English or Russian language. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and place _crypt to the back of their names. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executables |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Crypton. |
| 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. |
Crypton Ransomware – Infection
Crypton ransomware can spread its infection in multiple ways. The most common of those ways is with a payload file disguised as a WinRar installer setup. If you download that file and load it, the malicious script will get executed and will infect your computer. You can see the analysis of VirusTotal of the executable file containing the payload, from the picture below:
Crypton ransomware might be spreading its payload file around social media networks and file-sharing services. WinRar could be just one of many other legitimate applications that can contain the malicious payload script. A lot of freeware and bundled apps could be promoted as useful but hide the entry point for the ransomware. Do not open files from dubious sources like emails and links, especially not right after you download them. First, you should do a scan with a security tool and check their size and signatures for anything suspicious. Read the tips for ransomware prevention in the forum section.
Crypton Ransomware – Technical Analysis
The Crypton ransomware is also a cryptovirus. Malware researchers from the MalwareHunterTeam have discovered it in the wild.
After your files get encrypted, they will receive _crypt appended to the back of their names, before their extension. Crypton ransomware might create entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence. Those registry entries are designed to make the virus launch automatically with each boot of the Windows Operating System.
After your files are encrypted, a ransom note will pop up on your desktop screen. That note contains the instructions and demands of the cybercriminals for unlocking your files. A short ransom message is also being included in a readme_encryption.txt file.
You can see the ransom note in English below:
Image Source: MalwareHunterTeam
That ransom note reads the following:
Attention!
All data on you PC is encrypted!
To decrypt your data, you need to pay the amounts shown below.
Please note that the payment confirmation may take some time (from 1 hour to 1 day).
All this time, the program must be running and have an internet connection.
After the successful confirmation of payment – decoding will start automatically.
Read more about how to make a payment using Bitcoin can be found on the internet network.
In destination address – specify the Bitcoin address, listed below.
Keep in mind that the services may charge a fee for the payment, it is important that we must …
It is not recommended to attempt to recover the data, or remove this program! This can lead to a complete loss of your data forever! To restore data, you must be connected to the Internet.
Status:
Bitcoin address:
Payment amount: BTC по курсу в валюте check payment status
The same note in the Russian language:
Image Source: MalwareHunterTeam
It reads the following:
Внимание!
Ваши данные зашифрованны!
Для расшифровки ваших данных, вам необходимо оплатить указанную ниже сумму.
Обратите внимание, что подтверждение платежа может занять какое то время (от 1 часа до 1 дня).
Все это время, программа должна быть запущена и иметь соединение к интернет.
После успешного подтверждения платежа – расшифровка запустится автоматически.
Подробнее о том как произвести оплату с помощью Bitcoin можно найти в сети internet.
Наример можно воспользоваться сервисом https://xchange.cc/visa-mastercard-rur-to-bitcoin.html.
Крайне не рекомендуется пытаться самостоятельно восстановить данные, или удалять эту программу! Это может привести к полной потере ваших данных навсегда! Для восстановления данных необходимо подключение к интернет.
Текущий статус:
Bitcoin адрес:
Сумма к оплате: BTC по курсу в валюте проверить статус платежа
The short ransom message looks like this:
You can see that it is contained in the readme_encryption.txt file and reads the following:
This files are encrypted! Follow the instructions on the screen.
Эти файлы зашифрованы! Следуйте инструкции на экране.
ID: [Redacted]
There are also Command&Control (C&C) servers associated the ransomware. You should NOT even think of paying the cybercriminals. This will only support them financially, and nobody can guarantee that your files will get decrypted after payment.
The Crypton ransomware encrypts files and puts _crypt suffix to the names of each one of them. That suffix is put before their file extension, so if a file called Work document.doc will become Work document_crypt.doc. The encryption algorithm that is used is unknown. A list with all file extensions that the virus searches to encrypt are shown right here:
→.xls, .xlsx, .doc, .docx, .txt, .tbb, .tbn, .cd, .cdr, .db, .dbx, .dbf, .pdf, .rtf, .tiff, .jpg, .png, .mdb, .vsd, .jpg, .psd, .pst, .ppt, .pptx, .xml, .htm, .html, .mht, .zip, .rar, .7z, .dat
Source: MalwareHunterTeam
The Crypton cryptovirus is quite likely to erase the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system by using the command down here:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Read further to find out what kinds of methods you can try to restore some of your data files.
Remove Crypton Ransomware and Restore _crypt Files
If your computer got infected with the Crypton ransomware virus, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide given below. To see ways that you can try to recover your data, see the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by Crypton.
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.
About the Crypton Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Crypton 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 Crypton 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
How to Remove Crypton from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Crypton
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall Crypton 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Crypton 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 Crypton there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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 Crypton with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Crypton.
Ransomware infections and Crypton 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of Crypton from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Crypton 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Crypton:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Crypton. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Crypton. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- 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 Crypton 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:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Crypton. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
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 Crypton.
Ransomware infections and Crypton 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Crypton FAQ
What is Crypton ransomware and how does it work?
Crypton 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 Crypton ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Crypton 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 Crypton 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 .Crypton files?
You can't. At this point the .Crypton 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 .Crypton files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Crypton 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 ".Crypton" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Crypton 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 Crypton 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 Crypton ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Crypton files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Crypton 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.