The newest CryptoNar Virus sample has been uncovered in a new attack campaign encrypting target user data with the .CryptoNar extension. The captured samples appear to be early test versions of it. Our article provides an overview of the virus operations and it also may be helpful in attempting to remove the virus.
Threat Summary
| Name | CryptoNar virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts sensitive information on your computer system with the .CryptoNar extension and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files with a strong encryption algorithm. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss CryptoNar virus. |
| 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. |
CryptoNar Virus – Distribution Ways
The CryptoNar virus samples are being distributed using an attack campaign that utilizes several different methods. The captured strains are relatively low in number and do not researchers an indication of the main method. We presume that the criminals are going to use the most popular tactics in active campaigns.
A common technique is the coordination of email SPAM campaigns that use various social engineering tricks. The main goal of the hackers is to coerce the targets into interacting with the malicious elements that lead to the virus infections. The messages in most cases appear as legitimate notifications, password reminders and other emails that are commonly sent by Internet services and companies that the users may interact with. The virus files may be directly attached or linked in the body contents.
The criminals can also craft fake download pages which are counterfeit copies of the real vendor pages and Internet portals. To facilitate a higher number of infected computers the malicious users may use various scripts — redirects, pop-ups, ads, banners and in-line links.
These two methods are the main tactics for spreading infected payload carriers. There are two main types that are most commonly used to spread ransomware such as the CryptoNar virus:
- Macro-Infected Documents — The criminals can create numerous documents of different types (text files, presentations, databases and spreadsheets) that contain macros leading to the virus infection. Whenever they are opened by the target users a notification prompt will appear asking them to enable the built-in code.
- Application Installers — Code that can activate a CryptoNar virus infection may be embedded in installers for updates, applications or plug-ins.
These files can also be found on various file sharing networks such as BitTorrent. They are often used to access illegal and pirate content.
Advanced cases can integrate the threat in browser hijackers (redirects) that are made for the most popular web browsers. They represent dangerous extensions that pose as useful additions and are spread on the official repositories and various third-party sites. Their typical behavior is to modify the settings of the affected web browsers and redirect the users to a hacker-specified address. After this is done the virus infection will follow.
CryptoNar Virus – In-Depth Analysis
The security reveals that the CryptoNar virus may contain some code from a previous infection known as CryptoJoker. It is possible that the code is a customized version of the former or that the hackers have used some parts of its code. The fact that a common behavior pattern is used showcases that the threat is probably being ordered and/or used by an inexperienced hacker or criminal collective.
Typical ransomware infections begin with an information harvesting module. It is programmed by the attackers to automatically acquire information that can be further processed by the criminals. It can harvest personal information that can expose the identity of the users. This is done by looking out for strings containing their name, address, phone number, location or any stored account credentials.
In other cases the collected data can be used for attack optimizations. It allows the criminals to generate statistics for the most common type of infected computers. The collection includes a report on the installed hardware components, user-set settings and certain operating system conditions.
The whole database of collected strings can then be further processed by another component to protect the CryptoNar virus from being discovered. A scan of the infected system will be made looking for signs of installed applications and services that can interfere with the proper malware engine execution. The list includes any anti-virus programs, virtual machine hosts and debug environments.
Once the ransomware has taken over the system it can proceed with other operating system modifications as programmed by its operators. A common technique is to program Windows Registry changes — they seek to manipulate both the operating system strings and those belonging to the user-installed software. As a result the victims will face severe performance issues or the inability to access certain features. The creation of strings associated with the threat can be combined with boot menu changes. This will lead to the installation of the CryptoNar virus as a persistent threat. This means that the malicious engine will automatically start every time the computer is powered on. It can also disable access to the recovery menu which can make manual removal instructions useless.
To make recovery more difficult the engine can also delete System Restore Data, including all System Restore Points and any identified Shadow Volume Copies. This means that effective restore of infected files is possible only with a professional-grade solution. Refer to our instructions for more information.
Advanced infections can deliver a Trojan infection which allows the criminal operators to take over control of the infected hosts. This is done by setting up an encrypted connection with a hacker-controlled server. When it is active the operators can take over control of the systems, retrieve any file and also deploy additional threats.
CryptoNar Virus — Encryption
The CryptoNar virus uses the typical ransomware approach of utilizing a built-in list of target file type extensions. A strong cipher is used to process them, the end goals is to coerce the victim users into paying the criminals a “decryption fee”. A typical process list may include the following data types:
- Archives
- Backups
- Databases
- Images
- Videos
- Music
As a result all processed data will be renamed with the .CryptoNar extension. Two subtypes have been identified — .partially.CryptoNar and .fully.CryptoNar. The ransomware note is created in a file called CryptoNar RECOVERY INFORMATION.txt. It reads the following message:
Your important files including photos, videos, documents, databases, etc. were encrypted with our CryptoNar ransomware. The only way to get your files back is to pay us. otherwise, your files will be lost forever. Important note: Removing CryptoNar will not restore access to your encrypted files. Encryption was made using a unique RSA-2048 public key generated for this computer. To decrypt files you need to acquire the private key (decryption key). The only copy of the private key, which will allow you to decrypt your files, is located on a secret server in the Internet; the server will eliminate the key after 72 hours since its generation (since the moment your computer was infected). once this has been done, nobody will ever be able to restore your files. In order to receive your decryption key, you will have to pay $200 in bitcoins to this bitcoin address: 1FeutvrveiF8odnnx9Rr3cyBfFiecFeKwRq when time comes to send the bitcoins to us, make sure to include your e-mail and your personal ID (you can see it below) in the extra information box (it may apper also as ‘Extra Note or ‘optional message’) in order to get your personal decryption key. It may take up to 6-8 hours to take your personal decryption key. After the payment was made, and you received your decryption key, just press the decryption button in the decryptor (located on the desktop). Enter your decryption key you received, and wait until the decryption process is done. Your ID: [redacted]
Some versions also employ an application frame with the title Crypto Nar 1.0 which also displays the note.
Remove CryptoNar Virus and Restore Encrypted Files
If your computer system got infected with the CryptoNar Virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for CryptoNar virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall CryptoNar virus 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 CryptoNar virus 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 CryptoNar virus 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 CryptoNar virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptoNar virus.
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 CryptoNar virus 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.
CryptoNar virus-FAQ
What is CryptoNar virus Ransomware?
CryptoNar virus 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 CryptoNar virus 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 CryptoNar virus Infect?
Via several ways.CryptoNar virus 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 CryptoNar virus 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 .CryptoNar virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .CryptoNar virus 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 .CryptoNar virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".CryptoNar virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CryptoNar virus 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 CryptoNar virus 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 CryptoNar virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CryptoNar virus 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 CryptoNar virus 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 CryptoNar virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CryptoNar virus 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 CryptoNar virus 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.
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