If your files have a .crptrgr extension added to them, the reason for that is CryptoRoger – a modern ransomware also known as a crypto-virus. What it does is it infects users via spam campaigns of malicious URLs or files. After infection, the virus uses a strong cipher called Advanced Encryption Standard which is 256 bits in strength to scramble the files of its victims and extort them for 0.5 bitcoins (~300 USD) for the restoration of access to their files.
We strongly advise you NOT to pay any ransom money to cyber-criminals and instead attempt other methods to revert the files encrypted by them after removing this virus using the instructions in this article.
Threat Summary
| Name | CryptoRoger |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The virus encrypts files with the AES-256 algorithm and asks a ransom of 0.5 BitCoins for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A .crptrgr file extension is added. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a .html file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by CryptoRoger Download Malware Removal Tool |
| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Locky Ransomware. |
| 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. |
CryptoRoger Ransomware – Infection Strategy
To infect the maximum amount of users possible, CryptoRoger uses a .vbs script which automatically runs. This script may be downloaded onto the victim’s computer via several different methods:
- Drive-by downloads.
- Via Exploit Kits.
- By using a malicious .js (JavaScript).
- Via being directly attached to spam e-mail messages.
Users complain in security forums that they might have been infected by clicking on malicious e-mail messages, which they believed were legitimate.
CryptoRoger Ransomware Virus – Detailed Analysis
Once it has been dropped on your computer, CryptoRoger contains the following malicious files, located in various Windows directories:
- %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\x.vbs
- %AppData%\bg.jpeg
- %AppData%\files.txt
- %AppData%\keys.dat
- %UserProfile%\CryptoRoger\{CryptoRoger’s primary executive}.exe
After dropping the files, CryptoRoger starts modifying heavily the Windows Registry Editor, by creating a key named “CryptoRoger” along with several different values in them:
- HKCU\Software\CryptoRoger\
- HKCU\Software\CryptoRoger\AESFORUPRIVATE
- HKCU\Software\CryptoRoger\UPRIV
If the file encryption VBS script is activated, CryptoRoger begins encrypting user files. It may encrypt all file extensions associated with:
- Videos.
- Audio files.
- Databases.
- Documents.
- Pictures.
- Virtual Machines.
The ransomware excludes executable files which may damage Windows OS so it can leave it intact. After encryption, the ransomware drops an HTML file on %Desktop% leading to a web link with ransom instructions, which are the following:
Files on your PC have been securely encrypted
Do not worry there is a solution
The cost of decrypting files – 0.5 Bitcoin (~$360)
(but if you will not behave professionally price may increase several times.)
To get the Bitcoin address for payment write me at uTox.
You can FREE decrypt one file, send it to me in uTox
All that you need to contact me using a uTox messenger and finding me on ID:
F12CCE864152DA1421CE717710EC61A8BEC74A71….
Manual for contact:
-download messenger uTox at the link DOWNLOAD
-extract utox.exe from zip archive and run utox.exe
-Enter ID in the field “Search/Add Friends” and click + in the uTox window
-Enter a message “Decrypt files” and click Add
-expect an answer
Important! Your uTox needs to be constantly online to the message was received!
Information for decrypting:
Send me file keys.dat when he needed. The file is required for decrypting.”
Regarding encryption, the encrypted files are no longer accessible and the file extension .crptrgr added to them, for example:
- Filename.pptx.crptrgr
The code for the files used for encryption is considered to be AES-256 – one of the strongest in the world at present times and direct decryption would theoretically take years on a powerful device.
CryptoRoger – Conclusion, Removal, and File Restoration Attempt
In brief, this ransomware is not here to fool around and leaves the user no option but to pay the ransom money. However, security experts strongly advise against it because for one there is no guarantee you will get your files back and for other, you fund cyber-criminal operations.
To remove CryptoRoger completely, we strongly advise you to follow the instructions below. If you want maximum effectiveness, an excellent tool to help you is an advanced anti-malware program which will automatically detect the malicious files and registry entries associated with this virus and remove them.
To try and restore your files, we strongly advise attempting other alternative solutions from a safe PC, like the ones we have suggested in step 3 – “Restore files encrypted by CryptoRoger” below. They are not 100% effective but if you have a backup set up and have recently modified the files you may restore some of them for free.
Manually delete CryptoRoger from your computer
Note! Substantial notification about the CryptoRoger threat: Manual removal of CryptoRoger requires interference with system files and registries. Thus, it can cause damage to your PC. Even if your computer skills are not at a professional level, don’t worry. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using a malware removal tool.
1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Automatically remove CryptoRoger by downloading an advanced anti-malware program
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove CryptoRoger.
1. For Windows 7 and earlier
STOPZilla Anti Malware
