The CryptXXX ransomware creators have now released CryptXXX 3.0. The latest variant stops Kaspersky’s decryptor of unlocking files. A side effect of the new release is that the creators’ own decryptor doesn’t work as well. The ransomware again uses the Angler Exploit Kit. To see if you can restore your files now and how to remove this ransomware, you should read the whole article.
Threat Summary
| Name | CryptXXX 3.0 |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts your files with .crypt extension and asks a ransom of 500 US dollars for decryption. |
| Symptoms | All of your files get encrypted. Files containing messages with instructions are created. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Exploit Kits |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss CryptXXX 3.0. |
| 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. |
CryptXXX 3.0 Ransomware – Spread
CryptXXX 3.0 ransomware is spread in a number of ways. One of the ways is through spam e-mails. The e-mails have attached files with the malware inside. If you open the attachment, the malware enters your PC, and the damage is done. Social networks or file sharing services might also have such dangerous files helping deliver the ransomware.
The CryptXXX 3.0 ransomware spreads mainly with the Angler Exploit Kit as previous variants. The Bedep Trojan is not excluded to be involved again. By visiting websites or from clicking on suspicious links you can get the exploit kit to inject the malware in your computer machine.
CryptXXX 3.0 Ransomware – More Information
The CryptXXX 3.0 is the newest variant of the crypto-virus. The previous ones CryptXXX ransomware and CryptXXX 2.0 ransomware have been beaten by Kaspersky, who provided a free decryptor. To stop this, the ransomware creators made this third variant and prevented the Kaspersky decrypting tool from working. Doing that resulted in a side-effect and now even if you pay the ransom, the very own decryptor of the malware makers will not work.
You can see in the picture below, the error the decryptor gives:
The following files could be created:
HKLM/Software/Microsoft/WindowsNT/CurrentVersion/Winlogon/Shell
and
HKLM/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Run/
The goal of these files is for the CryptXXX 3.0 ransomware to be persistent and load with each start of the Operating System.
Registry entries are probably also created to support the evasive actions of the ransomware.
Afterward, CryptXXX 3.0 will lock your files, no matter on what storage device they are found or what current extension they have. The ransomware searches to encrypt files with the following extensions:
→ .3dm, .aes, .ARC, .asc, .asf, .asm, .asp, .avi, .bak, .bat, .bmp, .brd, .cgm, .class, .cmd, .cpp, .crt, .csr, .CSV, .dbf, .dch, .dcu, .dif, .dip, .djv, .djvu, .doc, .DOC, .docb, .docm, .docx, .DOT, .dotm, .dotx, .eml, .fla, .flv, .frm, .gif, .gpg, .hwp, .ibd, .jar, .java, .jpeg, .jpg, .key, .lay, .lay6, .ldf, .max, .mdb, .mdf, .mid, .mkv, .mml, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpeg, .mpg, .ms11, .MYD, .MYI, .NEF, .obj, .odb, .odg, .odp, .ods, .odt, .otg, .otp, .ots, .ott, .PAQ, .pas, .pdf, .pem, .php, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .PPT, .pptm, .pptx, .psd, .qcow2, .rar, .raw, .RTF, .sch, .sldx, .slk, .sql, .SQLITE3, .SQLITEDB, .stc, .std, .sti, .stw, .svg, .swf, .sxc, .sxd, .sxi, .sxm, .sxw, .tar, .tar, .bz2, .tbk, .tgz, .tif, .tiff, .txt, .uop, .uot, .vbs, .vdi, .vmdk, .vmx, .vob, .wav, .wks, .wma, .wmv, .xlc, .xlm, .xls, .XLS, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xml, .zip, .zipx
The file extension that is set on every file is still .crypt.
Above you can see a picture example of the instructions for ransom payment of CryptXXX 3.0.
Below the files that load them are listed:
- de_crypt_readme.bmp
- de_crypt_readme.txt
- de_crypt_readme.html
You are asked to pay the sum of 1.2 Bitcoins or the equivalent of 500 US dollars within five days’ time. The amount keeps increasing with every day passed.
Contacting the ransomware makers of the CryptXXX 3.0 ransomware is no good. Paying the ransom is strongly NOT advised. For the moment, the cyber-criminals have broken their own decryptor, and the decryption of your files is not possible. Even if they have it fixed, paying the ransom will only aid the crooks. They could also get motivated in making a stronger variant of the virus. Do not worry, as there are other ways you can try to get your files back and Kaspersky should eventually find a solution to decrypting files for free with one of their tools.
If you notice a weird activity on your PC, shut it down – you might stop a raving ransomware from encrypting your files. In the ransomware prevention thread in our forum you will find lots of useful tips on the matter.
Remove CryptXXX 3.0 Ransomware and Restore .crypt Encrypted Files
If CryptXXX 3.0 ransomware has infected your computer, you should remove it as it will try to encrypt files found on each storage device on your computer. If you are infected with the ransomware, you should have at least a bit of experience in removing viruses. See the instructions given below to remove it and if you can restore some files. Kaspersky might beat the ransomware code again and update their decryptor, but you should remove the virus regardless.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for CryptXXX 3.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall CryptXXX 3.0 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 CryptXXX 3.0 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 CryptXXX 3.0 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 CryptXXX 3.0
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CryptXXX 3.0.
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 CryptXXX 3.0 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.
CryptXXX 3.0-FAQ
What is CryptXXX 3.0 Ransomware?
CryptXXX 3.0 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 CryptXXX 3.0 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 CryptXXX 3.0 Infect?
Via several ways.CryptXXX 3.0 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 CryptXXX 3.0 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 .CryptXXX 3.0 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .CryptXXX 3.0 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 .CryptXXX 3.0 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".CryptXXX 3.0" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CryptXXX 3.0 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 CryptXXX 3.0 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 CryptXXX 3.0 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CryptXXX 3.0 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 CryptXXX 3.0 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 CryptXXX 3.0 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CryptXXX 3.0 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 CryptXXX 3.0 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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