CRYSTAL Ransomware
CRYSTAL ransomware is a virus that infects computer operating systems. It is developed to reach personal files so that it can then encrypt them. The impact of this nasty ransomware makes the system more vulnerable to other malware infections. Furthermore, victims cannot use infected PCs in a regular way as the threat will continue corrupting newly created files until it is totally removed. Files corrupted by CRYSTAL ransomware could be recognized by an extension of the same name .CRYSTAL that is appended to their names. Another hint of the presence of this ransomware virus on a PC is a file called RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt. This file is likely to appear on the desktop and/or in folders that contain encrypted files. Here we need to advise victims to avoid ransom payment and better use the help of alternative data recovery methods.
CRYSTAL Virus Summary
Name | CRYSTAL |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt files stored on the infected computer. Then it demands a ransom fee (0.00117 BTC) for a decryption solution. |
Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with .CRYSTAL extension. Hackers demand a ransom payment |
Ransom Demanding Message | RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Software Packages |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss CRYSTAL 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. |
CRYSTAL Ransomware – More Information
Security researchers who are analyzing the code of CRYSTAL ransomware shared that the threat infects computer systems by tricking people to run it inadvertently. This issue tends to occur with the help of the shady propagation techniques used for the delivery of CRYSTAL ransomware samples on target computers. Such techniques are known to be emails with malicious attachments, malvertising, software bundling, and website corruption. Hackers prefer these techniques as they easily trick people into believing that they are opening a legitimate file or a secure website.
However, they are all designed to execute malicious software like CRYSTAL on every PC they are opened on. Once the ransomware access a computer operating system, it performs a highly complex infection process. By passing through a few stages it corrupts valuable system settings like those of the startup apps and encrypts personal files like images, documents, archives, projects, presentations, videos, audio files, etc. You could not miss corrupted files as they are all marked with the malicious extension .CRYSTAL.
The bad news is that the ransomware uses the sophisticated cipher algorithm AES to encode target files. This process leaves them completely out of order. The good news is that many ransomware strains have been successfully decrypted by security experts. Eventually, this one will be soon decrypted as well. We will report about free .CRYSTAL files decryption tool as soon as it is released in the wild.
In addition, the threat drops a ransom note file called RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt to inform victims the following:
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail black_privat@tuta.io
or:
darkseid@tutamail.com (backup mail)Send us this file
RESTORE_FILES_INFO============================================
Free decryption as a guarantee
Before paying, you can send 1-2 files for free decryption. File format: txt doc pdf jpeg jpg gif png bmp Total file size should not exceed 2 MB (without archive)
============================================
You can buy Bitcoins here: hxxps://localbitcoins.com
Or use the search how to buy Bitcoins in your country
============================================
IMPORTANT!!!
Remember that your files are encrypted and only WE can recover them!
Do not try to recover yourself, as well as on third-party resources, you will lose your files and money forever!
============================================Key Identifier:
–
Number of files that were processed is: 1549PC Hardware ID:
–
This ransom message could appear on the screen in an attempt to force victims to contact hackers and ask them for further details on data restoration and ransom payment. Beware that there is no evidence of their decrypter being an efficient one. So paying the ransom may not guarantee the recovery of your .CRYSTAL files.
Remove CRYSTAL Ransomware and Restore .CRYSTAL Files
The so-called CRYSTAL ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So the infected system should be cleaned and secured properly before you could use it regularly again. Below you could find a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove CRYSTAL ransomware. Choose the manual removal approach if you have previous experience with malware files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps select the automatic section from the guide. Steps there enable you to check the infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few mouse clicks.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for CRYSTAL Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall CRYSTAL 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by CRYSTAL 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 CRYSTAL Virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 CRYSTAL Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CRYSTAL 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 CRYSTAL 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.
CRYSTAL Virus-FAQ
What is CRYSTAL Virus Ransomware?
CRYSTAL 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 CRYSTAL 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 CRYSTAL Virus Infect?
Via several ways.CRYSTAL 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 CRYSTAL 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 .CRYSTAL Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .CRYSTAL 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 .CRYSTAL Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".CRYSTAL Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CRYSTAL 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 CRYSTAL 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 CRYSTAL Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CRYSTAL 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 CRYSTAL 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 CRYSTAL Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CRYSTAL 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 CRYSTAL 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.
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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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