What is .cube files virus? Why can’t you open .cube files? How to remove .cube Major ransomware? How to restore files with the .cube extension?
.cube files virus is the name given to a data locker ransomware that is currently lurking across the web. As identified by security researchers, .cube virus belongs to the Major ransomware family. Since the main purpose of this threat is to extort a ransom from its victims, it is designed to encrypt valuable files with the help of a strong cipher algorithm. In case that this nasty ransomware has managed to infect your PC and data, you need to locate and remove all malicious files. Otherwise, you risk losing some of your most sensitive credentials. So be advised to keep up with our article and learn how to get rid of .cube ransomware with the help of reliable security measures.
Threat Summary
| Name | .cube files virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that encrypts valuable files stored on infected computers and then asks for a ransom fee for their decryption. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with the extension .cube. Ransom message asks for a ransom payment for their recovery. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| 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 .cube files 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. |
.cube Files Virus (Major Ransomware) – What is It All About?
A ransomware virus associated with the extension .cube has been spotted in the wild. Analyses of its samples indicate that it is a new strain of Major ransomware family. Currently, the threat is lurking across the web in active attack campaigns. There are several spread channels that are likely to be used for the distribution of .cube’s activation file. Among these techniques are malspam, malvertising, freeware packages, and corrupted web pages.
Massive spam email campaigns are believed to be preferred for the spread of .cube ransomware payload. Since the emails that are part of malspam campaigns aim to trick you into downloading the payload on your PC, they often pose as representatives of legitimate businesses and institutions. As of the malicious payload file, it could appear in the form of a file attachment or a URL address. So beware of every email you see in your inbox and always check the security level of the elements is presents.
When activated on your PC, the payload file of .cube files virus sets the beginning of the attack. At first, it could attempt to connect to a remote server in an attempt to transfer some gathered details and receive additional malicious files/commands as a response. With the help of these additional files, the ransomware becomes able to disrupt system security and perform a long sequence of malicious activities. As a result of some applied changes that affect the registry keys Run and RunOnce, .cube virus could start loading automatically on every next system start.
After all initial attack stages, the ransomware reaches the main one – data encryption. It realizes the encryption process with the help of the highly sophisticated encryption algorithm. Files it targets are likely to be:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
Following the encryption process, the ransomware leaves all corrupted files inaccessible. It marks them with the extension .cube . Since the encryption process prevents you from accessing corrupted files, threat actors attempt to extort a ransom fee. For the purpose they use the following ransom message (READ_ME.cube):
ATENTION!!!
I am truly sorry to inform you that all your important files are crypted.
If you want to recover your encrypted files you need to follow a few steps.
You need to buy bitcoins and send them to the address you receive by mail.
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site.You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
https://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
write to Google how to buy Bitcoin in your country?
in order to guarantee the availability of our key
we can decrypt one file for free
the size of the files <1 mb, doc.docx.xls.xlsx.pdf.jpg.bmp.txt file format other formats will not be free decryption after payment we will send a decryption program Do not try to decrypt your files with programs by the decoder, you will only damage your data and lose them forever. Only we can decrypt your data, write to the original mails specified in this file, otherwise you will become a victim of scammers. Contact email address mikrotik@tutamail.com or paydear@aol.com
Be advised to refrain from paying hackers the ransom as this action does not guarantee the recovery of your .cube files. Since the code of their threat may be full of bugs, their decrypter may not be working properly.
Remove .cube Files Virus and Attempt to Restore Data
The so-called .cube files virus is a threat with highly complex code designed to corrupt both system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system in a secure manner again is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For the purpose, you could use our removal guide that reveals how to clean and secure your system step by step. In addition, in the guide, you will find several alternative data recovery approaches that may be helpful in attempting to restore files encrypted by Major .cube ransomware. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before the recovery process.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove .cube files virus from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of .cube files virus from Mac OS X.
How to Remove .cube files virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .cube files virus
Step 2: Uninstall .cube files virus 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .cube files 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 .cube files 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: Scan for .cube files virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .cube files virus.
Ransomware infections and .cube files 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of .cube files virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall .cube files virus 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:
- 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 .cube files virus 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:
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 .cube files virus.
Ransomware infections and .cube files 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
.cube files virus FAQ
What is .cube files virus ransomware and how does it work?
.cube files 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 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 .cube files virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways..cube files virus 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 .cube files 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 ..cube files virus files?
You can't. At this point the ..cube files virus 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 ..cube files virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by .cube files virus 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 "..cube files virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..cube files virus 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 .cube files virus 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 .cube files virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..cube files virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like .cube files virus 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.
