Executioner (Cellat) ransomware is yet another crypto virus recently discovered by security researchers at MalwareHunterTeam. The Executioner ransomware encrypts the user’s data and appends six random characters to the encrypted files. The crypto virus also changes the desktop wallpaper of the victim’s computer, and creates an HTML file identified as Sifre_Coz_Talimat.html which is dropped in every folder with encrypted files. This article is designed to help you to remove the ransomware and try to restore your encrypted files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The Executioner ransomware encryptс files on your computer and displays a ransom message, demanding that $150 are sent to a Bitcoin address. |
| Symptoms | Your files are encrypted, a ransom note is displayed. The desktop wallpaper is changed to a ransom note in Turkish. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Freeware Bundles, Social Media, etc. |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Executioner (Cellat) 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. |
Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware Distribution
The Executioner ransomware also known as Cellat ransomware is most likely spread via spam emails containing malicious email attachments, pdf attachments and Word documents prompting the user to enable Macros, etc. Most recent ransomware cases rely on this method of distribution because of its high success rates. Most users tend to be careless with suspicious emails which often lead to ransomware and malware infections. A perfect example here is the way of distribution used by the .sVn variant of the well-known Jaff ransomware.
However, there are other probable methods of infections that could be used by the creators of the Executioner crypto virus. A payload dropper which triggers its malicious script could be spread online. The ransomware may also be spreading the payload file on social media websites and file-sharing services. Another popular method of ransomware and malware distribution is via freeware packages where a program may be bundled with malicious programs.
To avoid infections of that kind, be extremely cautious when dealing with files downloaded from the Web as well as with emails sent by unknown or suspicious entities. More useful tips on avoiding ransomware are published in our forum https://sensorstechforum.com/forums/pc-tips-tricks/tips-about-ransomware/ . We advise you to read them carefully and drop a question in case you have any.
Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware Technical Details
As usual, the wallpaper set by the ransomware contains a ransom demand written in Turkish. The demanded ransom is in Bitcoin and amounts to $150 USD.
The website of the ransomware contains the following message:
Read The Instructions!
Send 150$ (Dollar)-(USD) to this Bitcoin Adress: 164eQzsZUZCR9mfLWGdiqqGcUyQsYcX6vU – Case Sensitive!
IN ORDER TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES BACK!
DO NOT FORGET ! You can use services called LocalBitcoins.com, CoinBase.com and Paxful.com to send BITCOIN!
Follow the instructions that given below step by steps once you have done the sending BITCOIN process!
Your COMPUTER has been infected by Executioner (CELLAT) Ransomware and ALL OF YOUR FILES SAFELY ENCRYPTED!!
In order to DECRYPT your pictures, videos, documents and ALL OF YOUR ENCRYPTED FILES you have to send 150$ (USD) worth of BITCOIN to the BITCOIN ADRESS that GIVEN ABOVE!!!,
Otherwise your files will not be accessible!! If you have finished this step once, please skip this step!
DO NOT FORGET ! You can remove the virus from your computer BUT! You cannot decrypt and recover your encrypted files!! THE ONLY WAY is to save and decrypt your files is to buy a DECRYPTION KEY! Once You send 150$ (USD) worth of BITCOIN to the adress that given below than there is nothing to worry about!! Please Keep Continue Reading!!
After sending payment of 150$ (USD) worth of Bitcoin, Then open the .HTML file located on YOUR DESKTOP called Sifre_Coz_Talimat.html and you will see an COMPUTER ID copy that COMPUTER ID than email it to the mail address that given below!!
email adress : “executioner.ransom@protonmail.com”
Immediately afterwards, you will receive an email with the DECRYPTION KEY and DECRYPTION SOFTWARE within 24 HOURS!!
IMPORTANT!! DO NOT FORGET TO SEND YOUR BITCOIN WALLET ADRESS AND YOUR COMPUTER ID TO THE EMAIL ADRESS THAT GIVEN ABOVE!!
ALSO All Of YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED WITH RSA-2018 ENCRYPTION!!
IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO SOLVE THIS CIPHER!!!
PROOF OF FILE DECRYPTION PROCESS!!
As for the encryption algorithms used by Executioner (Cellat) ransomware, it is not known yet. However, considering how evolved most ransomware viruses are, it is highly likely that the creators of Executioner (Cellat) employed a sophisticated encryption nearly impossible to decrypt without the decryption key possessed by the cybercriminals.
Remove Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware: Methods
If your computer got infected with the Executioner (Cellat) ransomware and you wish to remove it manually from your system, note that you should have at least a bit of experience in removing ransomware or malware. Still, you should get rid of this ransomware immediately before it gets the chance to spread further and infect more computers. To remove Executioner (Cellat) ransomware entirely from your machine, pay close attention to our removal instructions provided below.
Also, remember that paying the ransom is not recommended as you would be further fueling the malicious operations of whoever is behind Executioner (Cellat) ransomware.
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Step 1: Scan for Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware.
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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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.
Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware-FAQ
What is Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware Ransomware?
Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 .Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 .Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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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