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 |
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 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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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.
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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
- Guide 1: How to Remove Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most 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:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware.
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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- 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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware.
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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware FAQ
What is Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
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 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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 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. At this point the .Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 .Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 ".Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
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% 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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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 Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Executioner (Cellat) Ransomware 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.