| Name | CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade |
| Type | Spam Email, CTB Locker ransomware |
| Short Description | After infection encrypts files important for the user, demanding ransom in bitcoin currency or any other currency paid online. May not restore files after. |
| Symptoms | Screen message, Corrupted error message when trying to open important files. |
| Distribution Method | Via spam mail from update@microsoft(dot)com |
| Detection tool | Download SpyHunter, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade |
Source: blogs.cisco.com/talos
As of July 29th Microsft has begun their biggest upgrade so far in their history – the one for Windows 10. Along with this upgrade, concerns have been raised over spoof emails from an email by the name of update@microsoft(dot)com, confirm cisco researchers from Talos Group. Marcin ‘Icewall’ Noga, a security research engineer from Talos group has confirmed that a message, prompting the user to upgrade to windows 10, along with an attached .zip archive from it carried out a malicious payload. The files in the .zip were actually part of a ransomware virus, called CTB-Locker. Ransomware encrypts important files and documents of on the victim PC, demanding to contact the attackers for ransom.
Windows 10 Free Upgrade Description
The spam message originating from the abovementioned mail had an IP address originating from Thailand. It is a common trend for cyber criminals to take advantage of events such as new software coming out or anything similar to that in order to initiate global spam campaigns. Combine that with the increased ransomware attacks and this is the perfect get-rich-quick scheme. Fortunately there are several ways to protect oneself from ransomware.
The ransomware CTB Locker which is connected with this specific threat, is a file-encrypting software which does not leave any decryption codes after encrypting the victim’s files. More so, attackers demand users to contact them on their terms, via browsers who are anonymous and proxies which cannot allow them to be traced back and arrested. CTB Locker may be detected on all versions of Windows, varying from XP to 10. It is also reported to affect the svchost.exe Windows processes.
Source: blogs.cisco.com/talos
Unlike most ransomware viruses that use RSA encryption, CTB Locker is reported to employ elliptical curve type of encryption which serves the same purpose, but has different algorhithm. CTB Locker is reported to give most users a deadline of 96 hours in order to pay the ransom which is very short in comparison to other ransowmare malware. Also reports estimate around 100 network streams to different online locations worldwide, which suggests that this may be an organized attack.
Windows 10 Fake Upgrade Protection
Security engineers recommend that you back up your files immediately in order to be able to restore them. In order to protect yourself from CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade (For Windows Users) please follow these simple instructions:
For Windows 7 and earlier:
1-Click on Windows Start Menu
2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup
4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.
5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.
6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade.
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10:
1-Press Windows button + R
2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter
3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’
4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.
5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade.
Enabling Windows Defense Feature:
1- Press Windows button + R keys.
2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.
3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.
5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade is on.
Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.
2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.
3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade should be restored.
Windows 10 Free Upgrade Removal
The best protection against such vile threat to your computer still remains to be downloading and installing advanced anti-malware protection program. It will detect and remove any files and registry entries out of the ordinary from an infected machine.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
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 CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade from Mac OS X.
How to Remove CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade
Step 2: Uninstall CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade 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 CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade 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 CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade 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 CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade.
Ransomware infections and CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade 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 CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade 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 CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade 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 CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade.
Ransomware infections and CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade 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.
CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade FAQ
What is CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade ransomware and how does it work?
CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade 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 CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade 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 CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade 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 .CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade files?
You can't. At this point the .CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade 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 .CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade 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 ".CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade 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 CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade 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 CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like CTBLocker from Windows 10 Fake Upgrade 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.
