Crypt0 Ransomware - How to remove

A new variant of DetoxCrypto ransomware, named Crypt0, has just recently been released. Like its source code, this malicious program code uses the worshiped asymmetric encryption algorithm. To the great joy of the decent citizens of the cyber world, Crypt0 ransomware has been successfully decrypted, and we will surely provide you with the link to the free legitimate and working decryptor. But before utilizing it, read the rest of the post to prevent your machine from being attacked from similar cyber threats in the future.

About Crypt0 Ransomware

Crypt0 cryptomalware utilizes AES cipher to corrupt the victim’s data. This particular ransomware threat targets .EXE files, leaving Microsoft-signed files untouched. Crypt0 crypto virus appends particle before the extension of the targeted file. For example, Book.pdf will be made Book_crypt0.pdf. This is an unusual feature of Crypt0 virus, since the majority of ransomware viruses replaces the filename extension with their own unique ones, which are later on used as their names. When all the files aimed at have been encrypted, Crypt0 malicious code drops HELP_DECRYPT.TXT text file in each and every folder of the locked data. The victims are supposed to contact these hackers by the e-mail provided in the ransom note, which is [email protected]. It has been reported that the cyber criminals, who developed Crypt0 virus, demand for 0.1 to 1 BTC (bitcoins), which equals to 60.63 from 606.35 USD. It is a relatively small sum of money to be extorted from the affected users. Nevertheless, it is not worth paying anyway, since the free trustworthy decrypter is waiting for you at the end of the article.

How is Crypt0 Ransomware Distributed?

Crypt0 file-encrypting virus is a regular ransomware virus as regards the ways it is distributed on victim computer’s system. Its code can run on the advertisements debased of their dignity, displayed on various corners of the World Wide Web. It can also be injected in any sort of websites, not necessarily the suspicious ones, as cyber frauds can hack even the purely legitimate web pages. The payload of Crypt0 encrypter can be downloaded on the system by such tools of the devil as exploit kits, when you visit the depraved domains. And, lastly, the following of the links provided in suspicious spam e-mails or the opening of the attachments added to them, may result in the curious user downloading the executable (i.e. Crypt-Encrypt.exe) of Crypt0 encoder one one’s device.

How to Decrypt Files Encrypted by Crypt0 Ransomware?

The promised link, which ushers you to the decryptor, capable of decrypting Crypt0 ransomware is https://download.bleepingcomputer.com/demonslay335/Crypt0Decrypter.zip. The screen of the decryptor looks like this:

But before running like a scared rabbit to use the decrypter provided, carry out all the necessary preparations. Copy the infected drive to have the encrypted files to be decrypted. And, the most importantly, remove Crypt0 malware with the application of the following powerful automatic tools: Spyhunter or Malwarebytes. The free tutorial for the manual removal of this virtual disaster, which has befallen on you, is posted below.

How to recover Crypt0 Ransomware encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before Crypt0 Ransomware has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of Crypt0 Ransomware

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to Crypt0 Ransomware. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore Crypt0 Ransomware affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually Crypt0 Ransomware tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover Crypt0 Ransomware encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.