CTB-Faker Ransomware - How to remove

CTB-Faker ransomware is a new ransomware variant trying to mimic CTB-Locker ransomware. Unfortunately, it does not succeed in this very mission. The reason for that being its incapability to encrypt the data in the first place. CTB-Faker virus merely locks the victim’s data in an archive. Well, that is far from elaborate ransomwares such as the recently released Microsoft Decryptor ransomware, for instance.

About CTB-Faker Ransomware

Instead of actually encrypting the victim’s files, CTB-Faker virus relocate them into password-protected ZIP archive. This ransomware threat uses WinRAR to put all files with the following extensions into the C:\Users.zip ZIP archive protected by password. The extensions are:

.exe, .msi, .dll, .jpg, .jpeg, .bmp, .gif, .png, .psd, .mp3, .wav, .mp4, .avi, .zip, .rar, .iso, .7z, .cab, .dat, .data

Then 2 files are created: your personal files are encrypted.txt and index.html. Your personal files are encrypted.txt is placed on the C Disk and in the Program Data folder of the drive. Index.html file will also be dropped on The Program Data folder of the C Drive. These two files contain the ransom note. The hackers behind CTB-Faker malware state that their malicious program is of strong encryption algorithm, namely, SHA-512, and a unique key – RSA-4096 – has been generated for the encryption of the victim’s data. It is said to be stored on a dark server. The size of the ransom demanded is 50 USD. These cyber crooks seems to be not greedy. What is more, they give you 7 days to transfer the payment, unless the compensation for the data will be doubled. The Bitcoin address is 1NgrUc748vG5HerFoK3Tkkb1bHjS7T2w5J. The cyber criminals also ask to send the transaction ID to [email protected] e-mail to get the decryption key. This e-mail is also provided for the help and support. There is also an alternative BTC address reported – 3MTTgd2BaPndUYkmGjiacaPLkuWsiPUzM3, and there exists an alternative e-mail – [email protected] either.

The hackers of CTB-Faker threaten to destroy the key, if the victim does not adhere to the rules lined out in the ransom note. They say that the only way you can retrieve your data is by paying them. But this is far from true. Read the following section to know how to get your files completely free and without having to deal with criminals.

How is CTB-Faker Ransomware Distributed?

CTB-Faker cryptomalware is spread via porno sites. To be more specific, fake profile pages on the latter websites, containing passwords and links to striptease videos protected by password, are the distributors of this ransomware. When a user follows the links provided, the ZIP file is downloaded to his/her computer. Presently, this ZIP file is hosted on JottaCloud. Once the ZIP file is extracted and the executable is run, CTB-Faker virus begins to do its dirty job.

How to Decrypt Files Encrypted by CTB-Faker Ransomware?

In fact, you can (or could depending whether you are infected or not) stop CTB-Faker virus from locking your data. When you get (have gotten) a pop-up of fake graphic card error trying to watch that supposed-to-be striptease video, the ransomware was in the midst of its misdeed. If you shut down your computer at that particular moment, you will solve (will have solved) the issue. If you have the original installer of CTB-Faker ransomware you have downloaded, you may refer to helpers at the following link – http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/619672/ctb-faker-help-and-support-topic-your-personal-files-are-encryptedtxt/. The decryptor is going to be released within minutes.

If you need your data right away, make a copy of the original installer and remove CTB-Faker ransomware with one of the following powerful automatic malware removal utilities: Spyhunter or Malwarebytes. Then you are free to use your backup. If you do not have any backed copies of your data, check your Shadow Volume Copies, if you used Shadow Volume Service. If not, then try data recovery tools such as Recuva, R-Studio or PhotoRec, etc. Be wise and back your data up from this very moment on. And, lastly, you can implement the removal of CTB-Faker virus following our step-by-step instructions below, just keep in mind that automatic removal is always a priority in such cases as it can do a lot more than manual works even if you are an experienced user. Good luck.

How to recover CTB-Faker 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 CTB-Faker Ransomware has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of CTB-Faker 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 CTB-Faker Ransomware. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore CTB-Faker 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 CTB-Faker 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 CTB-Faker 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.