CYR-Locker ransomware - How to remove

CYR-Locker file-encrypting virus has come on the scene a few days ago. It is a classic example from a ransomware grouping and it if manages to enter your device, it will place two malicious executables in it. Victims are given a time period of 24 hours to make a transaction of the necessary payment. Only then, according to hackers, can a file-decryption be implemented. Nevertheless, this variant looks ridiculous to us as the ransomware demands a completely nonsensical fee: 10 million. 10 million dollars would be converted into 7887.4300 bitcoins. Obviously, none of the victims will have that kind of money to spare. Therefore, it is natural to start looking for an alternative option to recover files. Please stay calm if CYR-Locker ransomware has affected your data and continue on reading this article to find out more.

Distinctive features of CYR-Locker ransomware

Besides demanding an unbelievable amount of bitcoins, CYR-Locker virus concludes some other processes. As soon as the payload has been successfully transmitted, CYR-Locker.exe file will begin a series of modifications in the infected system. It is very likely that the virus will viciously delete Shadow Volume Copies. Naturally, CYR-Locker sample will also initiate modifications in Windows Registry Keys. The latter change is done so the payload would be automatically launched. CYR-Locker virus also has an additional features: it not only encrypts files with a yet to-be-identified cipher, but it also blocks victims’ access to their system in general. Users won’t even be able to see their desktop. Instead of it, they will be forced to read the ransom note over and over again.

In fact, the ransom letter does not appear to be very informative. It does not give any ID numbers, nor it provides a specific bitcoin wallet to send the requested payment. Of course, paying the fee is quite impossible as seldom people could afford it. For this reason, we have doubts whether this is simply an unrealistically set expectation for money or are the creators of CYR-Locker ransomware messing around. To our knowledge, the variant does not append any extensions to the executables it ruins with algorithms. The creators of this variant clearly state that attempts to restore files without the original key from the hackers can lead to a loss of all files. Even though the threat of permanently losing all of your data might seem fearsome, the hackers set the conditions for payment extremely vaguely and it is impossible to make the transaction even if the victim feels like it.

Restoring files that CYR-Locker ransomware has corrupted

Currently, there is not way of guaranteeing that decryption will be successful. You can try recovering the files that CYR-Locker ransomware has ruined with various universal tools. To some extent, they can certainly help you. You can also check whether Shadow Volume Copies have really been deleted. More specific information about the decryption can be found at the end of this article. However, if you have stored your files in online storages or keep copies in USB flash drives, you can simply retrieve files from there. In case you have not stored your files in backups, we advise you to do it.

What tactics does CYR-Locker ransomware use for transmission?

We cannot identify one distribution method that CYR-Locker virus can use. It can transmit its payload via malicious spam campaigns, use exploit kits or other technologies to infect as much people as possible. This is not a widely-distributed variant and we have doubts about whether big numbers of users are being bothered by this sample. However, if they are, it is important to distinguish the source for CYR-Locker virus. Try to recall whether you opened suspicious email letters or visited potentially dangerous domains. For the future, please remember that keeping your files in more than one location can save you from inconveniences of a ransomware virus even if you do stumble upon infectious content. Of course, we hope that ransomware infection does not come your way.

Spyhunter or Malwarebytes are reliable anti-malware tools that have earn the respect of many users and security researchers. Try them out to remove CYR-Locker ransomware. Since your device will be locked, try to access your computer in Safe Mode. You can find an explicit guidelines in the tutorial section above.

How to recover CYR-Locker 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 CYR-Locker virus has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of CYR-Locker 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 CYR-Locker virus. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore CYR-Locker 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 CYR-Locker virus 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 CYR-Locker 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.