Infected with UltraCrypter? Need to decrypt your files?
What is UltraCrypter
UltraCrypter is updated version of previously described CryptXXX virus, that can be called CryptXXX 3.0 ransomware. Malware developers made some crucial changes, that are not very pleasant for potential victims. It still uses AES CBC 256-bit encryption algorithm, but now it adds .cryp1 extension to encrypted files. Ransom is 1.2 Bitcoins (around 500$). Bad news are, that now decryptors for CryptXXX does not work. That means the only chance to decrypt UltraCrypter-affected files is if you have external backup or enabled Windows service that will store previous versions of your files. Among other changes is timer that hackers start after infection. UltraCrypter gives victim 96 hours to decrypt files otherwise user will need to pay 2.4 BitCoins. UltraCrypter assigns certain ID to user and creates files and images with instructions called {victims_id}.txt, {victims_id}.bmp, {victims_id}.html. We collected all information available online regarding this ransomware and prepared complete instructions to remove UltraCrypter and decrypt .cryp1 files.
Update: Use following service to identify the version and type of ransomware you were attacked by: ID Ransomware. Also check following website for possible decryptor: Emsisoft Decryptors.
How UltraCrypter infected your PC
UltraCrypter distributes using standard methods (malicious email attachments, torrent (P2P) networks, fake invoices). UltraCrypter uses TOR network for receiving ransomware, which makes it very difficult to track. Ransom is paid in BitCoins, that also makes the task difficult for the police. Encryption starts in the background. Way to protect your computer from such threats is to use antiviruses with crypto-protection like HitmanPro.Alert with CryptoGuard.
First of all don’t panic. Follow these easy steps below.
1. Start your computer in Safe Mode with networking. To do that, restart your computer, before your system starts hit F8 several times. This will stop system from loading and will show Advanced boot options screen. Choose Safe mode with networking option from the options list using up and down arrows on your keyboard and hit Enter.
2. Log in to the system infected with the UltraCrypter virus. Launch your Internet browser and download a reliable anti-malware program and start a full system scan. Once the scan is complete, review scan results and remove all entries detected.
Recommended Solution:
Norton is a powerful removal tool. It can remove all instances of newest viruses, similar to UltraCrypter – files, folders, registry keys.
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Step 2: Remove following files and folders of UltraCrypter:
Remove following registry entries:
no information
Remove following files:
{victims_id}.txt
{victims_id}.bmp
{victims_id}.html
How to decrypt files infected by UltraCrypter (.cryp1 files)?
Use automated decryption tools
There is ransomware decryptor from Kaspersky that can decrypt .cryp1 files. It is free and may help you restore .cryp1 files by UltraCrypter virus. Download it here:
You can also try to use manual methods to restore and decrypt .cryp1 files.
Decrypt .cryp1 files manually
Restore the system using System Restore
Although, latest versions of UltraCrypter remove system restore files, this method may help you partially restore your files. Give it a try and use standard System Restore to revive your data.
- Initiate the search for ‘system restore‘
- Click on the result
- Choose the date before the infection appearance
- Follow the on-screen instructions
Roll the files back to the previous version
Previous versions can be copies of files and folders created by Windows Backup (if it is active) or copies of files and folders created by System Restore. You can use this feature to restore files and folders that you accidentally modified or deleted, or that were damaged (in our case – UltraCrypter by UltraCrypter). This feature is available in Windows 7 and later versions.
- Right-click the file and choose Properties
- Open the Previous Version tab
- Select the latest version and click Copy
- Click Restore
Restore .cryp1 files using shadow copies
- Download and run Shadow Explorer.
- Select the drive and folder where your files are located and date that you want to restore them from.
- Right-click on folder you want to restore and select Export.
- Once the scanning process is done, click Recover to restore your files.
Protect your computer from ransomware
Most modern antiviruses can protect your PC from ransomware and crypto-trojans, but thousands of people still get infected. There are several programs that use different approach t protect from ransomware and lockers. One of the best is HitmanPro.Alert with CryptoGuard. You may already know HitmanPro as famous cloud-based anti-malware scanner. Check out ultimate active protection software from SurfRight.
Information provided by: Alexey Abalmasov