Infected with CtrlAlt Ransomware? Need to decrypt your files?
What is CtrlAlt Ransomware
Recently, various potentially unwanted programs and adware is gaining momentum, however, ransomware viruses are the most dangerous. Directly in this article, we will talk about CtrlAlt Ransomware (also known as District Ransomware). CtrlAlt Ransomware has spread around the world almost despite the fact that it is initially aimed at English-speaking users. For a start, I would like to remind you that the cryptovirus encrypts all user data, including office, archive, audio, video documents. After encryption, this changes the file extension by adding a prefix. After that, of course, the files become unsuitable for further use. In particular, this cryptovirus adds .сtrlalt@cock.li.district extension. Recently, according to our newest data, it has been noticed that it can use the .altdelete@cock.li.district extension. After encryption, the cryptovirus creates a ransom note. In the original version, this is the READ_IT.district file indicated below:
You only have 96 hours to submit the payment
Danger: our contacts change every 3 days
Do not hesitate, contact us immediately
Then we will not be available
Attention: if you do not have money then you do not need to write to us!
The file is encrypted with the AES-256 algorithm
Only we can decrypt the file!
Don't delete "NO_DELETE_SEND_IT" at Desktop
If you want decrypt data, send this file to us
Our email: ctrlalt@cock.li
Recently, this cryptovirus replaces the desktop wallpaper, with the same text, but without specifying the exact email address for communication:
In these notes, scammers try to intimidate the user, indicating that there are only 3 days to pay for the ransom, otherwise the data will be lost forever. Of course, the amount for the ransom can reach several thousand dollars, of course, we in no way advise you to pay. The best option is to familiarize yourself with our instructions and guides, which are listed below, to find a way to remove CtrlAlt and decrypt your files.
Update: Use following service to identify the version and type of ransomware you were attacked by: ID Ransomware. If you want to decrypt your files, please follow our instruction below or, if you have any difficulties, please contact us: submit@securitystronghold.com. We really can help to decrypt your files.
How CtrlAlt infected your PC
The most common causes of penetration of cryptoviruses, in particular, CtrlAlt, is the vulnerability of a computer’s network settings. Moreover, in recent times, users pay little attention to antivirus software. Rather, users use free versions of antiviruses. Of course, we advise you to use proven paid antivirus software to protect your files. If this virus has already penetrated your computer and encrypted your data, then check out our guides listed below.
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 CtrlAlt 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 – fully removes all instances of CtrlAlt – files, folders, registry keys.
You may find more detailed information about antivirus products in our article – Top 5 Antivirus Software for Windows
Restore your files using shadow copies
- Download and run Stellar Data Recovery.
- Select type of files you want to restore and click Next.
- Select the drive and folder where your files are located and date that you want to restore them from and press Scan.
- Once the scanning process is done, click Recover to restore your files.
Step 2: Remove following files and folders of CtrlAlt:
Related connections or other entries:
No information
Related files:
No information
How to decrypt files infected by CtrlAlt?
You can try to use manual methods to restore and decrypt your files.
Decrypt files manually
Restore the system using System Restore
Although latest versions of CtrlAlt 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. 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
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.
Written by Rami Douafi