Do you know what Cryptre Ransomware is?
Cryptre Ransomware does not look like a real threat. Our research team has found a sample of this file-encrypting malware, but it is either incomplete, and cyber criminals are still working on it, or it was created just as an experiment. We come to this conclusion because although the threat can encrypt the files, it does not make it possible to pay the ransom, despite it being requested. Hopefully, this threat will not be spread actively, but we have to prepare to stand against it. In this report, we talk about ways to secure the operating system, prevent the attacks of malware, and remove it if it invades. Keep reading the report and then check out the guide below to learn how to delete Cryptre Ransomware.
According to our analysis, Cryptre Ransomware has been based on CryptoWire Ransomware, which is another infection that our research team has reviewed in the past. In fact, this infection dates back to 2016. This threat was identified as “educational” because it did not make paying the ransom possible either. Visually and structurally these infections are identical, and so it is highly likely that they were created by the same people. Since this malware does not spread, there is no point in guessing how it could be spread. That being said, you need to keep in mind that ransomware is usually spread using spam emails, system vulnerabilities (especially in remote access tools), malicious downloaders, and other infections that, of course, require removal. If CryptoWire Ransomware or Cryptre Ransomware infected an operating system, shadow volume copies would be deleted, and a scheduled task would be created to ensure that the infection auto-starts with Windows.
Cryptre Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Once Cryptre Ransomware is inside, it is meant to encrypt files, and it is believed that the infection should only encrypt files in the %USERPROFILE% directory. Once files are encrypted, their names are modified because the threat adds “.encrypted” in front of their original extensions. So, for example, a file named “document.doc” would be renamed to “document.encrypted.doc.” These files become unreadable, and so they are lost. The only way you can restore them is if you know a decryption key, and, of course, you do not. We do not know it either. After the attack on your files, Cryptre Ransomware launches a window entitled “Cryptre.” According to our research, the window lists all encrypted files and it also displays this message: “The only way you can recover your files is to buy a decryption key / The payment method is: Bitcoins. The price is: $200 = 0.06058397 Bitcoins.” At the time of research, paying the ransom was not possible, but even if it was, we would not recommend paying it. The only thing we recommend doing is deleting the infection.
We doubt that Cryptre Ransomware will start invading operating systems, but because it is a real infection, you need to secure your operating system and files immediately. Also, there are plenty of other infections that could invade your PC and infect your personal files, which is why you should handle situation ASAP. We advise installing anti-malware software. It will protect you against all kinds of malware, and it will also delete Cryptre Ransomware if it exists. When it comes to files, backing them up is very important. We do not recommend using system backups or relying on restore points, but you can use online clouds and external drives. If you have further questions – post them in the comments section.
Remove Cryptre Ransomware
- Simultaneously tap Win+E keys on the keyboard to launch Explorer.
- Type %PROGRAMFILES%\Common Files\ into the bar at the top and tap Enter.
- Delete malicious ransomware files:
- log.txt (list with encrypted files)
- [random name].exe (e.g., Windows Update.exe)
- [random numbers #1] file without extension
- [random numbers #2] file without extension
- Type %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%\Common Files\ into the bar at the top and tap Enter.
- Repeat step 3.
- Type %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks into the field at the top and tap Enter.
- Delete tasks that the ransomware created.
- Type %WINDIR%\Tasks into the field at the top and tap Enter.
- Delete tasks that the ransomware created.
- Empty Recycle Bin and then complete a full system scan using a legitimate malware scanner.
In non-techie terms:
Cryptre Ransomware is a strange infection that, most likely, was created as an experiment or by someone trying out ransomware capabilities. This threat, at the time of research, was not spreading, but the tested sample could encrypt files, which means that this threat is not entirely helpless. If it invades your operating system, it should encrypt personal files, and there is nothing that can be done after that. The ransom note created by the infection asks to pay a ransom, but that is not possible to do because there is no information about how or where this ransom should be paid. Anyway, paying the ransom is never a good idea, and we would not advise doing that even if it was possible. To delete Cryptre Ransomware, you can follow the guide above, but we suggest installing anti-malware software because it can guarantee removal and protection against malware in the future.