Do you know what Cyborg Ransomware is?
It does not take much for the attackers behind Cyborg Ransomware to execute this malicious infection. Of course, not all targets will fall for the tricks used. In fact, most targets are likely to evade this threat. However, those who are careless and whose operating systems are not protected reliably could be fooled into letting malware in themselves. According to our malware experts, spam emails and malicious downloaders that carry bundles – several different programs together – are most likely to be employed. So, if you want to avoid ransomware and other kinds of malware, it is crucial that you stay vigilant at all times and that your operating system is protected reliably. If you do not take care of this, you might have to delete Cyborg Ransomware before you know it. The biggest problem is that even if you remove this threat successfully, you might be unable to recover the files that are damaged by it.
Cyborg Ransomware was created to encrypt files, and that is what it does as soon as it establishes its presence within your operating system. It is crucial to note that this malware has a copy of itself dropped to the %HOMEDRIVE% directory, and so if you immediately recognize and remove the malicious launcher file, the threat will not be stopped unless the copy (“bot.exe”) is removed too. Without a doubt, this is one of the greatest strengths of this malicious infection. If it is not stopped in time, it encrypts all kinds of personal files, but it does that is specific locations only. These include %USERPROFILE%\Contacts, %USERPROFILE%\Desktop, %USERPROFILE%\Documents, %USERPROFILE%\Downloads, %USERPROFILE%\Links, and %USERPROFILE%\Pictures folders. If you go to these folders, you should find that personal files have the “.petra” extension appended to them. This is what indicates that the file was encrypted and, therefore, is unreadable.
Cyborg Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
Immediately after encryption, files named “Cyborg_DECRYPT.txt” and “Cyborg_DECRYPT.jpg” are employed by Cyborg Ransomware to inform you about what has happened and what you need to do next. The .jpg file replaces the Desktop wallpaper, and so the message is always in front of you. The .txt file is dropped on the Desktop to ensure that you find it quickly too. In fact, you are likely to discover the wallpaper and the text file before you even realize that files were encrypted. The wallpaper message points to the text file, and this file delivers a message that is meant to push you into paying a ransom. The message instructs you to purchase Bitcoin that is worth $300 and send it to the 9e3d4e3fad796f4eb15962b74fb2e55fe47 Bitcoin wallet. After you do that, you are supposed to email petra-mail.ru to confirm the transaction. We suggest that you do none of this. If you pay the Cyborg Ransomware ransom, your money is likely to go to waste. If you contact cybercriminals, you are likely to expose yourself to new scams and malware.
Successful removal of Cyborg Ransomware requires complete elimination of all infection’s components. That means that the original launcher must be erased too. Since we do not know where it could have been dropped or even what its name is, we advise that you employ automated anti-malware software. Of course, if you can locate the launcher, you might be able to remove Cyborg Ransomware yourself, but can you ensure Windows protection? Anti-malware software can do that. Protecting the system is not the only task you have. It is also important that you backup your personal files because you always want to have copies in case something happens to the originals. Hopefully, you already have backups and can successfully replace the files that were encrypted by the infection.
Delete Cyborg Ransomware
- Delete the ransom note file named Cyborg_DECRYPT.txt located on the Desktop.
- Delete the launcher or, if you cannot identify it, try deleting all recently downloaded files.
- Simultaneously tap Win+E keys to access Explorer and enter %HOMEDRIVE% into the field at the top.
- At the top of the window, click View and then Options.
- Click the View tab, select Shows hidden files, folders, and drives, and then click Apply.
- Delete the copy of the malicious launcher. It should be named bot.exe.
- Exit Explorer and then Empty Recycle Bin.
- Install a reliable malware scanner and use it to check for malware leftovers.
In non-techie terms:
Whether you let Cyborg Ransomware in by accident or it was downloaded by another infection, you need to take responsibility for this malware. Your system’s security is fully in your hands, and it is up to you to ensure that no infection can invade it. Hopefully, you learn from the mistakes you made in the past, and the knowledge you gain helps you ensure that you do not face new threats in the future. If your personal files were encrypted by the threat, you might be able to use backups as replacements, but if they do not exist, you might have to accept a loss. To ensure that you do not put your virtual security and your personal files at risk again, we strongly recommend implementing reliable anti-malware software – which will also automatically delete Cyborg Ransomware – and figuring out how to backup important files. If you want to remove the infection manually, use the guide above, but do not forget that you still need to secure your Windows operating system against other threats.