Do you know what CryptoGod 2018 Ransomware is?
CryptoGod 2018 Ransomware is a malicious file-encrypting application. Even though such threats are often created for money extortion, we do not think this is the case. Our computer security specialists tested its sample and what they learned is the malware shows a message claiming it was designed for educational purposes. Thus, there are no instructions on how to pay a ransom. More than that our specialists say the malicious application was programmed to encrypt data only on a specific folder located in its creator’s computer. Nonetheless, we will talk more about CryptoGod 2018 Ransomware as well as discuss what it could be like if it was created for money extortion, further in the article. Consequently, if you want to learn more about threats alike and ways you could avoid them, we encourage you to keep reading this article.
CryptoGod 2018 Ransomware might not be spread, but there are tons of malicious applications alike that were created for money extortion. Hackers behind such threats use various methods to trick their victims into opening the malware. For instance, some ransomware applications are spread through malicious email attachments, pop-up ads, or software installers. In other words, such threats can travel with various data downloaded from unreliable sources, e g., Spam emails, unreliable file-sharing web pages, and so on. Therefore, mostly it is up to the user to keep the system save from such infections. If you think being extra cautious all the time might be too difficult or not enough, we would advise installing a reputable antimalware tool too.
After entering the system, CryptoGod 2018 Ransomware does not need to create any copies of it or drop more files, which means it should run right from the location from which it was executed. As mentioned earlier the main malicious application’s task is to encrypt user’s files, e.g., picture, photos, archives, documents, or other private data. Also, it encrypts files only in the %USERPROFILE%\desktop\test directory, which is most likely a folder created on the CryptoGod 2018 Ransomware’s creator’s computer. The affected files are supposed to be marked with .locked extension, e.g., picture.jpg.locked. Once the encryption process is over the infection should show a message saying it was created for educational purposes. If the malware was designed to extort money from users, it would have shown instructions on how to pay a ransom. Not to mention, the threat would encrypt directories users actually have or entire disks.
CryptoGod 2018 Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
What you should know if you ever encounter an infection like CryptoGod 2018 Ransomware, but created for malicious purposes is paying the ransom does not guarantee you will get your file back; even if the hackers claim it does. This is why we recommend erasing such malicious applications instead of putting up with any demands displayed on their ransom notes. If you are interested in how one could erase this particular file-encrypting application, you should have a look at the removal guide available below. Just keep it in mind, if you ever come across a truly dangerous threat, it might be safer to use a legitimate antimalware tool instead.
Eliminate CryptoGod 2018 Ransomware
- Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously.
- Pick Task Manager.
- Take a look at the Processes tab.
- Locate a process with a description saying CryptoGod.
- Mark this process and select the End Task button.
- Click Windows Key+E.
- Navigate to the suggested paths:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%Desktop
%USERPROFILE%Downloads - Locate a file that was executed when the system got infected, right-click the malicious file and select Delete.
- Look for the malware’s ransom note, right-click it and press Delete.
- Leave File Explorer.
- Empty Recycle bin.
- Restart the computer.
In non-techie terms:
CryptoGod 2018 Ransomware can encrypt various files, but according to our computer security specialists, it can do so only on a particular folder that we any normal users would have. Besides, it looks like the malware was created for educational purposes, which means its creators have no intentions to attack anyone with it. The message displayed by the malware only process it as it does not ask to pay a ransom, but simply states it was created for a school project. If you want to learn more about its capabilities or what an actual malicious file-encrypting application could do after entering your system you should read the main text. To demonstrate how such an infection might be erased from the system manually we have prepared a removal guide located a bit below this text, so if you would like to find out how to get rid of it as well, you should take a look at the instructions too.