How to remove C3RB3R Ransomware and decrypt .LOCK3D files

What is C3RB3R Ransomware

C3RB3R is a variant of the Cerber Ransomware, a type of malware designed to encrypt data and demand ransoms for its decryption. Ransomware typically renames encrypted files, and C3RB3R is no exception. It adds the .LOCK3D extension (with the capital letter “O”) or .L0CK3D (with a zero “0”) to filenames. For example, a file initially named 1.jpg would appear as either 1.jpg.LOCK3D or 1.jpg.L0CK3D following encryption. The encryption method used by C3RB3R is not explicitly mentioned in the search results, but it’s safe to assume that it uses a strong encryption algorithm, as is common with most ransomware. Once the encryption process is completed, C3RB3R drops a ransom-demanding message titled read-me3.txt; the number in the filename may vary. The ransom note warns the victim against deleting the text file and informs them that the inaccessible files have been encrypted. The only method of recovering the data is by purchasing the decryption software from the attackers. The ransom is 0.085000 BTC (Bitcoin cryptocurrency), but if it is not paid within five days, the sum will increase to 0.170000 BTC.

Unfortunately, there are currently no free decryption tools available for C3RB3R Ransomware. Decrypting .LOCK3D files is a complex process that requires the decryption key, which is typically held by the attackers. As mentioned earlier, there are currently no free decryption tools available for C3RB3R ransomware. Therefore, the best course of action is to restore the files from a backup, if available. If not, victims are advised not to pay the ransom, as there’s no guarantee that the attackers will provide the decryption key after payment. Instead, they should report the incident to local authorities and seek professional help. In conclusion, the best defense against C3RB3R ransomware and similar threats is to maintain regular backups of important files, keep your operating system and software updated, and use a reliable antivirus program to scan your system regularly.

How C3RB3R Ransomware infects computers

C3RB3R Ransomware primarily infiltrates computers through drive-by downloads, spam emails and messages, online scams, malvertising, dubious download channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting sites, Peer-to-Peer sharing networks, etc.), illegal software activation (“cracking”) tools, and fake updates. In many cases, victims themselves open ransomware executables since these files are usually presented as ordinary content.

1. Download C3RB3R Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .LOCK3D files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like C3RB3R Ransomware

C3RB3R Ransomware files:


read-me3.txt (number in the filename may vary)
{randomname}.exe


C3RB3R Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .LOCK3D files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .LOCK3D files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .LOCK3D files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with C3RB3R Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .LOCK3D files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like C3RB3R Ransomware , in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. C3RB3R Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro