What is CryWiper Ransomware
CryWiper is a devastating virus that damages the configuration of data to make it inaccessible and then demands money from victims for fake decryption. CryWiper developers disguise their software as ransomware that encrypts data, however, it is in fact a data wiper that simply corrupts the files. While running “encryption”, the virus deletes all shadow copies from the root drive and appends the new .CRY extension to highlight the files. For instance, a file originally named 1.pdf will turn into 1.pdf.CRY and become permanently damaged. After this, CryWiper creates a file called README.txt with misleading decryption instructions. It is known that CryWiper avoids damaging .exe, .dll, .lnk, .msi, and .sys files and others stored in Boot, System, and Windows directories. In addition, this virus has also been observed getting distributed via the browserupdate.exe malicious file, programmed in C++ language, and targetting organizations that are localized in Russia.
All your important files were encrypted on this computer.
You can verify this by click on see files an try open them.
Encrtyption was produced using unique KEY generated for this computer.
To decrypt files, you need to otbtain private key.
The single copy of the private key, with will allow you to decrypt the files, is locate on a secret server on the internet;
The server will destroy the key within 24 hours after encryption completed.
Payment have to be made in maxim 24 hours
To retrieve the private key, you need to pay 0.5 BITCOINS
Bitcoins have to be sent to this address: bc1qdr90p8l5jwen4ymewl7276z45rpzfhm70x0rfd
After you've sent the payment send us an email to : fast_decrypt_and_protect@tutanota.com with subject : ERROR-ID-- (0.5BITCOINS)
If you are not familiar with bitcoin you can buy it from here :
SITE : www.localbitcoin.com
After we confirm the payment , we send the private key so you can decrypt your system.
The note sheds light on what must be done to return the “encrypted” files. It says victims have to pay 0.5 BTC (≈ 8400 USD) within 24 hours, otherwise, the unique decryption key will be deleted from the servers of cybercriminals – de facto making decryption permanently impossible in the future. Once the payment is made, victims are guided to notify the extortionists via e-mail (fast_decrypt_and_protect@tutanota.com) and include the specified text (from the text note) in the subject of an e-mail message. However, please note that CryWiper does not encrypt, but rather damages all the targetted files. This means using any decryption methods (including the payment to cybercriminals) is completely pointless. Those trusting these cybercriminals will most likely be scammed in the end. Users can only recover their data from a backup or shadow copies if Windows did not store them in the system drive (“C:”) at the time of infection. If you do not have any copies of files on external devices or cloud storage, you can still give a try to some third-party recovery tools discussed in our article below. The success will depend on whether you have any shadow copies stored on other non-system drives, which is unfortunately rarely the case. Whatever the case, it is important to make sure CryWiper is deleted from your system – to prevent it from possibly damaging other types of data. Use our guide below to do so with a free dedicated antivirus.
How CryWiper Ransomware infected your computer
As was previously mentioned, CryWiper starts its malicious activity after users initiate the malicious file named “browserupdate.exe”. Numerous reports indicate that this file is likely distributed via a phishing website that claims users’ website is outdated and therefore baits into downloading the malicious file that will ostensibly update it. In fact, it will simply install CryWiper onto a system. This distribution method is not yet verified, however, it is likely that cybercriminals have used it indeed. Alternatively, malicious files that inject various malware can also be spread via e-mail spam letters, trojans, deceptive third-party downloads, fake software updates/installers, backdoors, keyloggers, botnets, and system exploits. Similar to deceptive websites, cybercriminals may send deceptive e-mail letters that trick others into opening some malicious attachment (.DOCX, .XLSX, .PDF, .EXE, .ZIP, .RAR, or .JS extensions). Please note that many such distribution vectors use click-bait tricks to make users believe they are downloading authentic and genuine software. Never trust suspicious/untrustworthy pages that force you to do to something. Always double-check the displayed information and download software solely from official and trusted resources.
- Download CryWiper Ransomware Removal Tool
- Get decryption tool for .CRY files
- Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
- Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
- Restore files with Shadow Explorer
- How to protect from threats like CryWiper Ransomware
Download Removal Tool
To remove CryWiper Ransomware completely, we recommend you to use SpyHunter 5. It detects and removes all files, folders, and registry keys of CryWiper Ransomware. The trial version of Spyhunter 5 offers virus scan and 1-time removal for FREE.
Alternative Removal Tool
To remove CryWiper Ransomware completely, we recommend you to use Norton Antivirus from Symantec. It detects and removes all files, folders, and registry keys of CryWiper Ransomware and prevents future infections by similar viruses.
CryWiper Ransomware files:
README.txt
browserupdate.exe
CryWiper Ransomware registry keys:
no information
How to decrypt and restore .CRY files
Use automated decryptors
Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor
Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .CRY files. Download it here:
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 .CRY 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 CryWiper 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 .CRY files
- Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
- Click Recover Data button.
- Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
- Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
- Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.
Using Windows Previous Versions option:
- Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
- Select Previous Versions tab.
- Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
- To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
- In case there is no items in the list choose alternative method.
Using Shadow Explorer:
- Download Shadow Explorer program.
- Run it and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
- Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
- Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
- In case there are no other dates in the list, choose alternative method.
If you are using Dropbox:
- Login to the DropBox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
- Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
- Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.
How to protect computer from viruses, like CryWiper 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.
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. CryWiper 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.
