How to remove CYBORG Ransomware and decrypt .petra files

What is CYBORG Ransomware

CYBORG Ransomware is a type of malicious software identified by the malware researcher GrujaRS. This ransomware is designed to encrypt user data and demand a ransom for decryption tools or software. During its encryption process, CYBORG renames files by appending the .petra extension, among others like .lazareus and .Cyborg1. For instance, an original file named 1.jpg would be renamed to 1.jpg.petra after encryption. Once the process is completed, CYBORG stores a text file named Cyborg_DECRYPT.txt on the desktop and even changes the wallpaper to inform users that their data has been encrypted. The ransom note generally demands a payment of $300 in Bitcoin, providing an email address for further contact. As is the norm with ransomware, meeting these ransom demands is strongly discouraged since there is no guarantee that the perpetrators will provide the necessary decryption tools.

Fortunately, for those whose files have been encrypted with the .petra extension, Emsisoft has released a free decryption tool specific to CYBORG ransomware. This tool can restore encrypted data without the need to pay the ransom. Users should first ensure that the ransomware is completely removed from their systems to prevent further encryption. Removal can be accomplished through reputable antivirus or anti-malware software, such as SpyHunter. Once the system is clean, users can download and utilize Emsisoft’s decryption tool to decrypt their files. Instructions and user guides for this tool are available on Emsisoft’s website, allowing victims to regain access to their files encrypted by CYBORG, including those with the .petra extension, without falling prey to the demands of cybercriminals.

How CYBORG Ransomware infects computers

CYBORG Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through a variety of deceptive methods, exploiting the user’s lack of cybersecurity awareness. One common vector is via spam email campaigns, where unsuspecting users are tricked into opening malicious attachments or clicking on infected links. These emails often masquerade as important communications, such as invoices or official notifications, to entice the recipient into engaging with them. Another method involves exploiting outdated software vulnerabilities through fake software updaters, which instead of updating the software, download and install the ransomware. Additionally, downloading software from untrusted sources or using illegal activation tools (“cracks”) can also introduce CYBORG Ransomware into the system. Once installed, the ransomware encrypts the user’s files, demanding a ransom for their decryption, thereby causing significant data loss and disruption.

1. Download CYBORG Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .petra 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 CYBORG Ransomware

CYBORG Ransomware files:


Cyborg_DECRYPT.txt
{randomname}.exe


CYBORG Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .petra files

Use automated decryptors

Download Emsisoft Decryptor fo Cyborg

Use the following tool from Emsisoft called Decryptor fo Cyborg, that can decrypt .petra files. Download it here:

Download Decryptor fo Cyborg

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 .petra 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 CYBORG 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 .petra files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the 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 a 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 a 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 an 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 CYBORG 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. CYBORG 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