Cerber Ransomware 4.1.0 Removal

This guide will help you remove the Cerber Ransomware 4.1.0 for free. Files encrypted by Ceber Ransomware 4.1.0 cannot currently be decrypted, but alternative solutions do exist.

You have probably reached this page because a strange file encryption caused by Cerber 4.1.0 ransomware has been keeping your files hostage. This is a very dangerous cryptovirus and if you wish to remove it from your system effectively, you will surely need some assistance. Luckily, our “How to remove” team has a helpful removal guide for you, which will help you manually delete this nasty ransomware from your computer. What about the encrypted files? We thought about them as well, and in the same guide, we will give you some tips on what you could try in order to restore some of your data. However, we have to warn you that the Cerber 4.1.0 infection is a really bad one, therefore, we cannot promise you that the restoration tips will work for you. Still, if you don’t want to pay the ransom to these criminals, it is worth trying every possible solution, right?

Straight to the point – what kind of threat is Cerber 4.1.0?

As a typical representative of the Ransomware family, Cerber 4.1.0 is a very malicious script that was developed with the idea of invading a computer in a stealthy way and encrypting the files found on the hard drives with an almost unbreakable algorithm. As a result, all the locked files will become inaccessible, and the victims won’t be able to open them – an error message will occur every time. Some strange change to the file extensions may be applied to ensure that no program is able to recognize or open the encrypted data. Once all access to the files is completely prevented, Cerber 4.1.0 will display a ransom note on the victim’s screen and ask for ransom to be paid in exchange for a decryption key. This note typically contains payment instructions from the hackers behind the ransomware and some deadlines for the payment to be made. Usually, the crooks won’t accept normal payment methods, which could be easily traced by the authorities. Instead, they demand their ransom in Bitcoins – a special cryptocurrency, which is impossible to trace and helps the crooks to remain undetected.

How can Cerber 4.1.0 infect you?

Ransomware is one of the most popular viruses nowadays and cyber criminals use various delusive methods to distribute it on the web. To infect more users, they usually upload the malicious payload as an attachment to spam emails, embed it into misleading links or compromised websites, bundle it into software installers, torrents, exploit kits or different applications. A Trojan horse is commonly used to introduce the ransomware inside the victim’s system. However, one of the most effective infection methods is malvertising. With the help of this method, hackers are able to hide a harmful script inside different ads, pop-ups, banners, or web pages, which appear legitimate but are in fact fake. They are only used to mask the ransomware and delude people into clicking on them and, of course, getting infected. Unfortunately, there is no way to know whether an ad or a pop-up is fake or real, that’s why, for your own safety, we would advise you to avoid clicking on suspicious messages that randomly appear on your screen. The same applies if you happen to land on shady or unfamiliar websites – just close them and try not to interact with their content. Having said this, different online download platforms, file sharing sites, torrent platforms and intrusive web pages are some of the favorite places where hackers love to hide their malicious software. Therefore, it is a good idea to abstain from downloading content from such places. Better stay safe and keep up with some reputable software and content sources.

How to clean your system from the infection

If the Cerber 4.1.0 infection has already taken place and your files are already encrypted, there isn’t much you can do. The hackers would probably try to persuade you that if you pay the ransom, they will release a decryption key, with the help of which you will be able to completely restore all of your files. However, you should better think twice about whether you should trust these unscrupulous cyber criminals. If they have invaded your system once, there is nothing that could stop them from messing with your computer and inserting even more destructive viruses in it again. And even if you pay, there is no guarantee you will really get the decryption key, let alone that it will really work. The risk may really not be worth it. That’s why we suggest you try the removal guide below. It will cost you nothing, but in exchange, it will remove Cerber 4.1.0 from your system and prevent the hackers from having unauthorized access to your computer.

Cerber Ransomware 4.1.0 Removal

 Here is what you need to do in order to remove a Ransomware virus from you computer.

I – Reveal Hidden files and folders and utilize the task manager

1. Use the Folder Options in order to reveal the hidden files and folders on your PC. If you do not know how to do that, follow this link.
2. Open the Start Menu and in the search field type Task Manager.
   
3. Open the first result and in the Processes tab, carefully look through the list of Processes.
4. If you notice with the virus name or any other suspicious-looking or that seems to consume large amounts of memory, right-click on it and open its file location. Delete everything in there.
   

• Make sure that the hidden files and folders on your PC are visible, else you might not be able to see everything.

5. Go back to the Task Manager and end the shady process.

II – Boot to Safe Mode

• Boot your PC into Safe Mode. If you do not know how to do it, use this guide/linked/.

III – Identify the threat

1. Go to the ID Ransomware website. Here is a direct link.
2. Follow there in order to identify the specific virus you are dealing with.

IV – Decrypt your files

1. Once you have identified the virus that has encrypted your files, you must acquire the respective tool to unlock your data.
2. Open your browser and search for how to decrypt ransomware, look for the name of the one that has infected your system.
3. With any luck, you’d be able to find a decryptor tool for your ransomware. If that doesn’t happen try Step V as a last ditch effort to save your files.

V – Use Recuva to restore files deleted by the virus

1. Download the Recuva tool. This will help you restore your original files so that you won’t need to actually decrypt the locked ones.
2. Once you’ve downloaded the program, open it and select Next.
   
3. Now choose the type of files you are seeking to restore and continue to the next page.
4. When asked where your files were, before they got deleted, either use the option In a specific location and provide that location or choose the opt for the I am not sure alternative – this will make the program look everywhere on your PC.
   
5. Click on Next and for best results, enable the Deep Scan option (note that this might take some time).
   
6. Wait for the search to finish and then select which of the listed files you want to restore.

• Keep in mind it is possible that not all files might be fully recovered. You can check in what condition the files are from the State column in the list of deleted files.