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In this article we are going to try and help you remove Cerber 4.0.3 Ransomware. Our instructions cover all Windows versions.
If you have found our page due to a recent infection with Cerber 4.0.3 ransomware virus, we can understand that you might be feeling quite panicked right now. We’d like to begin the following article by saying that there’s no need to worry at this point as the worst has already happened – your files have been encrypted by this horrible ransomware and you’ve already been startled with the gruesome ransom note that alerted you of what had just taken place on your computer. Below this article you will find a removal guide with detailed instruction that you are to follow closely, if you want to rid yourself of this malware. Removing Cerber 4.0.3 is crucial to your system’s safety, as leaving it on your machine could potentially lead to another case of encryption of even more of your files.
How Cerber 4.0.3 travels and how it operates
Most ransomware viruses rely on malvertisements for their distribution. Malvertisements are an increasingly popular means for spreading malicious software and they are usually either created from scratch as misleading online ads or were former legitimate ads that were taken advantage of by hackers with ill intentions. Either way, clicking on a fake ad like that will land you the malicious software, as it will silently infiltrate your system, possibly without you even suspecting it. Another very widely used method are spam emails and these often also carry a Trojan horse in them. In those cases, the Trojan is first activated by the targeted user opening the attachment, which contains it. After this, the Trojan will automatically download the ransomware or Cerber 4.0.3 in this case. Finally, the encryption process begins, which involves an initial scan of your computer’s drives for certain file types. Then, encrypted copies of the files are created, following which the originals are deleted and the victim is left with a bunch of inaccessible files. Last but not least, a ransom note is displayed, which will typically inform the user of the encryption that has just taken place. There will also be details regarding the amount the hackers require in order to restore your access to the affected data, how and where to transfer it to, as well as possibly a deadline, upon reaching which you might be threatened with complete data loss or increase in ransom amount.
With all these gory details behind us now, let’s talk practical. What are your options? First of all, we highly recommend you locate and delete Cerber 4.0.3 with the help of the removal guide, as stated above. This is truly important and in the event that it could have entered with the help of a Trojan, you should also scan your system for that, too. After this you will be faced with two options: you can either comply with the hackers’ demands and pay them or you can try to restore your files on your own, without paying anyone anything. In the event that the second option sounds more appealing to you, you can find detailed steps in the said guide that are directed towards restoring the deleted original files. There is unfortunately no guarantee that this will work and your files will necessarily be recovered, but by the very least it won’t hurt to try.
If you decide that you can afford to pay the requested amount, there’s more to consider than just your cash. For one, you might never receive the decryption key that you need in order to access the files. The cyber criminals couldn’t care less about you or your files, so there’s little chance of them actually send you anything in return, once they’ve gotten your money. But even if you do receive the key, it’s highly possible that it may not work. Not to mention that sending criminals money is almost the same as sponsoring their illegal activities. After all, it’s the only motivation they have to continue with their blackmailing scheme, so why give it to them? Whatever decision you make, it is yours and yours alone to make, so be sure to think this through and weigh your options first. Our advice to you from now on is to be on the lookout for such threats and mind the online locations you go to. Avoid shady and suspicious websites, especially the ads on them, and be extremely cautious around spam emails.
Cerber 4.0.3 Ransomware Removal
# 1
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Enter Windows Safe mode.
- Win 7 Users: Restart your PC –> keep on clicking F8 –> In the subsequent Menu select Safe Mode with Networking.
- Win 8 Users: Start Button –> Control Panel –> System and Security –> Administrative Tools –> System Configuration –> In the subsequent Menu select Safe Boot –>
- Win 10 users: Start Menu –> Power Options Menu –> Hold down the SHIFT button while clicking on Restart –> Troubleshoot –> Advanced Options –> Startup Settings –> Restart –> In the subsequent Menu select Safe Mode with Networking.
# 2
Open Task Manager and locate any processes associated with Cerber 4.0.3.
- Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC keys simultaneously –> Processes Tab –> Select a suspicious process (use Google or ask us in the comments if you are not sure about a process) –> Right Click and Open File Location –> End the suspicious process in Task Manager –> Delete the Folders containing the suspicious files.
# 3
Open the Registry Editor and search for Cerber 4.0.3.
- Win 7 Users: Click Start and type regedit –> Enter –> Press CTRL + F buttons –> Type Cryp1 Virus in the search field.
- Win 8/10 users: Start Button –> Choose Run –> type regedit –> Enter Press CTRL + F buttons –> Type Cerber 4.0.3 in the search field.
# 4
Try to recover your files. First you will need System Restore.
- Win 7 Users: Start button –> Type Windows System Restore –> Enter –> Open System Restore –> Select a Restore Point and revert to it.
- Win 8 Users: Hold down the Windows key + Q –> Type Recovery –> Settings –> Choose the Recovery icon –> Open System Restore –> Select a Restore Point.
- Win 10 Users: Start Menu –> Power Options Menu –> Hold down the SHIFT button while clicking on Restart –> Troubleshoot –> Advanced Options –> System Restore –> Select a Restore Point and apply it.
Secondly use program that can access your Shadow Copies.
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- Use Google to find the official website of such a program and download it.
- Use the program to select the file types and the hard drive locations you want the program to scan for.
- Start the scan and keep in mind that it might take a while.
- Once the scan has been completed just select the files you want to be recovered.
If you have questions or suggestions feel free to use our comments section!