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In this article we are going to try and help you remove Cerber 4.0. Our instructions cover all Windows versions.
When we talk about harmful software…
Cerber 4.0 is a version of the most dangerous type of software, Ransomware, known to users ever since the dawn of the Web. These virus programs sneak into your PC quietly, and then compile a list with the files that matter to you by carefully reviewing the content of your drives and disks. The result is the full encryption of all these files with a very complex encryption key. The infected user normally finds out about the contamination when the ransom message gets broadcast on their computer’s display. Such a notification could contain deadlines, payment details like the type of the required currency (usually bitcoins) and possibly some more threats.
Where does Ransomware lurk?
This extremely malicious type of software might be found in many various locations – video-streaming pages; torrent-sharing sites; spam letters from your Inbox and Spam Directory; contagious attachments in the form of archives, photos, documents. Mostly, Ransomware-based programs could be caught from malicious or fake advertisements you may come across on the Internet. If this is the case, once you click on the fake pop-up, your computer catches the Ransomware inside it immediately. In case, Cerber 4.0 comes from your email, it is usually accompanied by a Trojan horse. In this case, the Trojan horse finds a weakness in your system, which is later used for sneaking Cerber 4.0 in. This is the most awful scenario, as in such a case you get two virus contaminations at the same time.
How does Cerber 4.0 define which files to encrypt?
This process depends on the number and the capacity of the disks and drives of your machine. It could take time and a noticeable amount of resources, thus making your device slower than usual. Such a process consists of scanning all the directories on your PC, determining which ones you open on a daily or a regular basis and encrypting the data inside them. The actual encryption process typically uses up a great amount of resources like RAM and CPU as well. While it is taking place, it could appear in your Task Manager as the process consuming the most resources. In such a case, you may be able to stop the infection, as it has not been completed yet. Just shut down the whole system and hire a specialist to help you proceed with harmless and effective actions against this Ransomware-born virus. In spite of the possibility to spot the contamination while it is still in progress, most of the recorded cases show that an infection normally is noticed only after the appearance of the corresponding ransom notification on the victim user’s monitor.
What makes such an infection so harmful?
Normally the contamination caused by a version of Ransomware cannot be counteracted easily. You may try to fight them via different means but they are among the most difficult to be removed. The same goes with their typical consequences – the process of decryption is very hard to be achieved. It is possible that you won’t be able to get your files back and uninstall this dangerous program, no matter what you do. We offer a Removal Guide for this very purpose below, but this is not a promise for the recovery of your locked-up data, it is just a means of getting rid of the virus. In some cases it might also help for the restoration of the encoded files, but it may not work this way for you. The decision to pay the demanded sum may not help either – the cyber criminals who are disturbing you might just run off with the ransom and you may never hear from the again. Nothing guarantees the safe removal of such a harmful program or the entire recovery of the affected files.
What should you do then in case of such a contamination?
There are some options you may consider before agreeing to pay the ransom the hackers demand from you. First of all, research the topic, removal guides like ours might appear helpful and effective in your case. Secondly, consider asking an expert in the field for help. It is true that even professionals might find Cerber 4.0 difficult to deal with, however, you could at least try. Last but not least, develop some healthy cyber habits – back your files up whenever you can, so as not to give anyone the opportunity to harass you. Install a powerful anti-malware tool, it may also help. And, of course, whatever you do online, avoid all the potential Ransomware-spreading web addresses and items.
Cerber 4.0 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.
- 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.
- 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 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!