Your files were encrypted by Cerber Ransomware 4.1.1? Check our removal guide for detailed instructions on how to remove Ceber 4.1.1, as well as advise on file recovery.
Shortly after the release of Cerber 4.1.0 we see its successor in the form of Cerber 4.1.1. The encryption used and the contact message appear to be largely the same and follow well known ransomware behavior patterns.
The basics of Ransomware
Ransomware is the short form for ransom-requiring software. It means that it will demand ransom in exchange of reversing whatever it has done to your system. Actually, what else is typical for all forms of Ransomware is the locking element – this software version locks up either your data, or your screen. There could be several different subtypes of Ransomware viruses – some of them encrypt files and are parts of the file-encrypting kind. Others block your computer or your mobile phone screen and fall into the screen-locking category. The ones, which encrypt files, are considered the most dangerous group. The one that we are describing below falls exactly into the more harmful category – it blocks your data and then tries to extort money from you.
Cerber 4.1.1 could be caught in the following ways:
In case you have no idea how such a dangerous program travels across the web, here are the possible options.
# 1 Together with a Trojan horse virus. Cerber 4.1.1 could get distributed together with a Trojan. The purpose of bundling these two versions of malware together is to ensure that the Ransomware will enter the targeted system. The Trojan is the virus responsible for letting the Ransomware inside. These two viruses could be found most commonly inside contaminated emails – either in the letter itself or in any of its attachments.
# 2 Being included in malvertising campaigns. Any Ransomware could infect a machine if the owner of the device clicks on an infected fake online advertisement. This distribution method is cruel and dangerous, mainly because you can never know which ad is hazardous until an infection finally happens.
# 3 As a drive-by download from a contaminated website. Ransomware could also be incorporated into contagious webpages, whose only purpose is to distribute viruses to innocent users that are careless enough to load such a page.
# 4 Various sources. Ransomware might also be lurking inside torrents, shareware or pirated software, mostly on illegal websites as well.
Once Cerber 4.1.1 has become a part of your system
This program could precisely define which files you use most via a complete and detailed scan of all your data storages. After that a two-part key is used for the encryption of every single one of them. Such a double-component-key encryption is very complex and reversing it could be even more complicated. In fact, one part of the key you may receive for free right after the completion of the encryption. The other, the Private part will be available to you upon payment of the requested ransom. You usually find out about the ransom itself and the payment details, as well as everything Cerber 4.1.1 has done on your machine because it tends to display a large notification, which normally contains all the payment details, some more threats and sometimes preset deadlines.
What could you do in such a case?
In case the ransom-demanding alert has already been generated, you don’t have many real options. The only guaranteed thing is that you will risk the future of your encoded files. Really, no matter what you do, who helps you and what kind of specialized software you may use, you will be risking them. As we have already mentioned, such a contamination is indeed among the most malicious ones. However, you can always try implementing the instructions inside our Removal Guide. They will help you remove the virus, but we do not promise they will bring back your encrypted files. You might also hire an expert to deal with Cerber 4.1.1, however, fighting such a piece of malware could be difficult even for a professional with experience. Despite the difficulty, it is always better to spend your money this way than simply givingit to the people who are blackmailing you. Another option is to buy a piece of software against Ransomware, but only from a trustworthy source. Who knows, maybe, it will be efficient. What we do NOT recommend that you do because it may have no real effect and you may just lose your money is paying the ransom. No decryption is guaranteed even in that case and you may lose both your locked-up data and your money. Your files – your choice, so read the article carefully and make an informed decision.
Cerber 4.1.1 Ransomware 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
- 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.
- Open the Start Menu and in the search field type Task Manager.
- Open the first result and in the Processes tab, carefully look through the list of Processes.
- 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.
- 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
- Go to the ID Ransomware website. Here is a direct link.
- Follow there in order to identify the specific virus you are dealing with.
IV – Decrypt your files
- Once you have identified the virus that has encrypted your files, you must acquire the respective tool to unlock your data.
- Open your browser and search for how to decrypt ransomware, look for the name of the one that has infected your system.
- 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
- Download the Recuva tool. This will help you restore your original files so that you won’t need to actually decrypt the locked ones.
- Once you’ve downloaded the program, open it and select Next.
- Now choose the type of files you are seeking to restore and continue to the next page.
- 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.
- Click on Next and for best results, enable the Deep Scan option (note that this might take some time).
- 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.
