Cerber 4.1.3 Ransomware Removal and File Recovery

Cerber 4.1.3 is a nasty Ransomware virus, which will encrypt all of your files. This article will help you remove Cerber 4.1.3 Ransomware from your PC.

The purpose of this article is to present our readers with all the necessary information concerning Cerber 4.1.3 – one of the newest malicious programs of the Ransomware type. These nasty viruses are able to lock your files with a sophisticated encryption and demand a ransom payment if you want to get your data back. If you are one of the many victims of this noxious piece of software, make sure to carefully read through each paragraph in order to get a better understanding of what you are currently dealing with.

What makes Ransomware different from other viruses?

One of the main reasons why this particular type of harmful software is so problematic and difficult to detect and remove in time is because programs of this kind have a very different approach comparing to other malicious viruses like Trojans, Spyware, Worms, etc. Most other viruses aim to directly inflict some damage onto the computer they have infected or administer some other kind of noxious task like spying or money theft. On the other hand, as we already said, Cerber 4.1.3 uses encryption to lock your files and documents. However, since there are quite a few programs that use some sort of an encryption for their files, the majority of security software does not treat encryption as something malicious. The difference is that legal and legit programs enable your PC to read through that encryption so that you can access the affected data. This does not apply to Ransomware. The only way for you to ever access files locked by Cerber 4.1.3 is if you get the decryption code. This is, in fact, what the ransom is for. Once you have been denied access to your own data, you are notified that you need to pay a certain amount of money if you want that code.

A detailed look into the encryption process

In fact, Ransomware doesn’t directly take one of your files and encrypt it. The actual process is a bit more complicated. Cerber 4.1.3 first needs to copy all your data and it is actually the copies that have been locked by the encryption. However, after this the Ransomware deletes the original files and even though you still have their copies that have been made by the virus, those copies are inaccessible. It is important to know that the process might take a while, especially on less powerful computers that have a lot of data stored on them. The Ransomware also requires considerable amounts of CPU and RAM usage and free disk space, which in turn can lead to a significant PC slowdown. Therefore, it is theoretically possible that you notice the virus’ activity while it is still underway. This might enable you to intercept its activity and save at least some of your files. That is why, if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms of a Ransomware infection, shut your PC down ASAP and have it examined by an technician. Also, if you think your system might be infected by the virus, do not connect any other devices to it because they might get contaminated as well.

After Cerber 4.1.3 has locked your files, it displays a notification on your PC screen. The message tells you that you need to pay a certain amount of money in order to receive the needed code. There should also be instructions on how to make the transfer. Oftentimes, the payment is made in bitcoins or some other cryptocurrency, since those are very hard to trace and the hacker can remain fully anonymous when blackmailing users. This also means that if you pay them the money, you will likely never get it back, because there won’t be anybody to sue.

Potential courses of action and tips for the future

Unfortunately, if your data has already been encrypted, there is not very much you can do. Paying the ransom is one possibility, however, we strongly advise against going for it. You can never know if you will actually get the code or if you’d simply be wasting your money. A better alternative would be trying our guide below this article that will help you remove the nasty software from your PC and potentially restore your files. Still, keep in mind that dealing with a Ransomware encryption is tricky and this guide might not be able to solve everything. Still, it is a much better course of action that won’t cost you anything and if it works for you, then you won’t have to spend any more money and time on trying to handle the situation.

One more thing to bear in mind is that it is very important that you keep any Ransomware viruses out of your machine from now on. Therefore, make sure you only visit sites that are reliable and trustworthy. Do not download anything from shady and illegal sources. Delete without opening any suspicious e-mail messages and links no matter who sends them to you and always have an updated, high-quality anti-virus program, since sometimes Cerber 4.1.3 might use a backdoor virus in order to get inside your PC. Last but not least, make a backup of your important data files – this is probably the best way to handle a potential Ransomware attack, since you’d always have accessible copies of your data in a safe and secure place.

Cerber 4.1.3 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

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.