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In this article we are going to try and help you remove Cerber2. Our instructions cover all Windows versions.
Cerber2 locks your files and demands a payment if you want to have them restored
Cerber2 is yet another malicious program of the infamous Ransomware type of viruses. Those are notorious for locking people’s files and after that demanding ransom from the owner of the infected computer. Ransomware viruses are, in fact, nothing new. However, they’ve recently started to rapidly increase the number of computers infected by them. Furthermore, with every single day newer and more advanced Ransomware viruses are being created. This means that the methods to fight such malicious programs that have worked yesterday might turn out to be utterly useless tomorrow.
This is important to know, since probably the only effective way to deal with Cerber2 – one of the latest of its kind – is to make sure it never gets onto your PC. Here, we will try to give you all the essential information and tips that you might need in order to successfully protect your PC from such threats. For those of you who already had their files locked by the malicious virus, we have a possible guide on how to restore your files and remove the nasty software. However, before you get there, make sure that you make a mental note of everything you read. It is important to know how this specific type of malware operates since it is like no other virus class.
Cerber2’s agenda…
When Ransomware such as Cerber2 gets inside your PC, it starts copying your files while also deleting the originals. The copies have only one difference from the original files – they are encrypted. If a file is encrypted, your PC cannot access it unless it has a specific code. Newer Ransomware viruses usually use more advanced and sophisticated encryptions – this makes it even harder to decrypt the locked files. In our guide you can find a list of decryptor tools that are being freely distributed throughout the internet. We frequently update the list with the latest decryptors. However, there might not be a decryptor developed for Cerber2 yet. After the virus has locked all your files, it displays a message on your screen. The message informs you about the encryption process that has just taken place. A ransom is demanded in return for the encryption code that you need to regain access to your own files. Usually the money is paid in the form of some cyber-currency, usually bitcoins. Such currencies cannot be traced – this makes it nearly impossible to reach the actual hacker, leaving the latter in full anonymity. This is one of the main reasons why Ransomware is rapidly growing and becoming one of the biggest virtual threats that one can encounter.
What you can do once it’s too late…
When the encryption is over and the ransom-demanding message gets displayed, you should know that it is already too late for most of the methods via which you can counteract the malicious virus. In fact, after your files have been encrypted, you have almost no options to choose from. Paying the ransom might seem like a reasonable compromise, but remember, this is not like buying something from the shop. No one can guarantee you that you will actually receive the needed code even if you pay the demanded money. After all, hackers are criminals that almost always manage to remain anonymous – this further decreases their fear of getting caught and brought to justice. Instead of going straight for the ransom payment, try using our removal guide below this article. We cannot guarantee that it will fix all problems caused by the ransomware, but it won’t cost you anything and is still a much better option compared to paying money to criminals.
Make sure to remember the following tips!
There are several very important rules that you need to keep in mind so as to prevent any Ransomware infections in the future. Make a mental note of all the following tips and make sure that you remember them.
- Always have a reliable and fully-updated antivirus/antimalware program. Often malicious programs like Cerber2 get into people’s computers with the help of some other virus, for instance – a Trojan Horse. Good security software can greatly enhance your PC’s protection against such viruses.
- Stay away from shady sites and be careful with newly received e-mails that look suspicious. This should be a no-brainer but it is one of the most important rules not only for fending off Ransomware but also all sorts of other unwanted and/or malicious software.
- Always keep a back-up of your important files on a separate device. Having such a back-up makes Ransomware viruses much less scary and problematic, since you still have your files safe and accessible someplace the virus cannot reach.
- If you notice a strange behavior of your machine like unusually high levels of CPU or RAM usage and also less free-disk space than you’re supposed to have, this might be an indication of a Ransomware infection taking place. If that’s the case, it might not be too late – shut down your machine and bring it to a professional ASAP, without attaching any other devices to the PC since they can also get infected by the virus.
Remove Cerber2 Ransomware File Encryption
# 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 Cerber2.
- 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 Cerber2.
- 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 Cerber2 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!