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In this article we are going to try and help you remove Cerber 4.0.2 Ransomware. Our instructions cover all Windows versions.
Ransomware is without a doubt the world’s most problematic cyber threat. The encryption it applies to the files on a certain computer it had managed to infiltrate is very difficult to break and often even impossible, which leaves those encrypted files useless to anyone. Cerber 4.0.2, as one of the latest ransomware variants, is also quite capable of leaving such devastating consequences after it’s swooped across your system. Not to mention the psychological factor of these viruses that mainly catch their victims completely off guard and then frighten them with a truly disturbing message on their screen that informs them of the terrible invasion that had just taken place. For this reason it is important to try and remain calm and not give the hackers behind Cerber 4.0.2 the advantage by panicking and descending into a state of despair. Below this article you will find a removal guide, which is designed to help you locate and remove the ransomware from your machine. This is an important step in countering the virus, so make sure to stick to the instructions closely and remove every trace of Cerber 4.0.2.
Why have I been targeted?
Actually, users are rarely singled out with the purpose of infecting them specifically with ransomware. This could happen if you are the holder of important data on your computer that belongs to, say, a giant corporation or other organization that would be sure to have a deeper pocket than your regular user. With that being said, it is more likely that you downloaded the virus yourself without even noticing it. It could have been sent to you within a spam email, perhaps you downloaded some contaminated torrent or other content online or maybe you even clicked on a misleading ad. Malvertising is the number one strategy hackers rely on for the distribution of viruses like Cerber 4.0.2 and you’d be surprised to find out just how many popups, banners and hyperlinks have actually been injected with a malicious payload. The scary thing about a ransomware infection, however, is the fact that it happens without any sign, notice or any form of indication. You will not realize the moment when the virus has entered your machine and, furthermore, you also probably won’t be aware of the encryption process as it takes place.
Once on your computer, ransomware typically scans your drives for certain file types and the proceeds to make copies of those files. The only difference is that the copies will now have a different extension – one that no program can read without the special decryption key, for which you are required to pay ransom. The original files are then deleted and the victim is left with the inaccessible copies. After all of the data has successfully been encrypted, the ransom note is usually displayed on the monitor, typically including information about the encryption process, payment details and possibly even a deadline. It’s possible in rare cases to intercept an ongoing encryption, but this would require a somewhat weaker processor than most modern day machines and also a substantial amount of data stored on it. This will result in a very significant slowdown of your entire PC, which should prompt you to suspect that something might be going wrong. If this does happen, the fastest way of determining whether or not you’ve been infected is by opening your Task Manager and sorting the processes by CPU/RAM used. If there is a virus – it will be at the very top and after seeing it, it is essential that you shut down your PC immediately and seek professional help.
Should I pay the ransom?
That is entirely up to you. As a rule of thumb, we don’t recommend complying with the hackers’ demands. Paying them won’t guarantee the successful recovery of our files, even in the event that they do send you the decryption key (which is often not even the case). There are free decryptor tools listed on our page, which we recommend you have a look at, if the guide below doesn’t help you restore you files. Whatever you do, be sure to delete the virus from your machine and scan it for a Trojan that could have possibly let Cerber 4.0.2 inside. If you don’t feel confident to work with the below instructions, we have a removal tool available here, which will do the job for you in just a matter of a click.
Remove Cerber 4.0.2 from your system
# 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 4.0.2.
- 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 4.0.2.
- 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 4.0.2 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!