Decrypt Cerber 4 ransomware with random 4 characters file extension

Cerber 4 ransomware locks files stored on a computer system using a strong cipher. If possible, it also targets files available via affected computer at the network shares and removable media. This locking means the infection transforms the data to be held for ransom in a number of rounds. Each round turns the information into gibberish, yet there are multiple rounds. That leads to an actual incapacity of reading the data unless the re-cycling completes. The latter is only possible with the decryption key created during the malicious encryption.

cerber-4-random-characters

The ransomware wants its victims to purchase the key, and many seem to have no choice.

The data, especially corporate, may be extremely expensive. The ransom amount claimed is essential. However, in many instances, it is much lower than the expected losses due to the failure to access the encrypted data. Those circumstances force the unhappy victims to pay, despite knowing the payments provide extra incentives to the crooks. The black hats accumulate resources for generating new strains of their deadly malware.

A peculiarity of Cerber 4 ransomware is new Readme.hta ransom note. Also Cerber 4 virus, when encoding the target files, appends random 4 characters extension at the end.

Removal of Cerber 4 ransomware does not decode the affected data. However, it is a critical measure when combined with appropriate recovery steps. Follow the instructions below to get rid of Cerber 4 viral encryption. There is a good chance to restore accessibility of the scrambled items.

Automatic removal of Cerber 4 ransomware

The benefits of using the automatic security suite to get rid of this infection are obvious: it scans the entire system and detects all potential fragments of the virus, so you are a few mouse clicks away from a complete fix.

  1. Download and install recommended malware security suite
  2. Select Start Computer Scan feature and wait until the utility comes up with the scan report. Proceed by clicking on the Fix Threats button, which will trigger a thorough removal process to address all the malware issues compromising your computer and your privacy.

Restore files locked by Cerber 4 ransomware

Cerber 4 represents a unique category of malicious software whose attack surface reaches beyond the operating system and its components, which is why removing the virus itself is a part of the fix only. As it has been mentioned, it encrypts one’s personal information, so the next phase of the overall remediation presupposes reinstating the files that will otherwise remain inaccessible.

  • Launch data recovery software

    Similarly to the rest of its fellow-infections, Cerber 4 most likely follows an operational algorithm where it erases the original versions of the victim’s files and actually encrypts their copies. This peculiarity might make your day, because forensics-focused applications like Data Recovery Pro are capable of restoring the information that has been removed. As the virus further evolves, its modus operandi may be altered – in the meanwhile, go ahead and try this.

  • Take advantage of Volume Shadow Copy Service

    This technique is based on using the native backup functionality that’s shipped with Windows operating system. Also referred to as Volume Snapshot Service (VSS), this feature makes regular backups of the user’s files and keeps their most recent versions as long as System Restore is on. Cerber 4 virus hasn’t been found to affect these copies therefore the restoration vector in question is strongly recommended. The two sub-sections below highlight the automatic and manual workflow.

  • a) Use Shadow Explorer

    Shadow Explorer is an applet that provides an easy way of retrieving previous versions of files and folders. Its pro’s include an intuitive interface where the computer’s entire file hierarchy is displayed within one window. Just pick the hard disk volume, select the object or directory to be restored, right-click on it and choose Export. Follow the app’s prompts to get the job done.Shadow Explorer

  • b) Use file properties

    Essentially, what the above-mentioned Shadow Explorer tool does is it automates the process that can otherwise be performed manually via the Properties dialog for individual files. This particular approach is more cumbrous but just as effective as its software-based counterpart, so you can proceed by right-clicking on a specific file, which has been encrypted by Cerber 4 ransomware, and selecting Properties in the context menu. The tab named Previous Versions is the next thing to click – it displays available versions of the file by date of the snapshot creation. Pick the latest copy and complete the retrieval by following the prompts.Previous Versions

  • Data backups work wonders

    Ransomware like Cerber 4 isn’t nearly as almighty and destructive in case you run regular file backups to the cloud or external data media. The virus itself can be completely removed in a matter of minutes, and the distorted information can then be just as easily recovered from the backup. Luckily, this is a growing trend, so ransom Trojans are hopefully going to become less subversive in the near future.

Verify thoroughness of the removal

Having carried out the instructions above, add a finishing touch to the security procedure by running an additional computer scan to check for residual malware activity

No ratings yet.

Please rate this

Leave a Reply

Follow Us:

Surf Spy

Surf Spy is an invisible tool that monitors the Internet activity on your computer. It captures the link of every visited web site. Read more >>

Bluescreen Screensaver

Bluescreen Screensaver will simulate the Windows Blue Screen of Death for your operating system. Read more >>

Farsighter

Farsighter monitors a remote computer invisibly by streaming real-time video to a viewer on your computer. Read more >>