Crypt38 Ransomware

Crypt38 Ransomware is a threat that might put your files at risk. This threat is specifically targeted at Windows users who speak Russian, which is why it is expected to hit those countries where Russian is the main language. This ransomware first corrupts the files and then creates a message that appears in Russian, and it informs users that they are expected to pay 1000 rubles as a ransom in return of the decryption of the files. The notification is very short, but it gets the message across, and that is all that cyber criminals need. This notification is controlled by the same executable that is used for the execution of the ransomware itself, and it might have a misleading name. For example, our sample was named “lsass.exe”, and this name also belongs to a legitimate Windows file that represents the Local Security Authentication Server. Needless to say, this might make it more difficult for you to remove Crypt38 Ransomware. All in all, deleting this threat is crucial.

According to our research, Crypt38 Ransomware is primarily spread via corrupted spam emails, and its executable is introduced to users as a harmless file. For example, the infection could slither in once you open a normal-looking PDF file that should help you access some kind of important information. Let this be a lesson for you that you should not trust unfamiliar senders and emails that share unexpected content, even when it is attractive. Once the malicious file is opened, Crypt38 Ransomware starts encrypting your personal files, and it does that silently. Although this threat can encrypt .txt, .pdf, .jpg, .doc, .docx, .zip, and other types of highly sensitive files (attaches “.crypt38” extension to them), it does not corrupt files in the Windows or Program Files directories, which means that your browsers and applications will remain unharmed. The truth is that the developer of this malicious ransomware is not interested in encrypting files that can be easily replaced. This infection specifically targets personal files, such as photos and documents that you cannot restore, unless you have them backed up. Of course, if you do, you can delete Crypt38 Ransomware without further hesitation.

Once the encryption process ends, a pop-up is released to introduce you to the instructions that cyber criminals want you to follow. If you follow these instructions, you are likely to email the developer of this infection at regist3030@yandex.ru and pay the requested fee. The pop-up contains an ID that you are identified by, and this is what should help track your payment. Of course, this does not mean that your files will be decrypted once you pay the ransom. Crypt38 Ransomware creators are untrustworthy, and you cannot trust them to keep their promise to restore your files, and this is just one of the reasons why you should not make any payments. Unfortunately, many users are intimidated by the warning that reads: “Не удаляйте и не редактируйте файлы .crypt38 и файлы вируса, иначе восстановить данные нe получится.” This is a scare tactic that is meant to push you into paying the ransom without even thinking of alternative options, and you should do that. According to our research, third-party decryption tools might be active, and you should look into them first. It is possible that you will be able to decrypt your files without following the demands of cyber crooks!

Whether or not you manage to decrypt your files, you need to delete Crypt38 Ransomware from your Windows operating system. The removal of ransomware infections is usually simple because these threats hold your files hostage, and eliminating them might abolish your opportunity to restore files, which means that users should not be interested in removing them. As mentioned previously, this ransomware tries to conceal itself by naming its main file after a legitimate file (e.g., lsass.exe), which might create problems. The malicious .exe file is likely to be found in the %AppData% or %AppData%/Microsoft/Windows directories. Check the name of the suspicious file, and, if it is named after a legitimate file, check the original location. If the original file is in its place, you can erase the malicious file right away. The other two files – request.bin and encrypted – should be erased only after you decrypt your files (even if you are using third-party decryption tools). If all of this is too complicated for you, immediately install automated malware removal software.

Crypt38 Ransomware Removal

1. Simultaneously tap Win+E to launch Windows Explorer.
2. Type %AppData% and tap Enter (check the %AppData%/Microsoft/Windows directory if %AppData% does not contain malicious file).
3. Right-click and Delete these files:
   • request.bin
   • encrypted
   • lsass.exe (might have a different name).
4. Simultaneously tap Win+R keys to launch RUN.
5. Enter regedit.exe into the open box, and the Registry Editor will open.
6. Navigate to HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
7. Right-click and Delete the value named after the malicious executable, such as lsass (check if the value data points to the location of this malicious executable).