Crypt0 HT Ransomware

Crypt0 HT Ransomware is another file-encrypting ransomware we add to the black list. This infection comes from the same family of vicious malware as Crypt0 Ransomware, Cryp70n1c Ransomware, French Ransomware, and many others. These were created using the Hidden Tear open source code, and our research team has analyzed hundreds of them. At the moment, the devious threat we are discussing in this report does not function properly, but that is something that could change very fast. Maybe the infection is still being developed, or maybe there is an issue that is currently being fixed. All in all, although this threat does not function at the moment, it would be a mistake to underestimate it. Instead, you need to learn all about it so you could keep yourself protected against it. This guide also includes instructions on how to remove Crypt0 HT Ransomware in case you end up facing this threat. If anything discussed in this report raises questions for you, note that you can start discussions in the comments section.

According to our researchers who have analyzed the code of the suspicious Crypt0 HT Ransomware, it is most likely to spread using corrupted spam emails. It was found that the well-known icon of Adobe PDF is used by this malicious infection, and so it is most likely that the launcher is concealed as a harmless PDF file. If the user is tricked into opening it, the infection is executed silently. If this obstacle is overcome, the devious Crypt0 HT Ransomware starts encrypting files, and it appears that it can encrypt everything outside %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMFILES(x86)%, and %WINDIR% directories. According to our analysis, over 200 types of files can be corrupted by this threat, and, of course, its main targets include documents, media files, and photos. Right before the files are encrypted, the ransomware also communicates with a C&C server to send your computer name, user name, and a private key that can be used for decryption. All of this is done silently, and it is unlikely that you will uncover the infection until it reveals itself, which it should do using a window entitled “Crypt0,” as well as a text file named “READ_IT.html”.

It is not yet clear what message Crypt0 HT Ransomware represents using the “READ_IT.html” file, but the sample we tested showed the “Crypt0” window, which, by the way, can be closed via the Taskbar. According to the message represented within the window, your files were encrypted using the AES-256 key, and that you have 6 days to pay a ransom to get your files decrypted. The message points to the HTML file. Our researchers claim that the cyber criminals behind Crypt0 HT Ransomware demand a ransom of 450 USD to be transferred to 1KDkc2xxvptfWt65h5GHUrRo36Tj4aMSH9. So far, no one has transferred any money to this Bitcoin Address, which is good news. That being said, we cannot guarantee that this threat has not invaded operating systems and encrypted files, or will not do so in the future. In case this has happened, you do not want to pay the ransom, and the reason is that cyber criminals will not give you the decryption tool/password/key in return. They will simply take the money and disappear. That is why instead of showing how to pay the ransom, we show how to remove the ransomware.

We offer a simple guide that shows how to delete Crypt0 HT Ransomware manually; however, we cannot guarantee that everyone will successfully eliminate this threat because the most important step, of course, is to erase the launcher, and its location can be random. Needless to say, if you are having issues eliminating malware manually, you should not push yourself to do it. Instead, employ anti-malware software you know you can trust, and the devious threat will be eliminated successfully. If other malicious threats exist, they will be deleted simultaneously. On top of that, this software will take care of your virtual security in the future, and that is extremely important if you want to keep malware away in the future. You also need to be more cautious about the spam emails you open, the files you download, and the links you click because ransomware could be spread in various ways. Also, note that the best way to protect your files is to back them up externally.

Crypt0 HT Ransomware Removal

1. Move to the Taskbar and right-click on the icon representing the Crypt0 window.
2. Select Close window.
3. Find and Delete the malicious {random name}.exe that is the launcher of the ransomware.
4. Delete the READ_IT.html file placed on the Desktop.
5. Empty Recycle Bin.
6. Perform a full system scan to check for malicious leftovers.