Cetori Ransomware

Cetori Ransomware is not one of those infections that try to convince Windows users that their personal files were encrypted. It actually encrypts files. The threat uses a complex encryption algorithm to change the data so that victims could not read the files. The purpose of this is to convince the victims that they need to pay money for a decryption tool. So, should you do it? Even if you are not able to restore your files or replace them, obeying cybercriminals is never something you should do. Of course, if you are willing to take the risk, that is up to you, but we suggest that you at least exhaust all other options beforehand. We discuss these options further in the report, and if you are interested in learning more, please continue reading. You will also find information that will help you remove Cetori Ransomware. Needless to say, this threat must be deleted as soon as possible, regardless of what happens to your personal files.

According to our team of malware experts, Cetori Ransomware belongs to the Stop Ransomware family, which is why it is so similar to Masodas Ransomware, Mogranos Ransomware, Darus Ransomware, and so many other threats from the same family. These infections could be operated by different attackers, and if that is the case, different distribution methods could be employed. Of course, it is most likely that the threat’s installer would be introduced to you as a harmless spam email attachment or freeware bundled with more desirable software. If the infection fools you, it is executed silently, and then the encryption begins. The “.cetori” extension is added to all encrypted files, and so you can determine which ones were affected just by looking at them. Next to these files, you might find a file named “_readme.txt.” This file is not malicious, and so there is no harm in opening it. That being said, the message is set up to terrorize you, and so you need to be cautious.

The ransom note introduced by Cetori Ransomware claims that “photos, databases, documents and other important” files were encrypted and that a “decrypt tool and unique key” is necessary. Of course, this comes at a price, and it is not small. The ransom note claims that the cost of the decryption tool and key is $980, but it also suggests that those who pay within 72 hours have a discount, and can pay $490. Well, how generous. Needless to say, the ransom is big, and you need to think carefully if that is the kind of money you want to lose. Note that once you make the payment, it will be impossible to get the money back, and you are likely to want that once the decryptor is not given to you in return. Of course, we cannot guarantee that this is how things would turn out, but that is the most probable scenario. The attackers behind Cetori Ransomware also want you to send them a message (at gorentos@bitmessage.ch or gorentos2@firemail.cc), and that is one more thing we do not recommend doing, unless you do not mind cybercriminals knowing your email address.

You can follow the guide below if you think that you can successfully delete Cetori Ransomware manually. Unfortunately, we do not know if you will be able to find and identify every single malicious component of this dangerous threat, and so we cannot guarantee complete success. The good news is that you do not need to remove Cetori Ransomware manually. You can install an anti-malware program that will do it automatically. Of course, you should do this after you sort out your personal files. A tool named STOPDecrypter should be able to decrypt them for free, and so you should look into this option. Another option would be to replace the corrupted files with backups. Considering that most ransomware infections are not decryptable, it is crucial to have backups. Note that many threats are able to delete internal backups, and so it is best to store them outside the system; for example, using external drives. Hopefully, you know what to do, and you can get your operating system and your virtual security back in order soon.

Cetori Ransomware Removal

1. Delete every copy of the file named _readme.txt.
2. Launch Windows Explorer, which you can do by tapping Win+E keys.
3. Enter %LOCALAPPDATA% into the field at the top.
4. Delete all files and folders (random names) that belong to ransomware.
5. In the menu on the left move to the local disk.
6. Delete the folder named SystemID.
7. As soon as you Empty Recycle Bin, install a legitimate malware scanner.
8. Perform a full system scan to check for leftovers.