Cyborg Ransomware

Cyborg Ransomware does not conceal itself once it encrypts files, and that is because it does not need to. After stealthy invasion and silent encryption, this threat needs to reveal itself so that you could be coaxed into following certain instructions. We want to tell you right away that following them mindlessly is the wrong move. If you decide to obey your attackers, you need to understand what you are getting yourself into first, and you need to be 100% certain that you are okay with the consequences. If you continue reading this report, you will learn more about that. You will also learn how to remove Cyborg Ransomware, and note that it is crucial to delete this malware regardless of whether or not you fulfill the attackers’ demands and whether or not you get the corrupted files decrypted. Also, note that the comments section below is open, and you can use it to add questions for our research team.

If you have discovered Cyborg Ransomware on your Windows operating system, your files must be encrypted already, but do you know how it all began? Do you remember interacting with spam emails and their attachments? Maybe you downloaded a new program or file recently? Perhaps you skipped an update? This is how ransomware spreads most often, and that is true for Dharma-Ninja Ransomware, AnteFrigus Ransomware, and thousands of other infections that can encrypt your files if you do not take care of your operating system’s security. Once inside the system, Cyborg Ransomware immediately creates a copy of itself called “bot.exe.” This file is dropped to the %HOMEDRIVE% directory, and it is hidden, which means that you will not see this file unless you specifically adjust the folder settings to view hidden files. By creating a copy of itself, the infection ensures that you cannot remove it even if you identify and delete the original launcher file. If you choose to eliminate the threat manually, you can use the guide below to learn how to view and delete “bot.exe.”

Once Cyborg Ransomware starts encrypting files, you are unlikely to notice it or be able to stop it. The infection encrypts files in the Contacts, Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Links, and Pictures folders that are located in the %USERPROFILE% directory. It can encrypt 104 different types of files – including .doc, .txt, .mp3, .rar, .pdf, or .mpg files – and it also adds the “.petra” extension to their names. After encryption, you can no longer read the files, and that is when the ransom note appears. The devious Cyborg Ransomware uses two files to deliver this ransom note. First, you might discover the image file that is meant to replace the Desktop wallpaper. This image file is called “Cyborg_DECRYPT.jpg.” The second file is a text file called “Cyborg_DECRYPT.txt.” Obviously, we want you to remove both of these files, and we suggest that you do not pay attention to the message represented via them either. According to this message, if you send $300 in Bitcoin to 9e3d4e3fad796f4eb15962b74fb2e55fe47 (the attackers’ Bitcoin wallet address) and then send an email to petra-mail.ru, you will have your files decrypted. Well, if you pay the ransom, you are unlikely to get anything in return.

It does not look like the original launcher of Cyborg Ransomware is removed after the copy is created, and so you need to find and eliminate it if you want to perform manual removal. If you can do that, follow the guide below to get rid of the remaining malware components. Another option is to utilize a trustworthy anti-malware tool, and this is what we recommend doing because this tool will quickly delete Cyborg Ransomware and, at the same time, reinforce Windows protection. Unfortunately, your files will not be restored regardless of how you erase the infection. At the time of research, free decryptors for this malware did not exist, but if you find a tool that promises to restore files, research it first. Also, if you have backups stored outside the system, you can use them to replace the corrupted files. This is why it is important to have backups. While some Windows users choose to rely on a system restore point, we suggest employing external drives or cloud storage to keep backup copies safe.

Cyborg Ransomware Removal

1. Locate and Delete the infection’s launcher file.
2. Tap Win+E keys to access Windows Explorer.
3. Enter %HOMEDRIVE% into the field at the top.
4. Click View at the top and then click Options.
5. In the View tab, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives. Click OK.
6. Delete the file named bot.exe.
7. Move to the Desktop.
8. Delete the file named Cyborg_DECRYPT.txt.
9. Also, Delete the file named Cyborg_DECRYPT.jpg.
10. Empty Recycle Bin.
11. Install a malware scanner you can trust.
12. Run a full system scan to check for potential leftovers.