{"id":45761,"date":"2015-11-13T07:08:30","date_gmt":"2015-11-13T07:08:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/?p=45761"},"modified":"2015-11-13T07:12:04","modified_gmt":"2015-11-13T07:12:04","slug":"remove-cryptowall-4-0-virus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/remove-cryptowall-4-0-virus\/","title":{"rendered":"How to remove CryptoWall 4.0 ransomware (Free Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>CryptoWall 4.0 is a file-encrypting ransomware, which will encrypt the personal documents found on victim\u2019s computer using RSA-2048 key (AES CBC 256-bit encryption algorithm). CryptoWall 4.0 then displays a message which offers to decrypt the data if a payment of $700 (1.79 Bitcoins) ransom is made within 96 hours. If the user does not pay within this time frame, the ransom doubles to $1400 or \u20ac1400 (3.58 BTC).<br \/>\nCompared to the previous version, CryptoWall 4.0 comes with some significant changes such as filenames now being encrypted, more robust Shadow Volume Copy deletion, new ransom note filenames, new payment gateways, and a redesign of the HTML ransom note.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2434512851\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309684--placement_360520\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3957935887\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-45764\" title=\"CryptoWall 4.0 ransomware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CryptoWall-4.0-Virus.jpg\" alt=\"CryptoWall 4.0 virus\" width=\"1558\" height=\"1099\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CryptoWall-4.0-Virus.jpg 1558w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CryptoWall-4.0-Virus-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CryptoWall-4.0-Virus-1024x722.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1558px) 100vw, 1558px\" \/><\/p>\n<div style=\"margin: 5px; padding: 10px; border-left: solid 5px #FFAE20;\">We cannot help your recover your files, apart from suggesting to use <strong>ShadowExplorer<\/strong> or <strong>(free) File Recovery Software<\/strong>. This guide was written to help you remove the infection itself, and if a 100% proven method to recover the encrypted files is found, we will update this guide.<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"#how\">1. How did the CryptoWall 4.0 virus got on my computer?<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#whatis\">2. What is CryptoWall 4.0 Ransomware?<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#infected\">3. Is my computer infected with CryptoWall 4.0 virus?<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#recovery\">4. Is it possible to decrypt files encrypted by CryptoWall 4.0?<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#removal\">5. How to remove the CryptoWall 4.0 ransomware (Virus Removal Guide)<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#prevent\">6. How to prevent your computer from becoming infected by CryptoWall 4.0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mwtad2067192863\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309746-ad_309691-placement_360521\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"4456629336\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 id=\"how\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">1. How did the CryptoWall 4.0 virus got on my computer?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The CryptoWall 4.0 virus is distributed through several means. Malicious websites, or legitimate websites that have been hacked, can infect your machine through exploit kits that use vulnerabilities on your computer to install this Trojan without your permission of knowledge.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2464931300\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381396-ad_309691-placement_360566\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1471373341\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p>Another method used to propagate this type of malware is spam email containing infected attachments or links to malicious websites. Cyber-criminals spam out an email, with forged header information, tricking you into believing that it is from a shipping company like DHL or FedEx. The email tells you that they tried to deliver a package to you, but failed for some reason. Sometimes the emails claim to be notifications of a shipment you have made. Either way, you can&#8217;t resist being curious as to what the email is referring to &#8211; and open the attached file (or click on a link embedded inside the email). And with that, your computer is infected with the CryptoWall 4.0 virus.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-45765\" title=\"CryptoWall 4.0 spam email\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CryptoWall-4.0-email.jpg\" alt=\"CryptoWall 4.0 email\" width=\"506\" height=\"395\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CryptoWall-4.0-email.jpg 506w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CryptoWall-4.0-email-300x234.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 506px) 100vw, 506px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The threat may also be downloaded manually by tricking the user into thinking they are installing a useful piece of software, for instance a bogus update for Adobe Flash Player or another piece of software.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"mwtad1608580004\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309747-ad_309691-placement_360587\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9589536513\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 id=\"whatis\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">2. What is CryptoWall 4.0 Ransomware?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The CryptoWall 4.0 ransomware targets all versions of Windows including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. This infection is notable due to how it encrypts the user&#8217;s files \u2013 namely, it uses AES-265 and RSA encryption method &#8211; in order to ensure that the affected user has no choice but to purchase the private key.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad3467595656\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309686-ad_309691-placement_360569\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6935453015\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p>When the CryptoWall 4.0 ransomware is first installed on your computer it will create a random named executable in the %AppData% or %LocalAppData% folder. This executable will be launched and begin to scan all the drive letters on your computer for data files to encrypt.<br \/>\nCryptoWall 4.0 ransomware searches for files with certain file extensions to encrypt. The files it encrypts include important productivity documents and files such as .doc, .docx, .xls, .pdf, among others. When these files are detected, this infection will change the extensions and names to random characters to prevent victims recognizing them (example of an encrypted file name: 3aweno9f.7gt8 , 0hewendfq.p5r or d2121rg.m4)<br \/>\nThe filenames are probably encrypted to make it more difficult to know what files need to be recovered and to make it more frustrating for the victim.<br \/>\nFiles targeted are those commonly found on most PCs today; a list of file extensions for targeted files include:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>.sql, .mp4, .7z, .rar, .m4a, .wma, .avi, .wmv, .csv, .d3dbsp, .zip, .sie, .sum, .ibank, .t13, .t12, .qdf, .gdb, .tax, .pkpass, .bc6, .bc7, .bkp, .qic, .bkf, .sidn, .sidd, .mddata, .itl, .itdb, .icxs, .hvpl, .hplg, .hkdb, .mdbackup, .syncdb, .gho, .cas, .svg, .map, .wmo, .itm, .sb, .fos, .mov, .vdf, .ztmp, .sis, .sid, .ncf, .menu, .layout, .dmp, .blob, .esm, .vcf, .vtf, .dazip, .fpk, .mlx, .kf, .iwd, .vpk, .tor, .psk, .rim, .w3x, .fsh, .ntl, .arch00, .lvl, .snx, .cfr, .ff, .vpp_pc, .lrf, .m2, .mcmeta, .vfs0, .mpqge, .kdb, .db0, .dba, .rofl, .hkx, .bar, .upk, .das, .iwi, .litemod, .asset, .forge, .ltx, .bsa, .apk, .re4, .sav, .lbf, .slm, .bik, .epk, .rgss3a, .pak, .big, wallet, .wotreplay, .xxx, .desc, .py, .m3u, .flv, .js, .css, .rb, .png, .jpeg, .txt, .p7c, .p7b, .p12, .pfx, .pem, .crt, .cer, .der, .x3f, .srw, .pef, .ptx, .r3d, .rw2, .rwl, .raw, .raf, .orf, .nrw, .mrwref, .mef, .erf, .kdc, .dcr, .cr2, .crw, .bay, .sr2, .srf, .arw, .3fr, .dng, .jpe, .jpg, .cdr, .indd, .ai, .eps, .pdf, .pdd, .psd, .dbf, .mdf, .wb2, .rtf, .wpd, .dxg, .xf, .dwg, .pst, .accdb, .mdb, .pptm, .pptx, .ppt, .xlk, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xls, .wps, .docm, .docx, .doc, .odb, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>While encrypting your files, the CryptoWall 4.0 ransomware will also create the <strong>HELP_YOUR_FILES.TXT and HELP_YOUR_FILES.HTML<\/strong> text files ransom note in each folder that a file has been encrypted and on the Windows desktop. The ransomware will also change your Windows desktop wallpaper to <strong>HELP_YOUR_FILES.PNG<\/strong>.<br \/>\nThese files are located in every folder that a file was encrypted as well as in the users Startup folder so that they are automatically displayed when a user logs in. These files will contain the informations on how to access the payment site and get your files back.<\/p>\n<p>When you go to the URLs listed in the ransom note you will be taken to a TOR site where you can learn how much your ransom is and how to make the payment.<br \/>\nCryptoWall 4.0 introduces new gateways to the TOR Decrypt Service site. The current payment sites are 3wzn5p2yiumh7akj.partnersinvestpayto.com, 3wzn5p2yiumh7akj.marketcryptopartners.com, 3wzn5p2yiumh7akj.forkinvestpay.com, 3wzn5p2yiumh7akj.effectwaytopay.com, and 3wzn5p2yiumh7akj.onion.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1624128248\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381401-ad_309691-placement_360573\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5315249587\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-45767\" title=\"Cryptowall 4.0 TOR Payment\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Cryptowall-4.0-payment.jpg\" alt=\"Cryptowall 4.0 payment\" width=\"711\" height=\"983\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Cryptowall-4.0-payment.jpg 711w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Cryptowall-4.0-payment-217x300.jpg 217w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 711px) 100vw, 711px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"mwtad637453683\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309748-ad_309691-placement_360588\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3906789406\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 id=\"infected\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">3. Is my computer infected with CryptoWall 4.0 virus?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If your computer is infected with the CryptoWall 4.0 ransomware will display a black <strong>HELP_YOUR_FILES.PNG<\/strong>\u00a0wallpaper that covers the entire desktop. A <strong>HELP_YOUR_FILES.txt<\/strong> text file will be placed on your desktop. Both files contain instruction on how or recover the encrypted files.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-45766\" title=\"CryptoWall 4.0 Files Encrypted\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CryptoWall-4.0-Files-Encrypted.jpg\" alt=\"CryptoWall 4.0 Files Encrypted malware\" width=\"1160\" height=\"1156\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CryptoWall-4.0-Files-Encrypted.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CryptoWall-4.0-Files-Encrypted-290x290.jpg 290w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CryptoWall-4.0-Files-Encrypted-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/CryptoWall-4.0-Files-Encrypted-1024x1020.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\" \/><br \/>\nThe messages displayed by this ransomware infection can be localized depending on the user\u2019s location, with text written in the appropriate language.<br \/>\nThis the message that the CryptoWall 4.0\u00a0ransomware may display:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Cannot you find the files you need? Is the content of the files that you have watched not readable? It is normal because the files\u2019 names, as well as the data in your files have been encrypted. Congratulations!!! You have become a part of large community of CryptoWall . If you are reading this text that means that the software CryptoWall has removed from your computer.<br \/>\nWhat is encryption? Encryption is a reversible transformation of information in order to connect it from unauthorised persons but providing at the same time access to it for authorised users. To become an authorised user and make the process truly reversible i.e to be able to decrypt your files you need to have a special private key. In addition to the private key you need the decryption software with which you can decrypt your files and return everything in its place. I almost understood but what do I have to do? The first thing you should do is to read the instructions to the end. Your files have been encrypted with the CryptoWall software; the instructions that you find in folders with encrypted files are not viruses, they are you helpers. After reading this text 100% of people turn to a search engine with the word CryptoWall where you\u2019ll find a lot of thoughts, advice and instructions. Think logically &#8211; we are the ones who closed the lock on your files and we are the only ones who have this mysterious key to open them. Any of your attempts to restore you files with the third-party tools can be fatal for encrypted files. The fact that changing data within the encrypted files (as 100% of software to restore files do this, except the special decryption software) you break damage to the files and it will be impossible to decrypt the files. This is the same as to collect a mosaic when some mosaics items were lost, broken or not put in its place &#8211; the picture will not emerge, the software to restore the files will not be able to lay down the picture, and ruin it completely and irreversibly. Use the software to restore files can ruin your files forever, only through your fault. Remember that any intervention of the extraneous software to restore files encrypted with the CryptoWall software may be the point on no return. In case if these simple rules are violated we will not be able to help you, and we will not try because you have been warned. For your attention the software to decrypt the files (as well as the private key that come fitted with it) is a paid product. After purchasing the software package you can: 1.Decrypt all your files. 2. Work with your documents. 3. View your photos and other media content. 4. Continue your habitual and comfortable work at the computer. If you are aware whole importance and criticality of the situation, then we suggest you go directly to your personal page where you will be given final instructions, as well as guarantees to restore your files.<br \/>\nWhat do you have to do with these addresses? If you browse the instructions in TXT format (if you have instructions in HTML (the file that has an icon of your Internet browser) then for the sake of simplicity it is better to run it). Additional information: Instructions to restore your files are only in the folders where you have encrypted files. For your convenience the instructions are made in three files formats &#8211; html, txt and png. Unfortunately, antivirus companies cannot protect and moreover restore your files but they make things worse removing the instructions to restore encrypted files. The instructions are not malware, they have informative nature only, so any claims on the absence of any instructions files you can send to your antivirus company. CryptoWall Project is not malicious and is not intended to harm a person and his\/her information data. This project is conducted for the sole purpose of instruction in the field of information security, as well as certification of antivirus products for their suitability for data protection. Together we make the Internet a better and safer place. If you oversee this text in the Internet and understand that something is wrong with your files and you have no instructions to restore files, contact your antivirus support. Remember that the worst has already happened and now the further life of your files depends directly in your determination and speed of your actions.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"mwtad1890395768\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_318930-ad_309691-placement_360589\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3818335085\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 id=\"removal\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">5. How to remove the CryptoWall 4.0 ransomware (Virus Removal Guide)<\/span><\/h2>\n<div style=\"border-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 1px 8px; border-color: #e51400; margin: 5px; padding: 10px;\">If you DO NOT\u00a0\u00a0plan on paying the ransom and want to try to restore your files, you can follow the below guide. It&#8217;s important to understand that by starting the removal process, you risk of losing your files, as we cannot guarantee that you will be able to recover them. Furthermore, your files may be permanently compromised when trying to remove this infection or trying to recover the encrypted documents.<\/div>\n<p>This page is a comprehensive guide, which will remove the CryptoWall 4.0 infection from\u00a0your computer, however we cannot guarantee that your personal files will be recovered. We cannot be held responsible for losing the\u00a0documents\u00a0during this removal process.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">A. Remove CryptoWall 4.0 ransomware from your computer<\/h3>\n<p>Malwarebytes and HitmanPro can detect and remove this infection, but <strong>these programs\u00a0cannot recover your encrypted<\/strong> files due to the nature of asymmetric encryption, which requires a private key to decrypt files encrypted with the public key.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad394296708\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381404-ad_309691-placement_381406\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8735619847\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<h3>STEP 1: Remove CryptoWall 4.0 virus with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free<\/h3>\n<p>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free uses industry-leading technology to detect and remove all traces of malware, including worms, Trojans, rootkits, rogues, dialers, spyware, and more.<br \/>\nIt is important to note that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware works well and should run alongside antivirus software without conflicts.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>You can download <strong>download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware<\/strong>\u00a0from the below link.<br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-malwarebytes-for-windows\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MALWAREBYTES ANTI-MALWARE DOWNLOAD LINK<\/a> <\/strong><em>(This link will open a new web page from where you can download &#8220;Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free&#8221;)<\/em><\/li>\n<li>Once downloaded, close all programs, then double-click on the icon on your desktop named &#8220;<em>mbam-setup&#8221;<\/em> to start the installation of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38277\" title=\"Double-click on the mbam-setup to install Malwarebytes\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Setup.jpg\" alt=\"Start Malwarebytes Anti-Malware setup\" width=\"107\" height=\"107\" \/><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-18096\" title=\"User Account Control icon\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/UAC-prompt.jpg\" alt=\"Picture of User Account Control\" width=\"13\" height=\"16\" \/> You may be presented with a User Account Control dialog asking you if you want to run this file. If this happens, you should click \u201c<em>Yes<\/em>\u201d to continue with the installation.<\/li>\n<li>When the installation begins, you will see the <em>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Setup Wizard<\/em> which will guide you through the installation process.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38272\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Setup Wizard\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Installer.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Installer\" width=\"550\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Installer.jpg 550w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Installer-300x231.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px\" \/><br \/>\nTo install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware on your machine, <em>keep following the prompts<\/em> by clicking the &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38271\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Final Setup Screen\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Final-Screen.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware final screen\" width=\"544\" height=\"420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Final-Screen.jpg 544w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Final-Screen-300x232.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 544px) 100vw, 544px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Once installed, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically start and you will see a message stating that you should update the program, and that a scan has never been run on your system. To start a system scan you can click on the &#8220;<strong>Scan Now<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38275\" title=\"Click on the Scan Now button to scan with Malwarebytes\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Scan Now\" width=\"661\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scan.jpg 661w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scan-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 661px) 100vw, 661px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for malware. When Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is scanning it will look like the image below.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38276\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware while performing a scan\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scanning-For-Malware.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Scanning for Malware\" width=\"662\" height=\"444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scanning-For-Malware.jpg 662w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Scanning-For-Malware-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 662px) 100vw, 662px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>When the scan has completed, you will now be presented with a screen showing you the malware infections that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware has detected. To remove the malicious programs that Malwarebytes Anti-malware has found, click on the &#8220;<strong>Remove Selected<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38273\" title=\"Click on Remove Selected to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Removing-Malware.jpg\" alt=\"Remove CryptoWall 4.0 with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware\" width=\"648\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Removing-Malware.jpg 648w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Removing-Malware-300x196.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px\" \/><br \/>\nPlease note that the infections found may be different than what is shown in the image.<\/li>\n<li>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now quarantine all the malicious files and registry keys that it has found. When removing the files, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware may require a reboot in order to remove some of them. If it displays a message stating that it needs to reboot your computer, please allow it to do so.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38274\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware asking to restart PC\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Restart-PC.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware asking to restart PC\" width=\"639\" height=\"420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Restart-PC.jpg 639w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Malwarebytes-Restart-PC-300x197.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 639px) 100vw, 639px\" \/><br \/>\nAfter your computer will restart, you should open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and perform another &#8220;Threat Scan&#8221; scan to verify that there are no remaining threats<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>STEP 2: Double-check for the CryptoWall 4.0 malware infection with HitmanPro<\/h3>\n<p>HitmanPro is a second opinion scanner, designed to rescue your computer from malware (viruses, trojans, rootkits, etc.) that have infected your computer despite all the security measures you have taken (such as anti-virus software, firewalls, etc.). HitmanPro is designed to work alongside existing security programs without any conflicts. It scans the computer quickly (less than 5 minutes) and does not slow down the computer.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>You can download <strong>HitmanPro<\/strong> from the below link:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-hitmanpro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <strong>HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a> <em>(This link will open a new web page from where you can download &#8220;HitmanPro&#8221;)<\/em><\/li>\n<li>Double-click on the file named &#8220;<strong>HitmanPro.exe<\/strong>&#8221; (for 32-bit versions of Windows) or &#8220;<strong>HitmanPro_x64.exe<\/strong>&#8221; (for 64-bit versions of Windows). When the program starts you will be presented with the start screen as shown below.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38264\" title=\"HitmanPro startup screen\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Installer.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro Installer\" width=\"635\" height=\"501\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Installer.jpg 635w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Installer-300x237.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 635px) 100vw, 635px\" \/><br \/>\nClick on the &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; button, to install HitmanPro on your computer.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38267\" title=\"itmanPro installation options (Click Next)\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Start-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"itmanPro while installing on PC\" width=\"641\" height=\"513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Start-Scan.jpg 641w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Start-Scan-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 641px) 100vw, 641px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>HitmanPro will now begin to scan your computer for CryptoWall 4.0 malicious files.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38265\" title=\"HitmanPro scanning for malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scanning\" width=\"636\" height=\"507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan.jpg 636w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan-300x239.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 636px) 100vw, 636px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>When it has finished it will display a list of all the malware that the program found as shown in the image below. Click on the &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; button, to remove CryptoWall 4.0 virus.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38266\" title=\"HitmanPro scan results (Click Next)\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan-Results.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro detected malware\" width=\"642\" height=\"514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan-Results.jpg 642w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Scan-Results-300x240.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 642px) 100vw, 642px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Click on the &#8220;<strong>Activate free license<\/strong>&#8221; button to begin the <strong>free 30 days trial<\/strong>, and remove all the malicious files from your computer.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-38263\" title=\"Click on the Activate free license button\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-Free-License.jpg\" alt=\"Remove malware with HitmanPro\" width=\"631\" height=\"503\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-Free-License.jpg 631w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/HitmanPro-Activate-Free-License-300x239.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 631px) 100vw, 631px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div style=\"margin: 5px; padding: 10px; border-left: solid 5px #FFAE20;\">In some cases you may need to <a href=\"http:\/\/windows.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows\/change-desktop-background-wallpaper#1TC=windows-7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">change your wallpaper<\/a>, and delete the harmless HELP_YOUR_FILES.PNG, HELP_YOUR_FILES.HTML and HELP_YOUR_FILES.TXT files.<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">B. How (try) to restore your files encrypted by CryptoWall 4.0 ransomware<\/h3>\n<p>In some cases, it may be possible to recover previous versions of the encrypted files using System Restore or other recovery software used to obtain \u201cshadow copies\u201d of files.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2407650143\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360582-ad_309691-placement_360581\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9971336976\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Option 1: Restore your files encrypted by CryptoWall 4.0 ransomware with ShadowExplorer<\/h3>\n<p>CryptoWall 4.0 will attempt to delete all shadow copies when you first start any executable on your computer after becoming infected. Thankfully, the infection is not always able to remove the shadow copies, so you should continue to try restoring your files using this method.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>You can download <strong>ShadowExplorer<\/strong> from the below link:<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.shadowexplorer.com\/downloads.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <strong>SHADOW EXPLORER DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a> <em>(This link will open a new web page from where you can download &#8220;ShadowExplorer&#8221;)<\/em><\/li>\n<li>Once you have downloaded and installed ShadowExplorer, you can follow the below video guide on how to restore your files while using this program.<br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oaXtQ6rbvxA\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Alternatively, you can use the <a href=\"http:\/\/windows.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows7\/products\/features\/system-restore\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">System Restore<\/a> to try to recover the encrypted documents.<\/p>\n<h3>Option 2: Restore your files encrypted by CryptoWall 4.0 ransomware with File Recovery Software<\/h3>\n<p>When CryptoWall 4.0 encrypts a file it first makes a copy of it, encrypts the copy, and then deletes the original. Due to this you can use file recovery software such as:<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2219259590\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360567-ad_309691-placement_360771\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6224621518\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.piriform.com\/recuva\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Recuva<\/a><br \/>\nYou can follow the below guide on how to use Recuva:<br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LeEICG0zWqY\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.easeus.com\/datarecoverywizard\/free-data-recovery-software.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.r-studio.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">R-Studio<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"mwtad3167217193\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381388-ad_309691-placement_381390\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3191649120\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 id=\"prevent\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">How to prevent your computer from becoming infected by CryptoWall 4.0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To protect your computer from the Cryptowall ransomware, you should always have an antivirus installed on your computer and always have a backup for your personal documents. As an extra protection method, you can use programs called <a href=\"http:\/\/www.surfright.nl\/en\/alert\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HitmanPro.Alert<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foolishit.com\/cryptoprevent-malware-prevention\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CryptoPrevent<\/a>, which will prevent any file encrypting malware from running.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XrSP-CMjuFk?rel=0\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 20px; padding: 10px; border-left: solid 5px #088A08;\">Your computer should now be free of the CryptoWall 4.0infection.<br \/>\nIf you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove virus from your machine, please do one of the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Run a system scan with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-emsisoft-emergency-kit\/\" target=\"_blank\">Emsisoft Emergency Kit<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Start a new thread in our <strong><a title=\"Free Malware Removal Support\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/forums\/malware-removal-assistance.10\/\" target=\"_blank\">Malware Removal Assistance<\/a><\/strong> forum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CryptoWall 4.0 is a file-encrypting ransomware, which will encrypt the personal documents found on victim\u2019s computer using RSA-2048 key (AES CBC 256-bit encryption algorithm). CryptoWall 4.0 then displays a message which offers to decrypt the &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"How to remove CryptoWall 4.0 ransomware (Free Guide)\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/remove-cryptowall-4-0-virus\/#more-45761\" aria-label=\"Read more about How to remove CryptoWall 4.0 ransomware (Free Guide)\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":45764,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2727],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-45761","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ransomware","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50","resize-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45761","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45761"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45761\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45764"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45761"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45761"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45761"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}