{"id":53267,"date":"2016-07-19T05:28:54","date_gmt":"2016-07-19T05:28:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/?p=53267"},"modified":"2016-07-19T05:28:54","modified_gmt":"2016-07-19T05:28:54","slug":"remove-ctb-locker-virus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/remove-ctb-locker-virus\/","title":{"rendered":"Remove CTB-Locker ransowmare (Files Encrypted Malware)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>CTB-Locker<\/strong> 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), appending the <em>.ctbl<\/em> or <em>random<\/em> extension (depending on which version has infected your machine) to encrypted files.<br \/>\nThe CTB-Locker ransomware then displays a message which offers to decrypt the data if a payment of about 2 bitcoins, or approximately $1460 is made.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-53268\" title=\"CTB-Locker Ransomware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/CTB-Locker-Ransomware.jpg\" alt=\"CTB-Locker virus\" width=\"739\" height=\"475\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/CTB-Locker-Ransomware.jpg 739w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/CTB-Locker-Ransomware-300x193.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 739px) 100vw, 739px\" \/><\/p><div id=\"mwtad2530532370\" 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-53269\" title=\"CTB-Locker payment page\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/CTB-Locker-payment-required.jpg\" alt=\"CTB-Locker payment required\" width=\"823\" height=\"620\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/CTB-Locker-payment-required.jpg 823w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/CTB-Locker-payment-required-300x226.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 823px) 100vw, 823px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-53270\" title=\"CTB-Locker bitcoins payment\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/CTB-Locker-malware.jpg\" alt=\"CTB-Locker malware\" width=\"827\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/CTB-Locker-malware.jpg 827w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/CTB-Locker-malware-300x163.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f7efa6; color: #6a6641; margin: 5px; padding: 15px;\">\n<p>We cannot help your recover your files, and we\u00a0recommend that you use <strong>ShadowExplorer<\/strong> or <strong>(free) file recovery software<\/strong> to restore your documents. 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.<\/p>\n<p>At this moment, there is no decryption tool available for the CTB-Locker\u00a0ransomware. However, you can try to search these webpages for updates: https:\/\/decrypter.emsisoft.com\/ or https:\/\/id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com\/<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"#how\">1. How did the CTB-Locker ransomware get on my computer?<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#whatis\">2. What is CTB-Locker Ransomware?<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#infected\">3. Is my computer infected with CTB-Locker ransomware?<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#recovery\">4. Is it possible to decrypt files encrypted by CTB-Locker ransomware?<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#removal\">5. How to remove the CTB-Locker ransomware (Virus Removal Guide)<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#prevent\">6. How to prevent your computer from becoming infected by CTB-Locker ransomware<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mwtad1682713931\" 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\" class=\"mt_title\">1. How did the CTB-Locker ransomware get on my computer?<\/h2>\n<p>The CTB-Locker ransomware is distributed via 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 CTB-Locker ransomware.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1628306062\" 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><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-49178\" title=\"CTB-Locker ransomware email scam\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/ransomware-scam.jpg\" alt=\"CTB-Locker email ransomware\" width=\"640\" height=\"292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/ransomware-scam.jpg 640w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/ransomware-scam-300x137.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"mwtad1395977689\" 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\" class=\"mt_title\">2. What is CTB-Locker ransomware?<\/h2>\n<p>The CTB-Locker ransomware targets all versions of Windows including 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>\n<p>When the CTB-Locker 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 \/>\nCTB-Locker 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 extension to <em>.ctbl<\/em>, so they are no longer able to be opened.<br \/>\nCTB-Locker changes the name of each encrypted file to the following format: Filename #WildFire_Locker#(original file name)##.(original extension).ctbl.<\/p>\n<p>Files targeted are those commonly found on most PCs today; a list of file extensions for targeted files include:<\/p><div id=\"mwtad566605665\" 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<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>Once your files are encrypted with the <em>.ctbl<\/em> extension, the CTB-Locker ransomware will create the AllFilesAreLocked [victims_id].bmp, DecryptAllFiles [victims_id].txt, and [random].html files in each folder that a file has been encrypted and on the Windows desktop.<br \/>\nThese files are located in every folder that a file was encrypted as well as in the user&#8217;s Startup folder so that they are automatically displayed when a user logs in. These files will contain the information on how to access the payment site and get your files back.<\/p>\n<p>When the infection has finished scanning your computer it will also delete all of the Shadow Volume Copies that are on the affected computer. It does this so that you cannot use the shadow volume copies to restore your encrypted files.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"mwtad3585416940\" 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\" class=\"mt_title\">3. Is my computer infected with CTB-Locker Ransomware?<\/h2>\n<p>When CTB-Locker ransowmare infects your computer it will scan all the drive letters for targeted file types, encrypt them, and then append the .ctbl extension to them. Once these files are encrypted, they will no longer able to be opened by your normal programs. When CTB-Locker ransowmare has finished encrypting the victim&#8217;s files, it will change the desktop wallpaper to an image that acts like a ransom note. It will also display a HTML ransom note in your default browser. These ransom notes include instructions on how to connect to the Decrypt Service where you can learn more about what happened to your files and how you can make a payment.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2527146646\" 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>The 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 CTB-Locker\u00a0ransomware may display:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key, generated for this computer. Private decryption key is stored on a secret Internet server and nobody can decrypt your files until you pay and obtain the private key. If you see the main locker window, follow the instructions on the locker. Otherwise, it&#8217;s seems that you or your antivirus deleted the locker program. Now you have the last chance to decrypt your files.<br \/>\n1. Type the address http:\/\/torproject.org in your Internet browser.<br \/>\nIt opens the Tor site.<br \/>\n2. Press &#8216;Download Tor&#8217;, then press &#8216;DOWNLOAD Tor Browser Bundle&#8217;,<br \/>\ninstall and run it.<br \/>\n3. Now you have Tor Browser. In the Tor Browser open the<br \/>\nNote that this server is available via Tor Browser only.<br \/>\nRetry in 1 hour if site is not reachable.<br \/>\n4. Copy and paste the following public key in the input form on server. Avoid misprints.<\/p>\n<p>5. Follow the instructions on the server.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>Payment required<br \/>\nServer accepts payment in Bitcoin (BTC) only.<br \/>\nIf you have bitcoins:<br \/>\n1. Pay amount of 3 BTC to address:<br \/>\n2. Transaction will take about 15-30 minutes to confirm.<br \/>\nIf you do not have bitcoins:<br \/>\n1. Open one of the exchanger:<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/en.bitcoin.it\/wiki\/Buying_bitcoins<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/btcdirect.eu\/<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/www.bitboat.net\/it\/buy<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/bitonic.nl\/<br \/>\nand select exchange in your country and currency.<br \/>\nOr open https:\/\/localbitcoins.com\/ and find person who sells bitcoins near you.<br \/>\nBuy 3 BTC (about of 1740 USD) and make direct deposit to bitcoin address:<br \/>\nExact payment amount can vary depending of exchange rates.<br \/>\n4. Transaction completion may take several days.<br \/>\nReload this page in 15 minutes. After transaction completes you will be redirected to decryption page.<br \/>\nDon&#8217;t worry if some errors occurs and connection was broken. Wait 15 minutes and press F5.<br \/>\nTo make sure that decryption is possible you are allowed to decrypt 2 any files for free. File size is limited up to 1 Mbyte.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote><p>Payment required.<br \/>\nServer accepts payments in Bitcoin (BTC) only.<br \/>\n1. Pay amount of 0.2 BTC (about of 24 USD) to address &#8211; Bitcoin wallet address.<br \/>\n2. Transaction will take about 15-30 minutes to confirm.<br \/>\nDecryption will start automatically. Do not: power off computer, run antivirus program, disable Internet connection. Failures during key recovery and file decryption may lead to accidental damage of files. If you have no Bitcoins press \u2018Exchange\u2019.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"mwtad3328659038\" 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=\"recovery\" class=\"mt_title\">4. Is it possible to decrypt files encrypted by CTB-Locker ransomware?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>No<\/strong>, at this time it&#8217;s not possible to recover the files encrypted by the CTB-Locker ransomware.<\/p>\n<p>CTB-Locker ransomware 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. The RSA public key can only be decrypted with its corresponding private key. Since the AES key is hidden using RSA encryption and the RSA private key is not available, decrypting the files is not feasible as of this writing.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1048888766\" 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<p>Brute forcing the decryption key is not realistic due to the length of time required to break an AES encryption key. Unfortunately, once the CTB-Locker encryption of the data is complete, decryption is not feasible without paying the ransom.<br \/>\nBecause the needed private key to unlock the encrypted file is only available through the cyber criminals, victims may be tempted to purchase it and pay the exorbitant fee. However, doing so may encourage these bad guys to continue and even expand their operations. We strongly suggest that you do not send any money to these cyber criminals, and instead address to the law enforcement agency in your country to report this attack.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"mt_blue\">Restore the files encrypted by CTB-Locker ransomware with recovery software<\/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>\n<h4>Option 1: Restore your files encrypted by CTB-Locker ransomware with ShadowExplorer<\/h4>\n<p>CTB-Locker 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><div id=\"mwtad3683582844\" 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<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<h4>Option 2: Restore your files encrypted by CTB-Locker ransomware with File Recovery Software<\/h4>\n<p>When CTB-Locker 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>\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<hr \/>\n<div id=\"mwtad2765673801\" 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=\"removal\" class=\"mt_title\">5. How to remove the CTB-Locker ransomware (Virus Removal Guide)<\/h2>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f7efa6; color: #6a6641; margin: 5px; padding: 15px;\">\n<p>It&#8217;s important to understand that by starting the removal process you risk 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>This page is a comprehensive guide, which will remove the CTB-Locker 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.<br \/>\nMalwarebytes 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=\"mwtad1291647718\" 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<h3 class=\"mt_blue\">STEP 1: Scan your computer with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to remove CTB-Locker Ransomware<\/h3>\n<p>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a powerful on-demand scanner which will remove the CTB-Locker Ransomware from your machine. It is important to note that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will 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 be presented with a screen showing 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 CTB-Locker 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 class=\"mt_blue\">STEP 2: Double-check for the CTB-Locker ransomware with HitmanPro<\/h3>\n<p>HitmanPro finds and removes malware, adware, bots, and other threats that even the best antivirus suite can oftentimes miss. It&#8217;s designed to run alongside your antivirus suite, firewall, and other security tools.<\/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 CTB-Locker 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 CTB-Locker 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<p>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 the AllFilesAreLocked [victims_id].bmp, DecryptAllFiles [victims_id].txt, and [random].html files files.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad3002174607\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360571-ad_309691-placement_360772\" 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=\"5867729999\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"mwtad2047869306\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381392-ad_309691-placement_381395\" 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=\"2944237110\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 id=\"prevent\" class=\"mt_title\">How to prevent your computer from becoming infected by CTB-Locker ransomware<\/h2>\n<p>To protect your computer from the CTB-Locker 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=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-hitmanpro\/alert\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">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<p>Your computer should now be free of the CTB-Locker ransomware infection.<\/p>\n<p>If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove virus from your machine, please do one of the following:<\/p><div id=\"mwtad4050931611\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360576-ad_309691-placement_360773\" 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=\"6594472392\" \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>Run a system scan with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-zemana-antimalware\/\" target=\"_blank\">Zemana AntiMalware<\/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","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>CTB-Locker 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), appending the .ctbl or random extension (depending on which version has infected &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"Remove CTB-Locker ransowmare (Files Encrypted Malware)\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/remove-ctb-locker-virus\/#more-53267\" aria-label=\"Read more about Remove CTB-Locker ransowmare (Files Encrypted Malware)\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":53268,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ai_generated_summary":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2727],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-53267","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\/53267","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=53267"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53267\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/53268"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=53267"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=53267"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=53267"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}