{"id":54705,"date":"2016-09-01T06:01:23","date_gmt":"2016-09-01T06:01:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/?p=54705"},"modified":"2016-09-01T06:01:32","modified_gmt":"2016-09-01T06:01:32","slug":"remove-cerber3-virus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/remove-cerber3-virus\/","title":{"rendered":"Remove Cerber3 ransomware (# HELP DECRYPT # Files Encrypted)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Cerber3<\/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>.cerber3<\/em> extension to encrypted files. The Cerber3 ransomware then displays a message which offers to decrypt the data if a payment of about 0.7154 Bitcoins, or approximately $410 is made. If the payment is not made within 96 hours the ransom will increase to 1.4308 Bitcoins. The instructions are placed on the victims desktop in three files: &#8220;# HELP DECRYPT #.html&#8221;, &#8220;# HELP DECRYPT #.txt&#8221; and &#8220;# HELP DECRYPT #.url&#8221;.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1785414162\" 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-54706\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Cerber3-Virus.jpg\" alt=\"Cerber3 Virus\" width=\"745\" height=\"421\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Cerber3-Virus.jpg 745w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Cerber3-Virus-300x170.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 745px) 100vw, 745px\" \/><\/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 Cerber3\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 Cerber3 ransomware get on my computer?<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#whatis\">2. What is Cerber3 Ransomware?<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#infected\">3. Is my computer infected with Cerber3 ransomware?<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#recovery\">4. Is it possible to decrypt files encrypted by Cerber3 ransomware?<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#removal\">5. How to remove the Cerber3 ransomware (Virus Removal Guide)<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#prevent\">6. How to prevent your computer from becoming infected by Cerber3 ransomware<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mwtad3899824584\" 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 Cerber3 ransomware get on my computer?<\/h2>\n<p>The Cerber3 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 Cerber3 ransomware.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2496130968\" 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=\"Cerber3 ransomware email scam\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/ransomware-scam.jpg\" alt=\"Cerber3 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=\"mwtad2776435461\" 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 Cerber3 ransomware?<\/h2>\n<p>The Cerber3 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 Cerber3 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 \/>\nCerber3 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>.Cerber3<\/em>, so they are no longer able to be opened.<br \/>\nCerber3 changes the name of each encrypted file to the following format: Filename .Cerber3.<\/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=\"mwtad320001529\" 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>.Cerber3<\/em> extension, the Cerber3 ransomware will create the <strong>&#8220;# HELP DECRYPT #.html&#8221;, &#8220;# HELP DECRYPT #.txt&#8221; and &#8220;# HELP DECRYPT #.url&#8221;<\/strong>\u00a0files ransom note 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=\"mwtad1508846457\" 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 Cerber3 Ransomware?<\/h2>\n<p>When Cerber3 ransowmare infects your computer it will scan all the drive letters for targeted file types, encrypt them, and then append the .Cerber3 extension to them. Once these files are encrypted, they will no longer able to be opened by your normal programs. When Cerber3 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=\"mwtad3734673124\" 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 Cerber3\u00a0ransomware may display:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>C_E_R_B_E_R R_A_N_S_O_M_W_A_R_E<\/p>\n<p>Cannot you find the files you need? Is the content of the files that you looked for not readable??? It is normal because the files&#8217; names, as well as the data in your files have been encrypted. Great! You have turned to be a part of a big community &#8220;#Cerb3r Ransomware&#8221;.<br \/>\n!!! If you are reading this message it means the software &#8220;Cerber&#8221; has !!! been removed from your computer. !!! HTML instruction (&#8220;# DECRYPT MY FILES #.html&#8221;) always contains a !!! working domain of your personal page!<\/p>\n<p>What is encryption?<br \/>\n&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<br \/>\nEncryption is a reversible modification of information for security reasons but providing full access to it for authorized users. To become an authorized user and keep the modification absolutely reversible (in other words to have a possibility to decrypt your files) you should have an individual private key. But not only it. It is required also to have the special decryption software (in your case &#8220;Cerber Decryptor&#8221; software) for safe and complete decryption of all your files and data.<\/p>\n<p>Everything is clear for me but what should I do?<br \/>\n&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;<br \/>\nThe first step is reading these instructions to the end. Your files have been encrypted with the &#8220;Cerber Ransomware&#8221; software; the instructions (&#8220;# DECRYPT MY FILES #.html&#8221; and &#8220;# DECRYPT MY FILES #.txt&#8221;) in the folders with your encrypted files are not viruses, they will help you. After reading this text the most part of people start searching in the Internet the words the &#8220;Cerber Ransomware&#8221; where they find a lot of ideas, recommendations and instructions. It is necessary to realize that we are the ones who closed the lock on your files and we are the only ones who have this secret key to open them. !!! Any attempts to return your files with the third-party tools can !!! be fatal for your encrypted files. The most part of the third-party software change data within the encrypted file to restore it but this causes damage to the files. Finally it will be impossible to decrypt your files. When you make a puzzle, but some items are lost, broken or not put in its place &#8211; the puzzle items will never match, the same way the third-party software will ruin your files completely and irreversibly. You should realize that any intervention of the third-party software to restore files encrypted with the &#8220;Cerber Ransomware&#8221; software may be fatal for your files. !!! There are several plain steps to restore your files but if you do !!! not follow them we will not be able to help you, and we will not try !!! since you have read this warning already. For your information the software to decrypt your files (as well as the private key provided together) are paid products. After purchase of the software package you will be able to: 1. decrypt all your files; 2. work with your documents; 3. view your photos and other media; 4. continue your usual and comfortable work at the computer. If you understand all importance of the situation then we propose to you to go directly to your personal page where you will receive the complete instructions and guarantees to restore your files.<\/p>\n<p>What should you do with these addresses?<br \/>\n&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<br \/>\nIf you read the instructions in TXT format (if you have instruction in HTML (the file with an icon of your Internet browser) then the easiest way is to run it): 1. take a look at the first address (in this case it is [edited]); 2. select it with the mouse cursor holding the left mouse button and moving the cursor to the right; 3. release the left mouse button and press the right one; 4. select &#8220;Copy&#8221; in the appeared menu; 5. run your Internet browser (if you do not know what it is run the Internet Explorer); 6. move the mouse cursor to the address bar of the browser (this is the place where the site address is written); 7. click the right mouse button in the field where the site address is written; 8. select the button &#8220;Insert&#8221; in the appeared menu; 9. then you will see the address [edited] appeared there; 10. press ENTER; 11. the site should be loaded; if it is not loaded repeat the same instructions with the second address and continue until the last address if falling. If for some reason the site cannot be opened check the connection to the Internet; if the site still cannot be opened take a look at the instructions on omitting the point about working with the addresses in the HTML instructions. If you browse the instructions in HTML format: 1. click the left mouse button on the first address (in this case it is [edited]); 2. in a new tab or window of your web browser the site should be loaded; if it is not loaded repeat the same instructions with the second address and continue until the last address. If for some reason the site cannot be opened check the connection to the Internet. Additional information: You will find the instructions for restoring your files in those folders where you have your encrypted files only. The instructions are made in two file formats &#8211; HTML and TXT for your convenience. Unfortunately antivirus companies cannot protect or restore your files but they can make the situation worse removing the instructions how to restore your encrypted files. The instructions are not viruses; they have informative nature only, so any claims on the absence of any instruction files you can send to your antivirus company. Cerber Ransomware Project is not malicious and is not intended to harm a person and his\/her information data. The project is created for the sole purpose of instruction regarding information security, as well as certification of antivirus software for their suitability for data protection. Together we make the Internet a better and safer place. If you look through this text in the Internet and realize that something is wrong with your files but you do not have any instructions to restore your files, please, contact your antivirus support. Remember that the worst situation already happened and now it depends on your determination and speed of your actions the further life of your files.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"mwtad1321431602\" 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 Cerber3 ransomware?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>No<\/strong>, at this time it&#8217;s not possible to recover the files encrypted by the Cerber3 ransomware.<\/p>\n<p>Cerber3 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=\"mwtad430428468\" 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 Cerber3 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 Cerber3 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 Cerber3 ransomware with ShadowExplorer<\/h4>\n<p>Cerber3 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=\"mwtad3452382142\" 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 Cerber3 ransomware with File Recovery Software<\/h4>\n<p>When Cerber3 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=\"mwtad3103213974\" 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 Cerber3 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 Cerber3 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=\"mwtad4083325492\" 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 Cerber3 Ransomware<\/h3>\n<p>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a powerful on-demand scanner which will remove the Cerber3 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&#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-53990\" title=\"Double-click on the mbam-setup to install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Icon.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Icon\" width=\"176\" height=\"137\" \/><br \/>\nYou may be presented with a <em>User Account Control<\/em> 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.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-53996\" title=\"Click Yes to install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-User-Account-Control.jpg\" alt=\"Windows asking permission to install Malwarebytes\" width=\"407\" height=\"297\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-User-Account-Control.jpg 407w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-User-Account-Control-300x219.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 407px) 100vw, 407px\" \/><\/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-54000\" title=\"Click on the Next button to install Malwarebytes\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-installing.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Setup Wizard\" width=\"481\" height=\"363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-installing.jpg 481w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-installing-300x226.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 481px) 100vw, 481px\" \/><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-53991\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware final setup screen\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Install.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware setup wizard\" width=\"479\" height=\"365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Install.jpg 479w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Install-300x229.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 479px) 100vw, 479px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Once installed, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically start and will update the antivirus database. To start a system scan you can click on the &#8220;<strong>Scan\u00a0Now<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54004\" title=\"Click on the Scan Now button to scan with Malwarebytes\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Scan-Now.jpg\" alt=\"Start a scan with Malwarebytes scan\" width=\"529\" height=\"352\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Scan-Now.jpg 529w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Scan-Now-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 529px) 100vw, 529px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for the Cerber3 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-54005\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware while performing a scan\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Scanning-for-virus.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scanning for malware\" width=\"534\" height=\"356\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Scanning-for-virus.jpg 534w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Scanning-for-virus-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 534px) 100vw, 534px\" \/><\/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-54006\" title=\"Click on Remove Selected to remove Cerber3 malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Removing-virus.jpg\" alt=\"To remove malware click on the Remove Selected button\" width=\"530\" height=\"356\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Removing-virus.jpg 530w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Removing-virus-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 530px) 100vw, 530px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now quarantine all the malicious files and registry keys that it has found. When removing the files, <em>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware may require a reboot<\/em> 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-54003\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware asking to restart computer\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Restart-Computer.jpg\" alt=\"Restart computer to complete the malware removal process\" width=\"532\" height=\"358\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Restart-Computer.jpg 532w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Restart-Computer-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 532px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><br \/>\nAfter your computer will restart, you should open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and <em>perform another scan<\/em> to verify that there are no remaining threats<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 class=\"mt_blue\">STEP 2: Double-check for the Cerber3 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).<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54009\" title=\"'Double-click\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-Icon.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro Icon\" width=\"134\" height=\"124\" \/><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-54010\" title=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-install.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro setup process\" width=\"534\" height=\"421\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-install.jpg 534w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-install-300x237.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 534px) 100vw, 534px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>HitmanPro will now begin to scan your computer for malware.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54012\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scanning for Cerber3 virus\" width=\"529\" height=\"426\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-Scan.jpg 529w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-Scan-300x242.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 529px) 100vw, 529px\" \/><\/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 malware.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54008\" title=\"HitmanPro scan summary. Click Next to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-detected-malware.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro detected malware\" width=\"530\" height=\"426\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-detected-malware.jpg 530w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-detected-malware-300x241.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 530px) 100vw, 530px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Click on the &#8220;<strong>Activate free license<\/strong>&#8221; button to begin the <em>free 30 days trial<\/em>, and remove all the malicious files from your computer.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54011\" title=\"Click on the Activate free license button\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-remove-malware.jpg\" alt=\"Activate HitmanPro to remove malware\" width=\"528\" height=\"420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-remove-malware.jpg 528w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-remove-malware-300x239.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 528px) 100vw, 528px\" \/><\/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 &#8220;# HELP DECRYPT #.html&#8221;, &#8220;# HELP DECRYPT #.txt&#8221; and &#8220;# HELP DECRYPT #.url&#8221;.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1541859994\" 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=\"mwtad1047044509\" 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 Cerber3 ransomware<\/h2>\n<p>To protect your computer from the Cerber3 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 Cerber3 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=\"mwtad471884115\" 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>Cerber3 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 .cerber3 extension to encrypted files. The Cerber3 ransomware then displays &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"Remove Cerber3 ransomware (# HELP DECRYPT # Files Encrypted)\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/remove-cerber3-virus\/#more-54705\" aria-label=\"Read more about Remove Cerber3 ransomware (# HELP DECRYPT # Files Encrypted)\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":54706,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2727],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-54705","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\/54705","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=54705"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54705\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/54706"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54705"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54705"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54705"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}