Craw – General Info
Craw is a malicious software application functioning as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known virus researcher, very first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Craw was created for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as soon as the file encryption is effectively accomplished, the users are not able to get access to them. Craw ransomware adds its own “.craw” to all the encrypted files. For example, the file “price_list.xls”, once modified by Craw, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.craw”. As soon as the encryption is achieved, Craw puts its own unique text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that keep the encrypted files.
The alert specified by _readme.txt requesting the random os really similar to the alerts provided by other ransomware dangers belonging to the DJVU family. The warning essentially shows that the data has been encrypted and the only solution to get access to it is to use a special standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is definitely real.
The technique to secure the files used by Craw is not totally looked into. However, there is no doubt that each computer owner might be released a special decryption key, which is definitely special. It is extremely hard to recuperate the data without the proper type in location.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Craw ransomware is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the total control by the criminals who have released the Craw infection into the web. In order to get the key and restore the crucial information, the users are informed to connect with the frauds via e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message also states that the people should get in touch with the Craw authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the data file encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so individuals will acquire a 50% discount, for that reason, the ransom quantity drops down to $490.
Craw encrypted your data, nevertheless, it might not be the only risk on your computer. Plus, the ransomware may be concealed deep in the system. To spot and delete the risk completely, we recommend you to describe the aid of GridinSoft Anti-Malware tool.
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No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we strongly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no warranty that these online scoundrels will keep their promises, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is received into their accounts. Hence, paying ransom typically does not lead to an effective recovery. So, the users might merely lose their money for nothing.
Similarly, we advise you not to contact the frauds as they instruct. Do not move cash into their wallets. There are no applications that could split the Craw virus or restore the information at no cost. For that reason, the only appropriate decision is to bring back the data from possible backups (if readily available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Craw Ransomware |
| File Extension | craw |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .craw extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Nakw, Derp, Coot |
| Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
Do not forget that the Web is now full of infections comparable to the Craw ransomware. For instance, this particular danger is generally identical to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These damaging utilities have been developed in order to encrypt the essential information and reveal the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the identical algorithm to produce the particular key for successful files decryption.
Unless the Craw ransomware is still under the advancement procedure or has actually got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to restore the information by hand. Hence, the only working option to prevent the loss of your crucial information is to routinely maintain updated backups of all your essential documents.
Another crucial piece of guidance is to keep the backups on special storage not connected to your main PC. For example, you might keep it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your system drive is very dangerous, since the backup may likewise be secured by the Craw ransomware.
Leaks for the Craw ransomware attack.
Craw uses many paths to infiltrate the vulnerable computer systems. It is not particular what specific technique was used in your case, however, the invasion might occur through the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, primarily free apps;
- spam emails from the unknown senders;
- websites offering free hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Craw may camouflage itself as some genuine application, for example, through the deceptive signals demanding setup of some software application update. This is the most typical trick utilized by the frauds to inject the Craw ransomware files into the system. This way users partly take part in its setup, without clearly understanding the threat.
In addition, the frauds might send unsolicited spam email with difficult signals encouraging the people to open dubious attachments or click some download links, for example, those encouraging the people to open certain images, text files, tax documents and other information.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the destructive links might basically damage the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player update notifications may lead to the Craw ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the split software application may furthermore contain the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Craw may occur through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent and even permission.
Preventing the Craw ransomware attack.
Naturally, there is no absolute warranty that your computer system will be constantly devoid of any malware attacks, nevertheless, we would like to share some beneficial suggestions with you to make it much safer. Make certain to pay very close attention while browsing the web and especially while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious email accessories, especially if the sender is not understood to you.
Do not forget that specific freeware installer may likewise consist of some other additional apps in the bundle. These extra applications might be really damaging. It is of utmost value to keep your anti-virus software application and your operating system in general to be always correctly updated.
It is quite sensible that downloading cracked programs is illegal, nevertheless, in addition, such unapproved software use may also bring serious damage to your computer. For this reason, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the reality that your existing anti-virus did not safeguard the system from the Craw ransomware is a good reason for you to reconsider your options and change to another program that can render the protecting functions on a better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Craw text file:
ATTENTION! Don't worry, you can return all your files! All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key. The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you. This software will decrypt all your encrypted files. What guarantees you have? You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free. But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information. You can get and look video overview decrypt tool: https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f Price of private key and decrypt software is $980. Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490. Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment. Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours. To get this software you need write on our e-mail: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos2@firemail.cc Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.craw” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Craw ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
2. Double-click on the setup file.
When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
5. Click on “Clean Now”.
When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
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