RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Cat Virus (.Cat Files Ransomware) – VoidCrypt Ransomware

Cat – General Info

The Cat stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the VoidCrypt ransomware family. Cat was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Cat adds the “.Cat” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by Cat, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.Cat“. As soon as the encryption is finished, Cat places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Cat text file requesting the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the VoidCrypt clan. It actually points out that the info is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by Cat is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of Cat is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds connected with Cat ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the asked for amount, people must stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not give any positive outcome and people simply lose their money for nothing.

We highly advise that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Cat ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Hence, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameCat Ransomware
File Extension.Cat
TypeRansomware
FamilyVoidCrypt
Short DescriptionThe 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.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special Cat extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsCaterpillar, Konx, Peace
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Cat ransomware. It is similar Caterpillar and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt crucial data and to set forth the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to generate the unique decryption key for information decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your important files is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they must be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are several methods used by online scams to distribute Cat virus. Even though it is uncertain how precisely Cat injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unknown senders;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Typically Cat ransomware might be presented as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some essential software application updates. This is the common trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Cat infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may describe different email spam techniques to inject harmful codes into Windows PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in Cat virus injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of destructive codes causing Cat secret installation. Finally, injection of Cat may happen by means of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up malicious utilities without the user’s authorization.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of Cat ransomware?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we want to share with with you. To start with, be extremely mindful when you surf the web and particularly while downloading complimentary apps. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Make certain that your current antivirus software and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may result in necessary damage to be produced your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render better services of defending your computer.

Below please find the quotation from the Cat text file:

!!! Your Files Has Been Encrypted !!!
♦ your files has been locked with highest secure cryptography algorithm ♦
♦ there is no way to decrypt your files without paying and buying Decryption tool♦
♦ but after 48 hour decryption price will be double♦
♦ you can send some little files for decryption test♦
♦ test file should not contain valuable data♦
♦ after payment you will get decryption tool ( payment Should be with Bitcoin)♦
♦ so if you want your files dont be shy feel free to contact us and do an agreement on price♦
♦ !!! or Delete you files if you dont need them !!!
♦Your ID :-
our Email :whilingo@gmail.com
In Case Of No Answer :whilin.go@mailfence.com 

Screenshot of files with “.Cat” extension added by the ransomware:
Cat Ransomware - encrypt files with .Cat extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Cat ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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