RansomwareRemoval Guide

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

Caterpillar Virus – Details

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

The message given by Caterpillar text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives coming from the VoidCrypt type. It actually mentions that the info is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by Caterpillar is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

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

Nevertheless, regardless of the requested quantity, people must stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to completely ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not give any positive result and people simply waste their money for nothing.

We highly recommend 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 Caterpillar ransomware and to recover the information data for free. Thus, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameCaterpillar Ransomware
File Extension.Caterpillar
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 Caterpillar extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsKonx, Peace, Lalaland
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Caterpillar ransomware. It is similar Konx and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt important information and to state the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to create the distinct decryption key for files decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your important information is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind 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 USB Memory Stick or external hard disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are several methods used by online frauds to distribute Caterpillar ransom virus. Although it is uncertain how exactly Caterpillar injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

  • integration with third-party apps, especially freeware;
  • spam emails from unidentified senders;
  • websites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Frequently Caterpillar ransomware may exist as some legitimate software application, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some important software updates. This is the common technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Caterpillar infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may describe different e-mail 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 motivating users to open some video, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may badly damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in Caterpillar ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also include malicious codes resulting in Caterpillar secret installation. Lastly, injection of Caterpillar may happen by means of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and set up harmful utilities without the user’s consent.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of Caterpillar ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to show with you. First of all, be extremely careful when you browse the web and specifically while downloading totally free programs. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

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

Naturally, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to essential damage to be made for your system. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly advised to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render far better services of protecting your computer.

Below please find the quotation from the Caterpillar 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 :AdminDecrpt@zohomail.com
In Case Of No Answer :RansomFile@tutanota.com or Telegram Id : SpadeRansom

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Caterpillar 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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