CHEATER – Ransomware
The CHEATER stands for a ransomware-type infection. CHEATER was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. CHEATER adds the “.crypto” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by CHEATER, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.crypto“. As soon as the encryption is finished, CHEATER places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.The message given by CHEATER text file asking for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives. It actually discusses that the info is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a an unique decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by CHEATER is still not properly examined. Still, it is definitely particular that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.
Another trick of CHEATER is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds related to CHEATER ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.
CHEATER encrypted your documents, but that might not be the only damage done to you. The ransomware might still be hidingon your computer. To identify whether this holds true, we suggest downloading GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
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Nevertheless, regardless of the requested quantity, people must keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not provide any positive result and people just lose their money for nothing.
We strongly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and absolutely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack CHEATER ransomware and to recover the information data totally free. Thus, the just best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.
Virus Summary
| Name | CHEATER Ransomware |
| File Extension | .crypto |
| Type | Ransomware |
| 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 and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special crypto extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to CHEATER ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt important data 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 produce the distinct decryption key for data 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 method to avoid the loss of your essential files is to regularly create backups of your important information.
Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard disk 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 absolutely not a good storage location.
How did ransomware infect my system?
There are a number of ways used by online scams to distribute CHEATER ransomware. Although it is uncertain how exactly CHEATER injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:
- integration with third-party apps, especially freeware;
- spam e-mails from unidentified senders;
- websites rendering free hosting services;
- pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.
Typically CHEATER virus may exist as some legitimate software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some important software updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing CHEATER infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.
Additionally, the criminals may refer to various e-mail spam techniques to inject destructive codes into PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails 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 damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade notifies may result in CHEATER ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of malicious codes causing CHEATER secret installation. Finally, injection of CHEATER may occur by ways of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install destructive utilities without the user’s approval.
Is there any way to prevent the injection of CHEATER ransomware?
Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to share with with you. Firstly, be very mindful when you surf 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 include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Make sure that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.
Of course, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may result in essential damage to be produced your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly advised to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your PC.
Below please find the quotation from the CHEATER text file:
CHEATER YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED! The important files on your computer have been encrypted with military grade AES-256 bit encryption. Your documents, videos, images and other forms of data are now inaccessible, and cannot be unlocked without the decryption key. This key is currently being stored on a remote server. To acquire this key, you have to transfer a Bitcoin Fee (300$ in Bitcoin) to the specified wallet address that you find on the bottom - Or you can contact us by email and I will give you a specific wallet address. Email: alphateam56@protonmail.com After you made the payment, I will give you the key to restore your files If you don\'t contact us/make the payment before the timer runs out, the decryption key will be destroyed and access to your files will be permanently lost. Email to Contact to receive Bitcoin Wallet Address: alphateam56@protonmail.com TIME REMAINING - WALLET ADDRESS: bc1qkgdzagcs7149hjfaq2k2ue2gff9r4fp9rgd0q1 BITCOIN FEE: 0.0051 [View Encrypted Files] [Enter Decryption Key]
Screenshot of files with “.crypto” extension added by the ransomware:
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove CHEATER 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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