Remove CRYSTAL Virus (.[black_privat@tuta.io].CRYSTAL Files Ransomware) – Hakbit Ransomware

CRYSTAL Virus – Details

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

The message given by CRYSTAL text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives coming from the Hakbit family. It literally mentions that the info is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism applied by CRYSTAL is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of CRYSTAL is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds related to CRYSTAL ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, irrespective of the asked for quantity, people must stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not provide any positive result and people just lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly advise 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 CRYSTAL ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Thus, the only right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	CRYSTAL Ransomware
File Extension	.[black_privat@tuta.io].CRYSTAL
Type	Ransomware
Family	Hakbit
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 [black_privat@tuta.io].CRYSTAL extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to CRYSTAL ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to state the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to generate the unique decryption key for data decryption.

Therefore, 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 prevent the loss of your essential information is to regularly create backups of your important information.

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

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are a number of ways used by online scams to distribute CRYSTAL virus. Even though it doubts how precisely CRYSTAL injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Frequently CRYSTAL ransomware may exist as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some crucial software updates. This is the common trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing CRYSTAL infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals might refer to different e-mail spam tactics to inject harmful codes into Windows PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in CRYSTAL virus injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include harmful codes resulting in CRYSTAL secret installation. Lastly, injection of CRYSTAL may occur by means of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install destructive tools without the user’s consent.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of CRYSTAL ransomware?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to share with with you. First of all, be very mindful 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 consist of other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be destructive. Make sure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to important damage to be made for your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render far better services of defending your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the CRYSTAL text file:

All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail black_privat@tuta.io
or:
darkseid@tutamail.com (backup mail)

Send us this file
RESTORE_FILES_INFO

============================================
Free decryption as a guarantee
Before paying, you can send 1-2 files for free decryption. File format: txt doc pdf jpeg jpg gif png bmp Total file size should not exceed 2 MB (without archive)
============================================
You can buy Bitcoins here: hxxps://localbitcoins.com
Or use the search how to buy Bitcoins in your country
============================================
IMPORTANT!!!
Remember that your files are encrypted and only WE can recover them!
Do not try to recover yourself, as well as on third-party resources, you will lose your files and money forever!
============================================
Key Identifier:
-
Number of files that were processed is: 1549
PC Hardware ID:
-

Screenshot of files with “.[black_privat@tuta.io].CRYSTAL” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove CRYSTAL 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.

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.