RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove CTB-Locker Virus (.ctbl Files Ransomware)

CTB-Locker Virus Ransomware

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

The message given by CTB-Locker text file asking for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It actually points out that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism used by CTB-Locker is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely particular that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of CTB-Locker is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is stored on a specific server run by the frauds associated with CTB-Locker ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nonetheless, irrespective of the requested amount, people need to stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not provide any positive result and people simply waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly advise that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack CTB-Locker ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Thus, the only best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameCTB-Locker Ransomware
File Extension.ctbl
TypeRansomware
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 ctbl extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to CTB-Locker ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt important 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 produce the unique decryption key for files 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 data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they must be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard 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 together with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are a number of methods used by online scams to distribute CTB-Locker ransom virus. Even though it doubts how exactly CTB-Locker injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Frequently CTB-Locker virus may be presented as some genuine software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some important software updates. This is the typical trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing CTB-Locker 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 video, files, 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 CTB-Locker virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of destructive codes resulting in CTB-Locker secret installation. Finally, injection of CTB-Locker may happen by means of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install harmful tools without the user’s permission.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of CTB-Locker ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to show with you. First of all, be very cautious 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.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may consist of other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to important damage to be made for your system. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render far better services of defending your system.

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove CTB-Locker 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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