What is Cerber3?
Cerber encryption virus has underwent many changes since its first release, and at the end of the summer 2016 there is a new third version of the ransomware – Cerber3. Most likely this has been done to overcome the free Cerber Decryptor that is able to decrypt the files affected by two previous versions. The Cerber3 threat now adds the .cerber3 extension to the files which are now encrypted individually. To guide a user through paying the ransom, the malware leaves a note The cybercriminals demand payment in Bitcoins, however we don’t recommend rushing to pay the ransom. Though the data that the threat has encrypted is valuable to you, but accepting the directives of the scammers, you encourage their actions. Before doing so try to remove Cerber3 ransomware and restore .cerber3 files on your own.
Symptoms of Cerber3 infection
It’s difficult not to notice ransomware, since it often has one of the processes responsible for displaying a notification message. This window blocks the screen leaving the user minimum alternatives. Besides, some files will be inaccessible, as in many cases ransomware encrypts them to exasperate the scaring effect.
How Cerber3 got installed on your computer
Cerber3 ransomware is distributed mostly stealthily, so that a user would never know about it. You may accidentally get this encryption virus after visiting an unsafe, infected site, or opening suspicious email attachments. Be especially careful with launching attachments from emails of unfamiliar sender, even if it pretends to be an email from a governmental service or a post office. Even when you are sure in file’s safety, scan it with anti-malware and anti-virus programs before launching.
What to do if your PC is infected with Cerber3
As soon as you notice the presence of the ransomware on your system, you should turn your computer off. If it is possible try to create a backup or image of your hard drive info. This may let you to reserve the state of your drives in case a decryption method would be created afterwards.
How to remove Cerber3?
To make sure that the adware won’t reappear, you need to delete Cerber3 completely. For this you need to remove the files and registry entries of the ransomware. We should warn you that performing some of the steps may require above-average skills, so if you don’t feel experienced enough, you may apply to automatic removal tool.
Performing an antimalware scan with Norton would automatically search out and delete all elements related to Cerber3. It is not only the easiest way to eliminate Cerber3, but also the safest and the most assuring one.
Steps of Cerber3 manual removal
Restart Windows in Safe Mode
For Windows XP:
- Restart the system
- While computer is rebooting press F8 several times
- In the appeared list of options choose Safe Mode
For Windows 7 and Vista:
- Restart the system
- While computer is rebooting press F8 several times
- In the appeared list of options choose Safe Mode
For Windows 8 and 8.1:
- Restart the system
- While computer is rebooting press F8 several times
- In the appeared list of options choose Safe Mode
For Windows 10:
- In the Start menu click on the power button
- Hold Shift and choose Restart
- Choose Troubleshoot
- In the Advanced Options choose Startup Settings
- Click Restart
- Select Enter Safe Mode
Restore the files encrypted by Cerber3
Use the decrypting tool
Unfortunately, currently a tool able to decrypt the files infected by Cerber3 is not released yet. You may try applying to the methods described below, however, they might not work with the latest versions of Cerber3.
Restore the system
- Initiate the search for system restore
- Click on the result
- Choose the date before the infection appearance
- Follow the on-screen instructions
Roll the files back to the previous version
- Right-click the file and choose Properties
- Open the Previous Version tab
- Select the latest version and click Copy
- Click Restore
If the above-mentioned methods didn’t help in eliminating the threat, then it’s better to rely on an automatic way of deleting Cerber3.
We also recommend to download and use Norton to scan the system after Cerber3 removal to make sure that it is completely gone. The antimalware application will detect any vicious components left among system files and registry entries that can recover Cerber3.
