Cerber3 Ransomware Removal and File Decryption

Is your files encrypted by cerber3 ransomware? Do you know anything about it? Is it possible to recover the files without paying the ransom? How to prevent such ransomware? Read on and you will find the answers.

What is Cerber3 Ransomware?

The Cerber3 ransomware emerged on the last day of august 2016, almost a month after the previous edition started compromising Windows users. The latest Cerber3 variant is a destructive fusion of this strain’s old characteristics and new features, both external and code-level ones. The properties inherited from version one and two include the Command and Control network, the specificity of cryptographic workflow, as well as the look and feel of victim interaction elements. Cerber3 trojan is still replacing an infected user’s desktop background with an image of its own containing the actual warning along with preliminary steps to start on paid decryption. Another effect that’s already familiar to researchers and victims is the scary voice coming out of the speakers that iterates the alert message.

Cerber3 is usually distributed via infected email attachments or links to maliciously crafter websites. According to user reports, the attackers send you a notification email on behalf of a shipping company, allegedly to inform you they couldn’t deliver you a package. Most users are intrigued by this possibility and open the email or click on the malicious link although they know nobody was supposed to send them anything. Yes, curiosity killed the cat.

The Cerber3 ransomware attacks all Windows versions, and encrypts all productivity files, adding the .cerber3 extension so that users can no longer open them. Once the computer is infected, Cerber 3 creates the #HELP DECRYPT link, inviting you to pay the ransom.

Is it possible to decrypt files encrypted by Cerber3 Ransomware?

Until now, there is still no effective way to decrypt the files encrypted by Cerber3 Ransomware freely. This makes the decryptor tool and a private key provided by cybercriminals the only direct decryption. All we can do now is to scan the PC with a malware removal tool and make sure there are no viruses in the system. Wait patiently for a new free decryption utility.

If ransomware somehow got into your system, you have a problem, but there are few ways to repair your files.

1.Restore from backup. if you have a backup just load it, but it must be at least  2-3 days old from the time, when ransomware revealed itself.

2.If you have no backup, or it was done when the computer was already infected - try to use Recuva or ShadowExplorer tools, which can restore files from shadow copies. This method is not 100% effective, but you have a chance to restore files with it's help.

3.Use the Kaspersky Decryptor. It also could't give a guarrantee of removal, but this tool grows stronger with every single decryption attempt.

This is it. My personal advice is not to pay the ransom, until you try all of these methods. They are not difficult, and it will take a half of an hour to try them all.