What is Cbs0z ransomware? And how does it carry out its attack?
Cbs0z ransomware is a file-encrypting virus designed to lock important data in a computer. This new ransomware threat uses a “.cbs0z” extension in marking the files it encrypts. According to security experts, it is a new variant of Snatch ransomware based on its code snippets which have similarities with Snatch ransomware.
The instant it manages to infiltrate a computer, it will download and create more malicious files that help it in executing its attack. These files are placed in system folders and keep Cbs0z ransomware from being detected by antivirus programs installed on the computer. Moreover, it also modifies the Windows Registry so it can achieve persistence that will make its removal even harder. Once it’s done altering important system settings, Cekisan ransomware will scan the system for its targeted files like .doc, .docx, .jpg, .lnk, .pdf, .xls, and .xlsx. These files are encrypted using a sophisticated encryption algorithm. After encryption, it adds the .cekisan suffix to every encrypted file and opens the RESTORE_CBS0Z_DATA.txt ransom note that states:
“1. Decoding cost
The cost of decryption is 6000$. (Bitcoin is a form of digital
currency)
in 72 hours the price will be 10,000 dollars.
Smart pays quickly. Immediately after payment – all your files will be restored.
- Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may
cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause
increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a
victim
of a scam.
IMPORTANT! – if you, your programmers or your friends will help you
decrypt your files – this can lead to data loss. even when you pay
we will not be able to help you. Do not joke with files.
Contact Email
[email protected]”
How is the payload file of Cbs0z ransomware distributed online?
Just like Snatch ransomware, Cbs0z ransomware spreads using several tactics such as unprotected RDP configuration, deceptive downloads, botnets, exploit kits, fake software or software updates, and spam emails. Although it mostly uses spam emails with malicious attachments used to install the crypt-malware in the system. This malicious attachment may be a PDF file, ZIP file, or a document with macro scripts that once opened, will initiate the attack in the system.
Eliminate Cbs0z ransomware and its malicious components from your compromised computer with the help of the removal guide laid out below.
Step_1: The first thing you need to do is to obliterate the process of Cbs0z ransomware by opening the Task Manager – simply tap the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard.
Step_2: After that, switch to the Processes tab and look for the following processes that are related to Cbs0z ransomware and then end them all.
- <PATH_SAMPLE.EXE>
- <SYSTEM32>\sc.exe
- <SYSTEM32>\conhost.exe
- <SYSTEM32>\vssadmin.exe
- <SYSTEM32>\vssvc.exe
Step_3: Now that the malicious processes are eliminated, close the Task Manager.
Step_4: Next, tap Win + R, type in appwiz.cpl and click OK or tap Enter to open Control Panel’s list of installed programs.
Step_5: Under the list of installed programs, look for Cbs0z ransomware or anything similar and then uninstall it.
Step_6: Then close Control Panel and tap Win + E keys to launch File Explorer.
Step_7: Navigate to the following locations below and look for the malicious components of Cbs0z ransomware like the file named RESTORE_CBS0Z_DATA.txt, 1.exe, and [random].exe as well as other suspicious files it has created and downloaded into the system and then delete all of them.
- %APPDATA%
- %TEMP%
- %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
- %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Templates\
- %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
- %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
Step_8: Close the File Explorer.
Before you go on any further, make sure that you are tech-savvy enough to the point where you know exactly how to use and navigate your computer’s Registry. Keep in mind that any changes you make will highly impact your computer. To save you the trouble and time, you can just use Restoro this system tool is proven to be safe and excellent enough that hackers won’t be able to hack into it. But if you can manage Windows Registry well, then by all means go on to the next steps.
Step_9: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in Regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.
Step_10: Navigate to the following paths:
- <HKLM>\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager
- <HKLM>\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server
- <HKLM>\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\SafeBoot\Option
- <HKLM>\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Srp\GP\DLL
- <HKLM>\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Error Message Instrument\
- <HKLM>\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\GRE_Initialize
- <HKLM>\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Compatibility32
- <HKLM>\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\IME Compatibility
- <HKLM>\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
- <HKLM>\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Diagnostics
Step_11: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by Cbs0z ransomware.
Step_12: Close the Registry Editor and empty the Recycle Bin.
Try to recover your encrypted files using the Shadow Volume copies
Restoring your encrypted files using Windows Previous Versions feature will only be effective if Cbs0z ransomware hasn’t deleted the shadow copies of your files. But still, this is one of the best and free methods there is, so it’s definitely worth a shot.
To restore the encrypted file, right-click on it and select Properties, a new window will pop up, then proceed to Previous Versions. It will load the file’s previous version before it was modified. After it loads, select any of the previous versions displayed on the list like the one in the illustration below. And then click the Restore button.
Congratulations, you have just removed Cbs0z Ransomware in Windows 10 all by yourself. If you would like to read more helpful articles and tips about various software and hardware visit fixmypcfree.com daily.
Now that’s how you remove Cbs0z Ransomware in Windows 10 on a computer. On the other hand, if your computer is going through some system-related issues that have to get fixed, there is a one-click solution known as Restoro you could check out to resolve them.
This program is a useful tool that could repair corrupted registries and optimize your PC’s overall performance. Aside from that, it also cleans out your computer for any junk or corrupted files that help you eliminate any unwanted files from your system. This is basically a solution that’s within your grasp with just a click. It’s easy to use as it is user-friendly. For a complete set of instructions in downloading and using it, refer to the steps below
Perform a full system scan using Restoro. To do so, follow the instructions below.
