What is CRYSTAL ransomware
CRYSTAL is a cryptovirus that encodes all significant files on the victim’s computer, from family photos to work documents, to be used as a ploy to extort money from victims. This virus works in the same way as other ransomware. CRYSTAL was created by crooks to hack into the victim’s system, perform an encryption process, and then request a fee to fix it. Problem is that this is an illegal service. Encrypted files have the extension .CRYSTAL . Files with this extension cannot be opened for use. Next, the moment of illegal encryption begins:
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: 1549PC Hardware ID:
This is a note from developers of virus. It is placed in folders with encrypted files. When you open these folders, the note opens. Developers demand several hundred dollars in exchange for tools. There is no guarantee that you will be provided with your old files, so remove CRYSTAL.
There are 2 options for solving this problem. The first is to use an automatic removal utility that will remove the threat and all instances related to it. Moreover, it will save you time. Or you can use the Manual Removal Guide, but you should know that it might be very difficult to remove CRYSTAL ransomware manually without a specialist’s help.
If for any reason you need to recover deleted or lost files, then check out our article Top 5 Deleted File Recovery Software
CRYSTAL Removal Guide
Remember that you need to remove CRYSTAL Ransomware first and foremost to prevent further encryption of your files before the state of your data becomes totally useless. And only after that, you can start recovering your files. Removal must be performed according to the following steps:
- Download CRYSTAL Removal Tool.
- Remove CRYSTAL from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS (Run system in Safe Mode).
- Restore CRYSTAL files
- How to protect PC from future infections.
How to remove CRYSTAL ransomware automatically:
Norton is a powerful antivirus that protects you against malware, spyware, ransomware and other types of Internet threats. Norton is available for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices. We recommend you to try it.
If you’re Mac user – use this.
Manual CRYSTAL Removal Guide
Here are step-by-step instructions to remove CRYSTAL from Windows and Mac computers. Follow these steps carefully and remove files and folders belonging to CRYSTAL. First of all, you need to run the system in a Safe Mode. Then find and remove needed files and folders.
Uninstall CRYSTAL from Windows or Mac
Here you may find the list of confirmed related to the ransomware files and registry keys. You should delete them in order to remove virus, however it would be easier to do it with our automatic removal tool. The list:
CRYSTAL.dll
_readme.txt
readme.txt
Windows 7/Vista:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to CRYSTAL by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 8/8.1:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to CRYSTAL by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 10:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to CRYSTAL by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows XP:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to CRYSTAL by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Mac OS:
- Restart the computer;
- Press and Hold Shift button, before system will be loaded;
- Release Shift button, when Apple logo appears;
- Find programs or files potentially related to CRYSTAL by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
How to restore encrypted files
You can try to restore your files with special tools. You may find more detailed info on data recovery software in this article – recovery software. These programs may help you to restore files that were infected and encrypted by ransomware.
Restore data with Stellar Data Recovery
Stellar Data Recovery is able to find and restore different types of encrypted files, including removed emails.
- Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
- Choose drives and folders with your data, then press Scan.
- Select all the files in a folder, then click on Restore button.
- Manage export location. That’s it!
Aiseesoft Data Recovery
Aiseesoft Data Recovery recovers deleted files (like photos, documents, emails, audio, video), and also recovers from a computer, hard drive, flash drive, memory card, digital cameras. Recover from accidental deletion, formatted partition, hard drive problem, RAW hard drive, computer crash
We hope this guide was helpful to you. Feel free to leave a comment and tell us what recovery software was (or wasn’t) effective in your case.
How to prevent ransomware infection?
It is always rewarding to prevent ransomware infection because of the consequences it may bring. There are a lot of difficulties in resolving issues with encoders viruses, that’s why it is very vital to keep a proper and reliable anti-ransomware software on your computer. In case you don’t have any, here you may find some of the best offers in order to protect your PC from disastrous viruses.
Malwarebytes
SpyHunter is a reliable antimalware removal tool application, that is able to protect your PC and prevent the infection from the start. The program is designed to be user-friendly and multi-functional.
