CTB-Faker Ransomware Data Recovery

Written byHeloise Montini
Heloise Montini

Heloise Montini is a content writer whose background in journalism make her an asset when researching and writing tech content. Also, her personal aspirations in creative writing and PC gaming make her articles on data storage and data recovery accessible for a wide audience.

Edited byLaura Pompeu
Laura Pompeu

With 10 years of experience in journalism, SEO & digital marketing, Laura Pompeu uses her skills and experience to manage (and sometimes write) content focused on technology and business strategies.

Co-written byBogdan Glushko
Bogdan Glushko

CEO at SalvageData Recovery, Bogdan Glushko has over 18 years of experience in high-security data recovery. Over the years, he's been able to help restore data after logical errors, physical failures, or even ransomware attacks, for individuals, businesses, and government agencies alike.

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CTB-Faker Ransomware, also known as CTB Locker and Critroni, is a ransomware Trojan that first appeared in June 2014.

CTB-Faker uses strong encryption to encrypt the victim's files and then demands a ransom for the decryption key.

CTB-Faker is primarily spread through spam emails and malicious websites. CTB-Faker may also be distributed through peer-to-peer networks and instant messaging programs. Once CTB-Faker has infected a computer, it will scan the hard drive for certain file types to encrypt. CTB-Faker will then display a ransom note which instructs the victim on how to pay the ransom and decrypt their files. CTB-Faker is a serious threat that can result in the loss of important data. It is important to have a reliable backup solution in place to protect your data from CTB-Faker and other ransomware threats.

What types of files CTB-Faker will encrypt?

The specific file types that CTB-Faker targets include: .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx, .pdf, .jpg, and .rar. CTB-Faker will also encrypt files with the following extensions: .bmp, .cgm, .dib, .eps, .gif, .ico, .jpeg, and .png.

What encryption methods does CTB-Faker use?

CTB-Faker uses the AES-256 encryption algorithm to encrypt victims' files. This type of encryption is very difficult to crack without the decryption key.

What are the symptoms of a CTB-Faker infection?

Some of the symptoms associated with a CTB-Faker infection include: files with the . CTB extension, a ransom note named HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt, and a background image named CTB LOCKED.jpg.

Protection

There are several things you can do to protect yourself from CTB-Faker and other ransomware threats:- Keep your operating system and software up to date with the latest security patches.- Use a reliable antivirus program and keep it up to date.- Be cautious when opening email attachments, even if they come from someone you know.- Do not click on links in email messages unless you are sure they are safe.- Do not download software from untrustworthy websites.- Back up your important data regularly. This will allow you to recover your data if you do become a victim of CTB-Faker or another ransomware threat.

What was the biggest CTB-Faker outbreak?

The CTB-Faker outbreak that caused the most damage was the one that hit the German steel giant ThyssenKrupp in late 2014. This attack resulted in the encryption of more than 16,000 files. Thankfully, a backup solution was in place and ThyssenKrupp was able to recover its data without paying the ransom.

How much is the ransom?

The CTB-Faker ransom varies, but is typically around 1 Bitcoin, which is equivalent to approximately $600. The CTB-Locker ransomware, which is a variant of CTB-Faker, has been known to demand up to 4 Bitcoins, or approximately $2,400.

Should I pay the CTB-Faker ransom?

Paying the CTB-Faker ransom is not recommended. There is no guarantee that you will receive the decryption key even if you do pay the ransom. In addition, paying the ransom only encourages the attackers and funds their future attacks. If you have a backup of your data, you can simply restore your files from the backup and avoid paying the ransom altogether.

How can I remove CTB-Faker?

If it infected you with CTB-Faker, you should use a reliable anti-malware program to remove it from your computer. Once CTB-Faker has been removed, you can then restore your files from a backup if you have one. If you do not have a backup, you may be able to use a CTB-Faker decryption tool to decrypt your files if one exists for your particular variant. However, these decryption tools are not always effective and are typically only available for older variants of CTB-Faker. However, these tools are not always effective and should only be used as a last resort.

Is there a public CTB-Faker decryption tool?

There is no public CTB-Faker decryption tool available at this time. However, private companies have been able to decrypt some variants of CTB-Faker for their customers.

Contact a data recovery service

If you are a victim of CTB-Faker and do not have a backup, you may want to contact a data recovery service. These services use a variety of methods to try to decrypt victims' files.SalvageData Recovery Services is one such company that offers CTB-Faker decryption services.SalvageData experts offer a free consultation to help you determine if their services are right for you. Contact us today to learn more.

Final thoughts

CTB-Faker is a dangerous ransomware threat that can cause a lot of damage. It is important to take steps to protect yourself from this and other ransomware threats. Be sure to keep your operating system and software up to date, use a reliable antivirus program, and back up your important data regularly. If you do become a victim of CTB-Faker, do not pay the ransom. Instead, remove CTB-Faker from your computer and restore your files from a backup if you have one. You may also want to contact a data recovery service to try to decrypt your files.

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