Server CryptoMix virus - How to remove

Server ransomware virus is a variant of CryptoMix infection. Different versions from the same developers of crypto-malware have been popping out on a regular basis. Just on the 2nd of January, we discussed a TastyLock ransomware which has nearly identical features. Each variant of CryptoMix virus uses unique email addresses.

In the case of Server malware, we have noticed these: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]. In addition to this, it will append .SERVER extension to the damaged digital data. Read this whole article to learn more about this disturbing Ransomware.

Server crypto-malware is a variant from authors of CryptoMix, TastyLock and WORK viruses

Victims are supposed to send their unique ID numbers to all of these email accounts and wait for more detailed instructions. However, contacting hackers is not the option to choose. Hackers are only going to inform victims of the demanded ransoms and bitcoin wallets. According to the security researchers, the payload of Server crypto-virus is BC3C3CB7E8.exe file. Most of the popular scanners already detect it as malicious: Trojan.Generic.DA26E, Trojan/Win32.Blocker.C2320609, W32/Kryptik.N.gen!Eldorado.

Hackers are regularly adding new variants to the collection of CryptoMix infections (Two Cryptomix variants spotted in under a week). It is very likely that Server virus will be using AES-256 encryption algorithm for file-encoding (just like the preceding ransomware versions). It will also add _HELP_INSTRUCTION.txt file. Its purpose is to give brief instructions for the victims of this infection. As we have mentioned before, people are required to send their ID numbers to the authors of Server virus.

From the analysis of this Server ransomware, we noticed that it will initiate a command to remove all Shadow Volume Copies. Therefore, restoring these files will be impossible. However, do not contact hackers, nor send them the demanded ransoms. By doing this, you are sponsoring the creation of more variants of CryptoMix: viruses that resemble 0000, Shark and Arena ransomware might never stop getting detected by security researchers.

Is there any hope for the files that Server virus had encrypted?

Digital data that the Server ransomware ruined could be decryptable. Since the infection removes Shadow Volume Copies, victims will have to look for alternatives. While there are some lead for the free-decryption, we found no specific mentions about a free decryptor. As for the other options, we can recommend that you use universal recovery tools. However, the best option is to have digital files stored in backup storages. If you have more than one source for your files, then the file-recovery becomes an effortless task.

All you have to do is get rid of the Server ransomware from your computer. We advise you to get an anti-malware tool to secure your device from malware infections. For instance, Spyhunter is one of the high-quality applications that can serve users. It will protect computer systems from adware, browser hijackers, Trojans and other malware types. Also, you could get rid of this ransomware by following the guidelines below.

How does this Server crypto-virus enter operating systems?

There is a variety of methods that hackers can transmit their malicious software. Firstly, they could expose users to malspam. This means that deceptive email messages are going to be sent. Most of the time, these letters include attachments or links to unknown websites. Server ransomware could also infect operating systems thru online advertisements or improperly protected RDPs. Therefore, you won’t be eager to explore content which might designed specifically for malware-distribution.

If your operating system is infected with Server ransomware or basically any other crypto-malware, we hope that you will not consider paying the ransom. The only way to stop ransomware authors is to never pay the required fees for decryption. Of course, sometimes people like they have no other choice but to pay up. However, if you store your files in backup storages, you won’t have to waste money.

How to recover Server CryptoMix virus encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before Server CryptoMix virus has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of Server CryptoMix virus

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to Server CryptoMix virus. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore Server CryptoMix virus affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually Server CryptoMix virus tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover Server CryptoMix virus encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.