Crystalcrypt Ransomware Removal Guide

Do you know what Crystalcrypt Ransomware is?

Crystalcrypt Ransomware is a malicious computer infection that seems to be a different variant of LightningCrypt Ransomware. The bottom line is that both programs are there to encrypt your files and then demand that you pay the ransom fee. Supposedly, you should pay the ransom because the program can give you the decryption key that can unlock your files. However, computer security experts say that you should never pay a single cent to these criminals. Instead, you need to remove Crystalcrypt Ransomware from your system, and then look for ways to restore your files.

Technically, there is nothing particularly specific about this application because it functions just like any other ransomware program out there. Therefore, we can assume that Crystalcrypt Ransomware also gets distributed like most of the other ransomware applications. And if that is really the case, then we should take a look at the most common ransomware distribution method. The most common way for a ransomware program to enter a target computer system is a spam email campaign.

It means that Crystalcrypt Ransomware and a number of other similar infections enter computers via spam emails. Of course, it cannot infect your computer if you do not open this email that carries the installer, so if you receive a message from someone you do not know, it would be for the best to delete this message. More often than not, spam emails that carry ransomware installers look like legitimate messages from online stores and financial corporations. Consequently, the installer files may look like invoices and financial reports, so it is quite obvious why some users may feel inclined to download and open such files. However, it is always a good idea to scan the attached file you downloaded right before you open it. For all it’s worth, you might be protecting yourself from a malicious infection.Crystalcrypt Ransomware Removal GuideCrystalcrypt Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions

Nevertheless, now that Crystalcrypt Ransomware entered your system, what can you expect from it? You can expect this infection to behave like most of the ransomware programs. First, it will scan your computer, looking for the file formats it can encrypt. Ransomware programs seldom encrypt every single file on the affected system. They need your computer to have the Internet connection and the measures to transfer the ransom payment. Hence, the programs usually do not touch your browsers and system files. The same applies to Crystalcrypt Ransomware, too.

After our research, we have found that this program encrypts most of your frequently-used files. It means that it will lock your picture and document format files, especially if they are in the %UserProfile% directory. Also, it will encrypt all the .exe type files, virtually leaving you unable to run any program on your PC. Of course, just as mentioned in the previous paragraph, Crystalcrypt Ransomware will not touch basic browser files. Thus, you will still be able to access the Internet. However, you will sure know that the rest of the files have been encrypted because the affected files will have an additional “.BLOCKED” extension added to them.

Aside from locking your files, the ransomware infection also displays a ransom note on your screen. The note appears in a pop-up, with a black background and white text. The message reads as follows:

YOU BECAME A VICTIME OF THE CRYSTALCRYPT RANSOMWARE!

ALL YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED
FOR EACH TRY TO DO ANYTHING I WILL DELETE FILES
PAY 0.17 BITCOINS TO THIS ADDRESS: 1LSgvYFY7SDNje2Mhsm51FxhqPsbvXE
YOU CAN BUY BITCOINS ON “BLOCKCHAIN.INFO”

The criminals have the nerve to finish their note with “HAVE FUN ;) _.” Needless to say, you should not follow these instructions because no one can guarantee that the criminals will really issue the decryption key. Instead, you need to remove Crystalcrypt Ransomware from your system, and then look for ways to restore your files.

It is highly possible that most of your picture files (especially if those are photos) are saved on your mobile device or on some online drive. The same could be applied to your document files, too. Perhaps you have the most recent files saved in your inbox? Or maybe you back them up on a cloud drive? The point is that users often have means to retrieve their files, but they simply get too shocked with such infection to think it through.

Please get rid of Crystalcrypt Ransomware right now, and then look for ways to protect your PC from harm. Should you need any assistance, our team is always ready to help you.

How to Remove Crystalcrypt Ransomware

  1. Go to your Downloads folder.
  2. Delete the most recently downloaded files.
  3. Scan your PC with SpyHunter.
  4. Delete remaining malicious files automatically.

In non-techie terms:

Crystalcrypt Ransomware will block most of your personal files and it will ask that you pay a lot of money to retrieve them. Please note that paying these criminals does not guarantee that your files will be restored. Computer security experts always maintain that it is for the best to remove Crystalcrypt Ransomware and similar infections from your system at once. It is futile to deal with these criminals. It is a lot better to invest in your computer security by acquiring a powerful antispyware tool.