Cephalus Ransomware

Cephalus ransomware is a highly dangerous file-encrypting threat from the Phobos ransomware family. Once it infiltrates a system, it appends the .cephalus extension to every encrypted file and drops a ransom note demanding payment for decryption. Like most Phobos variants, Cephalus uses strong encryption and delivers its ransom instructions via a text file and a pop-up window. It primarily targets Windows systems through cracked software, malicious attachments, and RDP exploits.

Victims are urged not to pay the ransom, as there’s no guarantee of file recovery—and doing so only funds further attacks.

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Cephalus Ransomware – Threat Summary

Threat Type	Ransomware (Phobos variant)
Encrypted File Extension	.cephalus
Ransom Note Filename	info.hta, info.txt
Email Contact	supportcrypt@airmail.cc, supportcrypt@onionmail.org
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:RansomX-gen), ESET (Win32/Filecoder.Phobos)
Symptoms	Files renamed, ransom notes dropped, .cephalus extension
Damage + Distribution Methods	File encryption, ransom demand; spreads via malicious attachments, pirated software, RDP brute-force
Danger Level	Critical

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How Did I Get Infected With Cephalus Ransomware?

Cephalus ransomware spreads through some of the most common—and dangerous—delivery vectors:

• Cracked software downloads from torrent sites or fake installers
• Malicious email attachments, especially fake invoices or documents
• Exposed or weak Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) ports
• Fake updates or trojanized tools downloaded from shady websites

Attackers often disguise the payload as a legitimate executable, luring users into launching the ransomware unknowingly. Once executed, Cephalus silently begins encrypting files and disables system recovery options to make restoration more difficult.

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What Cephalus Ransomware Does to Your Files

Once it runs, Cephalus immediately:

1. Encrypts personal and business files using strong AES+RSA encryption.
2. Appends a unique victim ID and .cephalus to each file (e.g., report.pdf.id[XXXXXX].[supportcrypt@airmail.cc].cephalus).
3. Drops two ransom notes: info.txt and info.hta.
4. Modifies Windows settings to ensure persistence and prevent system recovery.
5. Demands payment in Bitcoin, typically with threats of file deletion after a deadline.

Unfortunately, there are no free decryptors for Cephalus ransomware at this time.

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Should You Be Worried About Cephalus Ransomware?

Yes—Cephalus ransomware is extremely dangerous. It can:

• Render your data permanently inaccessible
• Lock down business systems, causing severe operational disruption
• Leave backdoors or vulnerabilities even after removal
• Leak stolen data in some cases (common in newer ransomware campaigns)

Even if you’re a home user, this ransomware can destroy years of photos, documents, and backups in minutes.

Important: Paying the ransom does not guarantee you’ll get your files back. Many victims are scammed after payment.

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Ransom Note Dropped by Cephalus Ransomware

Here’s what the info.txt ransom note says:

“All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the email: supportcrypt@airmail.cc. You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. After payment, we will send you the decryption tool. Free decryption as guarantee is possible by sending 1 file…”

The attackers typically offer to decrypt one file for free as “proof,” but this is a manipulation tactic. In reality, there’s no guarantee they will deliver anything after payment.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

If your files are encrypted with the .cephalus extension and you see ransom notes named info.txt or info.hta, disconnect your PC immediately to stop further damage. Do not pay the ransom. Instead:

• Use a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter to remove Cephalus ransomware from your system.
• Restore from offline backups, if available.
• Contact cybersecurity professionals if your organization is impacted.

Even if your files can’t be decrypted right away, removing the malware ensures your system is safe from further compromise.