CrypteVex Ransomware

CrypteVex is a ransomware-type malware designed to encrypt files and extort victims for payment in Bitcoin. Once installed on a system, it locks the user’s data by appending the “.cryptevex” extension to file names and renders them inaccessible without a decryption key. Victims are then presented with a ransom note in the form of a “README.html” file and a modified desktop wallpaper, both containing coercive instructions to pay a $600 ransom in Bitcoin.

After launching CrypteVex in a controlled environment, it immediately began encrypting various file types—documents, media, archives—and altered their names. For example, a file named photo.jpg became photo.jpg.cryptevex. It also launched a pop-up window reiterating the same threats and payment instructions. Notably, the malware imposes time-based pressure on the victim, claiming that the ransom will double in 48 hours and become non-recoverable after 96 hours, heightening urgency and panic.

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Ransom Note Text (README.html)

Ooops, your files have been encrypted!
What Happened to My Computer?
Your important files are encrypted. Many of your documents, photos, videos, databases and other files are no longer accessible because they have been encrypted. Maybe you are busy looking for a way to recover your files, but do not waste your time. Nobody can recover your files without our decryption service.

Can I Recover My Files?
If you paid before the time was up you can recover your files by entering the decryption key by clicking on the Decrypt button.

How Do I Pay?
It is too late to pay. If you did not pay before the time was up, your decryption key is already destroyed.
Send $600 worth of bitcoin to this address:
1CAXy5R3DWjxbxF4cVSu7CMHk7iEoEX3EL

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Desktop Wallpaper Message

Ooops, your files have been encrypted!
What Happened to My Computer?
Your important files are encrypted. Many of your documents, photos, videos, databases and other files are no longer accessible because they have been encrypted.
Maybe you are busy looking for a way to recover your files, but do not waste your time. Nobody can recover your files without our decryption service.

Can I Recover My Files?
Sure. We guarantee that you can recover all your files safely and easily. But you do not have much time. If you want to decrypt all your files, you need to pay.
If you do not pay within two days, the price will be doubled. Also, if you don’t pay within another two days, you won’t be able to recover your files forever.

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CrypteVex Ransomware Overview

Attribute	Details
Threat Name	CrypteVex Ransomware
Threat Type	Ransomware, File Locker, Crypto Virus
Encrypted File Extension	.cryptevex
Ransom Note File Name	README.html
Associated Emails	None specified
Bitcoin Wallet Address	1CAXy5R3DWjxbxF4cVSu7CMHk7iEoEX3EL
Ransom Amount	$600 in Bitcoin
Decryption Tool Available	No
Detection Names	Avast (Win64:MalwareX-gen [Misc]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.GenericKD.76227868), ESET-NOD32 (Win64/Filecoder.VD), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic), Microsoft (Trojan:Win32/Wacatac.B!ml)
Symptoms	Files cannot be opened, .cryptevex extension, ransom message displayed
Damage	Permanent data loss, file encryption, possible backdoor malware installed
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments, torrent sites, infected ads, cracked software
Danger Level	High – Fast encryption, time-based ransom threat
Recommended Removal Tool	SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

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

CrypteVex ransomware is a severe and fast-acting threat that can lock down entire systems in minutes. The inclusion of a countdown timer and escalating ransom price is designed to exploit panic and urgency. Paying the ransom is not recommended, as there’s no guarantee the attackers will follow through with file recovery. Instead, victims should immediately disconnect infected devices, avoid further interaction with the ransom note, and use a trusted malware removal tool like SpyHunter to neutralize the infection.