Crynox Virus is a harmful ransomware strain that encrypts files on infected devices and demands payment in exchange for their restoration. Once it infiltrates a system—typically through spam emails, suspicious attachments, or malicious downloads—it locks users out of their important data and appends the .crynox extension to affected files. It also drops a ransom note named read_it.txt, which outlines instructions for contacting the attackers and making a payment in cryptocurrency.
The Crynox ransomware is particularly dangerous due to its use of RSA and AES encryption, which makes file decryption nearly impossible without a private key stored on a remote server controlled by the attackers. Victims are urged to avoid paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee that the cybercriminals will provide a valid decryption tool even after payment.
Crynox Ransomware Overview
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Threat Name | Crynox Virus / Crynox Ransomware |
Threat Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
File Extension | .crynox |
Symptoms | Locked files, renamed file extensions, ransom note “read_it.txt” |
Ransom Note File | read_it.txt |
Distribution Methods | Spam emails, malicious email attachments, pirated software, shady websites |
Associated Email | crynoxWARE@proton.me |
Damage | Encrypts files, demands ransom in crypto, may leak or steal private data |
Danger Level | Critical |
Registry Changes | Adds autorun entries to ensure persistence |
Malicious Locations | %Local% , %Temp% , %AppData% , %System32% , %Windows% , %SystemDrive% |
Encryption Used | RSA-4096, AES |
Detection Names | May vary; detected as Ransom.Crynox, Trojan.Ransom.Crynox, etc. |
Scam Message Text (read_it.txt)
sqlCopyEditCRYNOX Ransomware
=======================================
Oh No! Your files has been encrypted.
What happened to my files ?
All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with RSA & AES
More information about the encryption keys using RSA4096 can be found here:
RSA : hxxp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
AES : hxxps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_Standard
How did this happen ?
Specially for your PC was generated personal RSA & AES, both public and private.
ALL YOUR FILES were encrypted with High grade cryption.
Decrypting of your files is only possible with the help of the key and decryptor, which is on our Secret Server
What should I do ?
So, there are two ways you can choose: leave your data encrypted, or start obtaining BITCOIN NOW! , and restore your data easy way.
If You have really valuable data, you better not waste your time, because there is no other way to get your files, except make a payment.
For more specific instructions, please visit your personal home page, there are a few different addresses pointing to your page below:
1. –
If for some reasons the addresses are not available, follow these steps:
1. Open your email application. After opening the email application :
2. Contact me at : crynoxWARE@proton.me
3. Write an email about the ransomware and send it to us.
4. Wait until we replied to you about the decryptor application.
—————- IMPORTANT INFORMATION————————
Support Email : crynoxWARE@proton.me
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
- 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:
- 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.
- Press Windows + R, type
- 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:
- Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
- Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
- Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.
Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes
For Windows Users:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
- Right-click on the process and select End Task.
For Mac Users:
- Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
- Look for unusual processes.
- Select the process and click Force Quit.
Step 4: Delete Malicious Files
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%
, and hit Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Navigate to:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
C:\Windows\System32
- Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.
For Mac Users:
- Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
- Type
~/Library/Application Support
and delete suspicious folders. - 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.
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit
, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
- Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
- Right-click and select Delete.
For Mac Users:
- Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
- Navigate to
~/Library/Preferences
and remove malicious.plist
files.
Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
rstrui
, and hit Enter. - Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
- Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
- 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.
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
- Open the downloaded file (
SpyHunter-Installer.exe
). - Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
- Once installed, launch SpyHunter.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click on Start Scan Now.
- SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
- Wait for the scan to complete.
Step 4: Remove Detected Threats
- After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
- 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.
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.
Key Takeaways
- The Crynox virus uses military-grade encryption to lock your data.
- It renames files with the .crynox extension and leaves behind a ransom note.
- Victims are urged to pay in Bitcoin through contact at crynoxWARE@proton.me.
- Files may be stolen or permanently lost if you follow the attackers’ instructions.
- Removal of the virus is crucial, but paying the ransom is not recommended.