Ransomware

CY3 ransomware (.CY3 file virus) Removal

CY3 Ransomware is a variant of the Dharma family. It encrypts files on the host computer and renames them by adding victim’s ID, attackers’ email address, followed by “.CY3” file virus extension.

For an instance, a file named “myphoto.jpg” will get converted into “myphoto.jpg.id-9ECFA84E.[cybercrypt@tutanota.com].CY3” after the attack. You will be unable to access any of your files and find “info.txt” ransom note on your PC.

The note contains warning messages and ransom demands with attacker’s email address. This nasty virus demands a hefty extortion fee for the decryption key. This guide can help you remove this virus and decrypt your files without paying money to hackers.

Threats like CY3 File Virus keep getting back on the PC if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

What is CY3 Ransomware

CY3 Ransomware is a data locker malware also known as a cryptovirus. This type of threat is used to encrypt files on targeted PC and extort money from victims to restore files. This type of malware attack has gotten a significant rise in recent years. People are more vulnerable to such infections because they store valuable data on their computers.

Ransomware creators know this fact and take the advantage of such a situation to make an illegal profit online. This dangerous malware can lock all types of files such as videos, images, audio, documents, database, backups, and so on. If your computer got infected by this nasty virus, then you must not engage in any conversation or negotiation with hackers. Actually, the primary motive of CY3 File virus is to restrict users from accessing any of their files.

A ransom note is also left on the victim’s computer to ask for the money in return for unlocking the documents. But taking cyber criminals at their word could be dangerous, as many people got scammed and could not get their files back. You need to remove CY3 Ransomware from your PC and recover your files through alternate methods. Read this guide for detailed information about this file-encrypting malware, how to remove it and how to decrypt your files.

More about CY3 File Virus

CY3 ransomware is a notorious file-encrypting malware that belongs to DHARMA virus family. This dubious threat is created by hackers with the ambition to fraud money from users by blackmailing them. This new variant of the data locker virus can encrypt all your files without your permission using a powerful cryptography algorithm.

This virus is able to infect any version of Windows PC easily and it can sneak past your antivirus protection without detection. Earlier you won’t even recognize what struck your PC and then suddenly all your files are locked with an undecipherable key.

CY3 File Virus Ransomware

CY3 File Virus is one of the many variants released by the creators of the Dharma Ransomware virus. This dubious malware intrudes on your computer and then executes its malicious encryption software. This nasty Ransomware has created this ugly situation on your computer so that it can force you into paying the ransom money for the decryption key.

What happens to your files

As you know, CY3 Ransomware uses a powerful RSA military-grade encryption algorithm to encode your files. All your files will still be there on your computer, but you will not be able to access them. This kind of encryption algorithm is mainly used to protect files, and transmit information without the tension of anyone intercepting the message. This practice was first used for military and intelligence purposes but now many social media companies like WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, and others are using end-to-end encryption. This technology keeps all communication safe from sender to receiver and no one can read the messages.

Such end-to-end encryption and military-grade cipher are good for privacy but in hackers’ hands, it is a weapons of mass destruction. There is no way to break the encryption without a decoder and thus cybercrooks behind CY3 Ransomware get away by cheating innocent users. All these files encrypted by this malware can only be decoded by a private decryption tool and key which is unique for every computer. Brute forcing to restore files to the original version might corrupt the whole and even the decryption tool won’t even recover .CY3 virus files.

However, there are some ways to recover files infected by this virus. It will not be easy but it could be possible to recover most (if not all) of the files without paying money to hackers. Sometimes ransomware creators also leave some flaws which could be exploited to create a decryptor. Unfortunately, there is no free decryptor yet found for CY3 Ransomware. But it does not mean it’s not going to happen, however, it may take time. You can also recover your files through backup or use data recovery software to recover previous versions of your encrypted files.

CY3 Ransomware: Threat Analysis

Name CY3 File Virus
Type Ransomware, File-Encrypting virus
Family Dharma Ransomware
Extension .CY3
Threat Level High (Encrypt all your data and Restrict access to your files).
Symptoms Victims cannot access any files on their PC and find Ransom notes asking for money.
Damage It will  encrypt your data by adding its extension to file names and demand ransom money for the decryption key
Distribution It is mainly distributed through spam emails, bundled freeware, porn, or torrent sites.
Removal Download SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware
File Recovery Download Data Recovery Software

Do not pay money hackers

Paying ransom money to hackers to get the decryption is not a good idea. Many people might think they cannot risk their valuable information and that paying money is the easy way out but it can be dangerous. As you know, CY3 File Virus is a variant of Dharma Ransomware. There are hundreds of more variants just like this. So if you once pay, your system can get infected again by some other version of the malware. It is also possible that some other completely ransomware virus attacks your PC. Because once your system gets infected, a loophole gets created which can be used by viruses to intrude on your machine.

It is also very much possible that after getting money, the creators of CY3 Ransomware will stop responding to your emails. Many of the victims already reported such incidents and there is no way to find the hackers. Payment is also in Bitcoins which cannot be traced and so you can lose both your files and money. Firstly, the main thing is you cannot trust cyber criminals to keep their word once they get paid, and secondly, you cannot force them to. So in our expert opinion, you must refrain from paying any money to the attackers. It will only motivate them to expand their blackmailing business.

Distribution methods used to transmit ransomware

Most of the users ask us how their system got infected in the first place. They have no clue about the infection whatsoever. So if you are thinking the same question then you need to know that hackers use several tricks to spread their creations. Threats like CY3 Ransomware are mostly spread through illegal or pirated software downloads. When you go looking for cracked programs, how do you think they spoof the purchased software for free? Trojan viruses are used to crack software, and when you install such programs, that Trojan can always drop new threats on your PC.

Spam email campaigns are another very famous and effective method used by hackers to spread viruses like CY3 File Virus. Hackers use software to send bulk messages with fake content and malicious attachments. Bulk messaging practically costs nothing, but even if 1 victim out of 1000 pays the ransom money, it’s still a good profit. Many freeware creators allow bundled programs that get installed in the background without permission. Such bundled apps can trigger the installation of malware and users won’t even know.

Browsing torrent or porn sites causes too much redirection. You mostly land on suspicious sites with various fake ads, promo, alerts, warnings, etc. that ask you to click. Once you click on those ads, a malicious script could trigger the download and installation of malware on your system. Sharing files on an unsafe network could also bring threats like this to your computer. We have made a list of precautionary measures to avoid malware attacks on your PC which is in the last of this guide. Make sure to read those tips to protect your system in the future.

Removal of virus and Decryption of files

If you want to recover your files, then you must remove CY3 File Virus completely from your PC. Removing this virus manually may not be easy, so you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to get rid of this threat completely. Do not format your PC or re-install Windows, because you will not be able to recover files then. To restore your encrypted files, you can use the backup copies if you have made any. If you don’t have a backup then try using Data recovery software. If you try to restore files without removing viruses, then it will keep encrypting your data. So it is advised to delete this Virus completely from your machine.

How To Remove CY3 File Virus

Follow this guide carefully to remove this virus completely from your system. Below you can find step-by-step instructions on how to effectively get rid of this nasty threat easily. Removal of threats like CY3 File Virus is never easy, so we have simplified the process for you in several small steps.

Quick Summary of Removal Instructions:

  1. Automatic CY3 Ransomware Removal Guide
  2. How To Decrypt .CY3 Files
  3. Manual CY3 File Virus Removal Guide
  4. Start PC in Safe Mode With Networking
  5. Kill Malicious Process From Task Manager
  6. Remove Virus From Windows Registry Editor
  7. Remove CY3 Ransomware via system restore
  8. Prevent CY3 Ransomware in the Future

Please Bookmark This Page by pressing the {ctrl+D} button or print it out on paper before you start the removal process because you may need to restart your PC or browser.

Automatic CY3 Ransomware Removal Guide

It can be hectic to remove threats from an infected PC but the use of powerful Anti-Malware can make it quite easy. SpyHunter anti-malware can help you to remove Trojans, Ransomware, Spyware, Adware, PUPs, etc. easily. You can scan your system for CY3 file virus and all other hidden threats at once. All you need to do is to download this software and run a new scan on your PC.

It will find all the threats and viruses in no time and save you lots of time and effort. This amazing software also provides 24X7 customer support and one-on-one Spyware HelpDesk support for Custom Malware removal. Advanced System Guard feature detects and removes threats in real-time. It has a very User-Friendly Interface and regular Malware definition updates make it most effective against the latest attacks.

How SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware Works

  • You will begin by downloading the software on your system for which you have to click on the below download button.

Geek’s Recommendation

Threats like CY3 File Virus keep getting back on the machine if all associated files are not removed. So you are advised to use a powerful Malware Removal Tool to run a thorough scan of your PC and delete all threats at once.

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.
  • Once the software has been downloaded, double-click on SpyHunter-Installer.exe to install the Anti-Malware program on your PC and proceed with the setup.

SpyHunter Installeruser access control

  • After installation, you will need to launch the Anti-Malware application. From the welcome screen click on the Start Scan Now button to initiate a new scan of your PC.

Scan for CY3

  • Once the scanning process begins, it will take some time to run a thorough diagnostic of your PC and find all hidden threats and malware.

Scan for CY3

  • Soon you will find a complete list of all the threats on your system screen. Then you will need to click on the Next button to delete all the viruses.

Remove CY3

How To Decrypt .CY3 Files

As there is no CY3 ransomware decryptor available, you will need to use alternate options to restore your files. The first one is to use the backup. If you have created a backup of your important files then it is going to be quite easy. However, if you don’t have any backup files or they also got encrypted by the virus then you will have to try a data recovery software.

We recommend using Stellar Data Recovery software because it is a powerful and trusted data recovery software. Paying ransom money is not ideal because it will only motivate hackers to carry out more attacks. You can wait for any free decryptor to be launched but it can take forever. Download the free trial version of data recovery and scan your PC for files. It may be able to recover some of your files and save you lots of money.

  • Click on the below download button to get started instantly with the data recovery process on your PC.

Download Data Recovery Software Now

  • After the download click on the installer file and complete the software installation. Then launch the application and select the Data type to recover, and click the Next button.

select Data type

  • After the selection of data, you will need to select the location from where you want to recover data. Choose the location and then click on the Scan button.

Select location

  • The software will take some time to scan your system. You will see a list of all the files that can be recovered. You can preview them or click on the Recover button to save them.

Recover CY3 encrypted files

Manual CY3 File Virus Removal Guide

Before you start Manual Removal

Attention! For the safety of your system, please confirm a few things before you begin manual removal:

  1. You have done this before, which means you have experience in removing the virus manually;
  2. That you know your way around PC and  all necessary processes and applications;
  3. You know about Registry entry and the Serious repercussions of any mistake;
  4. Make sure you can reverse any mistake made during virus removal.

If you don’t attain any of the above standards, then manual removal could be a very risky idea. It is most likely best for you to use the SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware which is totally secure and efficient method.

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

Start PC in safe mode with networking

  • Click on the Windows and R keys together on your keyboard to open the Windows Run Box.
  • Now you will need to type in MSConfig and then click the OK button.
  • The System configuration settings box will appear on your computer screen.
  • Click on the Boot tab, check the Safe Boot option, and select the network box,
  • Finally, you will have to click on Apply and then press the OK button.

Safe boot

Kill Malicious Process From Task Manager

  • Open the Windows Rub box again on your PC by pressing the Windows and R keys together on your keyboard.
  • This time you will have to type in taskmgr and then click the OK button to open Windows Task Manager. Look for any unknown or malicious running on your system.
  • Select the process which is taking lots of systems resources and then click on the End Task button.

Stop CY3 related task

Uninstall CY3 Ransomware from Control Panel

  • Again you will need to open the Windows Run Box, so press the Windows and R keys together.
  • This time you need to open the Windows Control Panel, so type in appwiz.cpl and then click the OK button.
  • Programs and Features windows will appear on your computer screen with a list of all the installed applications.
  • Now you need to look for any unknown or virus related program and then Uninstall it from your PC.

Remove CY3

Remove CY3 File Virus From Registry Editor

  • Again open the Windows Run Box on your PC by using the Windows and R keys.
  • To open the Windows Registry Editor, type in Regedit and click the OK button.
  • Now you will have to find the virus related registry files and remove them.
  • Press CTRL and F keys together on the keyboard to start a Find query.
  • Type the virus name and click on Find Next button to find malicious entries and delete them.

Remove CY3 related registry

Warning: Meddling with Windows Registry files might not be a good idea if you don’t have advanced knowledge about registry files. Deleting the wrong file can break down your entire system. Proceed at your own risk, or just skip this step. You can choose the Automatic Removal method and avoid all the problems.

Compatible with: Windows 11/10/8/7 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)

Special Offer SpyHunter 5 Anti-Malware offers a 7-day fully-functional Free Trial. Credit card required, NO charge upfront. No charge if you cancel up to two business days before the trial period ends. Read SpyHunter 5 Review, and Free SpyHunter Remover details.

Remove Malicious IP addresses from Windows Hosts Files

  • To open the Windows hosts file, simply press the Windows and R keys together on the keyboard.
  • Type C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc in Run Box and then click the OK button.
  • Now you will need to access the Windows hosts file using Notepad.
  • Most threats add malicious IP addresses here to automatically connect to remote servers.
  • Delete all the malicious IP addresses below the localhost and save the file.

Remove CY3 virus related IP address

Delete Virus related files from your PC

When malware infects your system, it normally creates several malicious files and spread them at different locations. After you remove the malware, these leftover files help them to get back to your computer. Remove all virus related files at once by following the below instruction :

  • Open the Windows Run Box again by using the Windows and R keys together.
  • Now you will open the below paths one by one using the Run Box and remove malicious files.
  1. %AppData%
  2. %LocalAppData%
  3. %ProgramData%
  4. %WinDir%
  5. %Temp%

For the first four options, look for any recent folder related to the CY3 File Virus and remove them. For the Temp folder, you can delete all the files at once. Use Ctrl, Shift, and Delete keys together for permanent removal.

Remove CY3 Ransomware via system restore

  • You will again need the Windows Run Box, so press the Windows and R keys together.
  • Open the Command Prompt by typing in cmd and then clicking the OK button.
  • Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter.
  • The System Restore window will get opened instantly then click on the Next button.
  • Choose a System Restore point you have created in the past and click the Next button.
  • Finally, when you will hit the Yes button, the system restoration process with start immediately.

Remove CY3 via system restore

Note: System restore to remove a virus will only work if you have a restore point set on your PC. Otherwise, no changes will be made to your system and it will not remove any threats. Be advised, restoring the computer to a previous version does not always guarantee virus removal. Most viruses delete restore points, so don’t get disappointed if this trick does not work for you.

Prevent CY3 Ransomware in the Future

  • Get a powerful Anti-Malware or Anti-virus to fight cyber threats. Free versions do not offer the best protection and cracked security programs can do more damage than good.
  • Always keep your Windows firewall active, and your OS updated along with other important programs. Only download updates from official sites or reliable sources.
  • Check HTTPS before entering your email, password, credit card details, etc. into any site. Do not visit sites that do not have SSL security. Also, don’t forget to Enable Phishing and Malware protection in Browser.
  • Do not download or install any type of pirated software, games, or illegal patches. Avoid using shady sites to acquire freeware programs because they often use software bundling. Never install a program that asks you to inactivate your anti-virus software.
  • Avoid opening spam emails from unknown senders.  Always scan all the email attachments before opening them. Never click on any suspicious links with some too good to be true offers.
  • Connecting your PC or mobile devices to unsafe public Wi-Fi is not a good idea. You can also avoid unwanted threats coming from malicious sites by using a VPN to spoof your connection.
  • Keep regular backups of all your important data on external hard drives or cloud drives to avoid data loss in case of a ransomware attack. Also, create a system restore point on your system for security purposes.

About the author

Robert Calvert

Robert is the Chief Security Expert and Founder of PCSafetyGeek.com website. He is a cybersecurity enthusiast who loves to research about Malware outbreaks and write about their remedies. He also like to spend time trying new software, reviewing them and sharing IT news. However he is a real coffee lover and likes to play chess in spare time (which is quite rare 😜).

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