What is a .CERBER2 file?
A .CERBER2 file is a type of file that has been encrypted by a specific kind of harmful software known as Cerber2 ransomware. This ransomware is a type of virus used by cybercriminals to take control of files on a person's computer. Once the Cerber2 ransomware infects a computer, it can encrypt various types of files such as documents (.DOCX), PDF files (.PDF), or video files (.WMV). The encrypted files are then renamed and given the .CERBER2 extension.
The encryption used by Cerber2 involves complex methods known as AES-256 and RSA, making it very difficult for users to regain access to their files without the decryption key. The main goal of this ransomware is to force the victim to pay a ransom, typically demanded in Bitcoin, to get the decryption key from the attackers.
.CERBER2 files are similar to files encrypted by other ransomware like Locky, which uses extensions like .LOCKY and .ZZZZZ. The Cerber2 variant emerged around 2016 and is an evolution of the earlier Cerber ransomware, featuring different encryption techniques to make file recovery even more challenging.
The virus typically spreads through phishing emails containing malicious attachments or links. Once opened, the ransomware is activated, it starts to encrypt files, and renames them with the .CERBER2 extension. Alongside encrypting files, the ransomware also creates instruction files (.TXT, .HTML, .VBS) in each affected folder. These files provide instructions on how to pay the ransom to potentially decrypt and recover the files.
Opening or directly interacting with .CERBER2 files is not recommended as they are encrypted and inaccessible without the decryption key. The primary method to potentially restore these files is through system restoration techniques or backup recovery, assuming the backups were not also compromised. It is crucial to maintain regular backups and have strong security measures in place to prevent such ransomware infections.
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