How to remove Crone Ransomware and decrypt .crone files

What is Crone Ransomware

Crone Ransomware is a malicious program that encrypts files on infected computers, rendering them inaccessible to users. After encrypting the files, it appends the .crone extension to their original names, making them easily identifiable as encrypted. For instance, a file named document.pdf would become document.pdf.crone. This ransomware employs robust cryptographic algorithms, making file recovery without the attackers’ assistance nearly impossible. Once the encryption process is complete, the ransomware drops a ransom note titled How To Restore Your Files.txt. The note is typically found in various folders containing encrypted files and provides instructions, often in both English and Russian, on how to pay the ransom to obtain a decryption tool. Victims are usually demanded to pay in Bitcoin to a specified wallet address, highlighting the anonymous nature of these transactions. It’s important to note that paying the ransom does not guarantee file recovery, as many cybercriminals do not deliver the promised decryption tool.

Currently, there are no verified decryption tools available for files encrypted by Crone Ransomware, barring exceptional cases where the ransomware contains critical flaws. In cases where ransomware is expertly designed, as this one appears to be, data decryption is not feasible without the decryption key, which is only provided by the attackers. As a result, victims must explore alternative recovery options, such as restoring from backups if available. Ensuring frequent data backups is a crucial preventive measure, allowing easy recovery without succumbing to ransom demands. Users are also advised to avoid attempting unauthorized decryptions, as it could lead to permanent data loss. To secure their systems against potential ransomware threats, users should utilize reliable antivirus software and maintain up-to-date security systems to scan for and eliminate any infection vectors. Reporting the incident to local authorities may also assist in tracking down the cybercriminals, potentially preventing future attacks on other users.

How Crone Ransomware infects computers

Crone Ransomware primarily infects computers through deceptive tactics such as phishing emails and malicious downloads. Cybercriminals often disguise this malware within seemingly legitimate email attachments or links, tricking users into opening them. Once executed, the ransomware infiltrates the system, often exploiting software vulnerabilities or security gaps. Additionally, Crone Ransomware can spread through compromised websites and malicious ads, which initiate a drive-by download upon visiting. Some variants may also propagate via network shares or removable storage devices, making it crucial for users to maintain robust security practices. To mitigate the risk of infection, users should exercise caution with unsolicited emails, ensure their software is up-to-date, and employ reliable antivirus solutions.

1. Download Crone Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .crone files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Crone Ransomware

Crone Ransomware files:


How To Restore Your Files.txt
{randomname}.exe


Crone Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .crone files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .crone files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .crone files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Crone Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .crone files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Crone Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Crone Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro