Remove CUAG File Ransomware and Recover .cuag Files

How to Remove .CUAG File Extension Ransomware?

The CUAG file virus belongs to the STOP/DJVU ransomware family. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the data on your computer and then offers to sell you the key in exchange for money. It spreads through drive-by downloads, phishing emails, or ads on social media sites. The ransom note tells you it’s too late to make a backup before deleting any copies of your infected files. For example, an image previously called “my-home.jpg” becomes “my-home.CUAG.” Once the ransomware finishes encrypting your data, it leaves you a “_readme.txt” file. That’s its ransom note that clues you into your predicament and leaves you instructions to follow.

How did I get infected with?

You can get infected with ransomware in a few ways. One way is by clicking on a phishing email that the bad guys might have sent you. Another way is by clicking on a website that might have been hacked and is hosting malware. If you get infected, don’t worry! Your computer is not ruined. There are many free tools that can help you fix your computer if you get infected. If you’d like to learn more about ransomware and how you can protect yourself from it, read on! Caution is invaluable. Always be mindful of what you click, what you install, and what you agree to—read terms and conditions and look for the fine print before pressing the ”Yes” at the bottom. Even a little extra attention goes a long way.

 

Why is .CUAG File Extension dangerous?

The .CUAG file extension is considered harmful, because it may be associated with the .CUAG (CUAG) ransomware. The .cuag file extension is a special format used by the .cuag virus which is a malware that targets the systems of intruders. To encrypt or delete all data on your computer’s hard drive, it uses keys to encrypt all files in a folder. The real .cuag file extension is associated with the NERO Burning ROM, a famous burning program. The name of the file it uses is CUAG0000.CUAG. If you need to open this kind of file, you can do it without any additional tools on Windows or Mac systems. Note: The only reliable way to make sure that no malware gets on your system is to install a good antivirus tool and keep it up-to-date all the time.

.CUAG File Extension Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover .CUAG File Extension Encrypted Files

STEP 1: Stop the malicious process using Windows Task Manager

• Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Locate the process of the ransomware. Have in mind that this is usually a random generated file.
• Before you kill the process, type the name on a text document for later reference.

• Locate any suspicious processes associated with .CUAG File Extension encryption Virus.
• Right click on the process
• Open File Location
• End Process
• Delete the directories with the suspicious files.
• Have in mind that the process can be hiding and very difficult to detect

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

STEP 3: Locate .CUAG File Extension encryption Virus startup location

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”
• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to:

Navigate to your %appdata% folder and delete the executable.

You can alternatively use your msconfig windows program to double check the execution point of the virus. Please, have in mind that the names in your machine might be different as they might be generated randomly, that’s why you should run any professional scanner to identify malicious files.

STEP 4: How to recover encrypted files?

• Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your data from a recent backup, in case that you have one.

• Method 2: File Recovery Software – Usually when the ransomware encrypts a file it first makes a copy of it, encrypts the copy, and then deletes the original. Due to this you may try to use file recovery software like iBeesoft Data Recovery to try recover some of your original files.
• Method 3: Shadow Volume Copies – As a last resort, you can try to restore your files via Shadow Volume Copies. Open the Shadow Explorer part of the package and choose the Drive you want to recover. Right click on any file you want to restore and click Export on it.