Cerber is a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) threat that encrypts files on infected systems, demanding a ransom for their recovery. First discovered in 2016, it has evolved into one of the most persistent and dangerous ransomware families. This article explores Cerber’s history, indicators of compromise (IOCs), and removal strategies.
Cerber ransomware history
As a RaaS, Cerber enables non-technical attackers to deploy the malware for a share of the profits. Its name likely derives from “Cerberus,” the mythological three-headed dog guarding the underworld.
Cerber’s timeline:
- 2016: Cerber targeted Office 365 users via phishing emails with malicious attachments. Variants like Cerber2 and Cerber3 introduced new file extensions (.cerber2, .cerber3) and encryption techniques.
- 2017: Cerber evolved into CRBR Encryptor, targeting Bitcoin wallets and introducing enhanced anti-sandbox capabilities.
- 2021: It ranked among the top three ransomware variants globally, with over 52.5 million attacks recorded.
- 2023: Cerber resurfaced, exploiting vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-22518 in Atlassian Confluence servers.
Despite periods of inactivity, Cerber remains active today, adapting to new attack vectors and systems.
How to recognize Cerber ransomware (IOCs)
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) are digital traces left behind during a cyberattack that help identify malicious activity or malware such as Cerber ransomware. These clues include file extensions appended to encrypted files, ransom notes with specific names, unusual modifications to registry keys, and abnormal outbound network traffic to command-and-control (C2) servers. IOCs can also involve file hashes, targeted file types, and other artifacts that signal the presence of ransomware. Detecting these indicators often requires technical expertise or specialized tools to pinpoint the strain of malware affecting a system.
Cerber ransomware IOCs include:
- File Extensions: .cerber, .cerber2, .cerber3, .L0CK3D, or random four-character extensions.
- Ransom Notes: Common ransom note names include DECRYPT MY FILES.html or RECOVERYREADME.html. These notes instruct victims on paying the ransom via Tor-based payment sites.
Using ransomware identification tools can help confirm the presence of Cerber ransomware based on these IOCs.
How to remove Cerber ransomware
Dealing with the Cerber ransomware requires professional expertise to ensure safe recovery and prevent further damage. Attempting to restore your system on your own can lead to permanent data loss or reinfection, as Cerber often embeds itself deeply within systems and networks. Additionally, paying the ransom is highly discouraged, as it does not guarantee file recovery and may incentivize attackers to continue targeting victims.
Instead, contact a trusted ransomware removal service like Porthas, which specializes in ransomware recovery and offers tailored solutions to decrypt files, remove malware, and restore systems securely. Our experts conduct forensic analyses to identify the initial infection vector, assess the extent of the damage, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Another critical step is reporting the attack to law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI’s IC3. This helps combat ransomware on a broader scale by tracking threat actors and preventing future attacks.
Is there a public decryption tool for Cerber?
Yes, there is a public decryption tool for Cerber Ransomware. However, it might not work for all Cerber variants.
