Origins: The so-called “CryptoLocker virus” is an example of ransomware, a class of malware that, once it has infected a particular computer system, restricts access to that system until the.
Virus Name: | .cryptolocker file virus |
Virus Type: | Ransomware, encrypted virus, encrypted file virus, ransom virus |
More details will be displayed in the following article. We recommend you to directly download the anti-virus tools : Note: The scanner is free. If it detects a virus or malware, you’ll need to purchase its full version to remove it. Here we just provide you best recommendation but we are not the maker of this app. |
Are you depressed to find that all the files are unaccusable on your PC? Don’t be subjected to buy the decryption tool sold by .cryptolocker file virus, and this page will help you to solve this problem in an easy and safe way.
We identify that .cryptolocker file virus is a ransomware and it is unwanted rootkit inserted in your PC by cyber criminals. .cryptolocker file virus can encrypt the data and files on the windows OS and Mac OS with RSA encryption code, so it is a RSA ransomware or CryptoWall Ransomware. It can be unlocked with the unique decryption key so you will be asked to pay the ransom. It leaves notes on the computer like Readme.txt. So you could follow the instructions to pay for bitcoins to them. When .cryptolocker file virus infected the PC, users cannot recover the files in any way. So we recommend you to remove .cryptolocker file virus from the computer first.
.cryptolocker file virus aims to get money from users and it requires a big amount with bitcoin payment. The amount is fluctuating according to the currency ratios. It achieves this by decrypting files on the computer. it takes a clandestine method to earn the ransom. When the files are locked, it leaves a ransom note with title CRYPTOKILL_README.txt. And it states that the files are encrypted with AES-256 encryption algorithm and none free decryption tool can recover the files. So it provides you the decryption tool and you pay it money.
If your files have been infected with .cryptolocker file virus, usually you will see a popup warning or a TXT document left by the hacker, which informs that your files have been encrypted by them and you have to buy the decryption key if you want to recover all your files. They will tell you how to contact them and how to send money to them, but it is impossible to let police find them because they use random email account to contact with you and require you to pay with bitcoin. They know how import the files to each victims, so they charge a lot for the .cryptolocker file virus decryption key. Though it is quite expensive, lots of victims still compromise and pay the money, because that’s the only hope. But is it true? In fact, the decryption key does not guarantee that your files cannot be recovered, our researchers have tested it. Therefore, it is not wise to send money to hacker, the cyber criminal do not deserve any trust.
How to Detect .cryptolocker file virus Completely
Section One – Remove .cryptolocker file virus from Windows OS
Section Two- Remove .cryptolocker file virus from Mac OS
Section One – Remove .cryptolocker file virus from Windows OS
Step 1 – Uninstall .cryptolocker file virus and all unwanted / unknown / suspicious software from Control Panel
Windows 10 users:
1) Press the Windows key + I to launch Settings >> click Systemicon.
2) In System screen, click on App & features on the left side.
3) On the right side, click on icon of .cryptolocker file virus or other program that you want to uninstall >> click the Uninstall button
Windows 8 / 8.1 users:
1) Press the Windows key + Q together
2) Type Control Panel and click the icon.
3) Click Uninstall a program
4) Right-click on .cryptolocker file virus or any unwanted program and then click Uninstall
Windows 7 /Vista users:
1) Click the Start menu and select Control Panel.
2) Access Uninstall a program.
3) Right-click on .cryptolocker file virus or any unknown program and then click Uninstall
Windows XP users:
1) Click the Start menu.
2) Open Control Panel.
3) Click Add or Remove Programs
4) Right-click on .cryptolocker file virus or any suspicious program and then click Uninstall
Step 2 – Remove .cryptolocker file virus related add-ons/extensions from web browsers
Chrome users:
1) Click the Chrome menu on the browser toolbar.
2) Click “More Tools“.
3) Select “Extensions“.
4) Find .cryptolocker file virus related extensions and click the trash can icon
2) Click “More Tools“.
3) Select “Extensions“.
4) Find .cryptolocker file virus related extensions and click the trash can icon
Firefox users:
1) Click the Firefox menu button>> click Add-ons to open Add-ons Manager
2) In the Add-ons Manager tab, select the Extensions or Appearance panel.
3) Select the unwanted or suspicious add-on related with .cryptolocker file virus.
4) Click the Remove button.
2) In the Add-ons Manager tab, select the Extensions or Appearance panel.
3) Select the unwanted or suspicious add-on related with .cryptolocker file virus.
4) Click the Remove button.
1) Launch Internet Explorer.
2) Click the Tools button, and then click Manage add-ons.
3) Click Toolbar and Extensions
2) Click the Tools button, and then click Manage add-ons.
3) Click Toolbar and Extensions
4) Select suspicious add-ons related with .cryptolocker file virus and then click Disable
(Edge does not have extension/add-on, but .cryptolocker file virus virus may download hijacker to change your homepage or search engine, so you need to reset default homepage or search engine on Edge)
1. Reset your default search engine to remove .cryptolocker file virus related virus.
- Select More (…) on the address bar, then Settings
- Click View advanced settings
- Click <Add new> under “Search in the address bar with”, then input the search engine you like:
- Now select the search engine you like and click Add as default:
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2. Reset your homepage page on Microsoft Edge to remove homepage redirect virus downloaded by .cryptolocker file virus.
2. Reset your homepage page on Microsoft Edge to remove homepage redirect virus downloaded by .cryptolocker file virus.
- Select More (…) on the address bar, then Settings
- Under Open with, select A specific page or pages
- select Custom to enter the URL of page you want to set as homepage
Step 3 Locate and remove all malicious files of .cryptolocker file virus and related infections
To completely get .cryptolocker file virus and all infections removed from your system, you need to locate and delete all harmful files created by the threats. In this part, you have two options:
Option One – If you are a experienced computer users with expert technique, you can access to Registry to find and remove all dangerous Registry keys and values by yourself (Never try this option if you do not have rich experience and top technique on solving computer problems, because any small mistake can cause severe system malfunction);
Press the Windows key + R together >> Type “regedit‘ in the Run box and hit Enter key >> Locate and remove all malicious registry files created by .cryptolocker file virus and other threats:
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Option Two (Highly Recommended and for All Users) – If you are just a common computer user who is not good at handling computer problems and deleting system threats, you are highly recommended to use SpyHunter Malware Scanner to check your computer with antivirus tools.
.cryptolocker file virus is quite stubborn computer virus good at hiding itself. If you cannot find out and delete all its malicious files, it may come back and become stronger and more harmful. Therefore, our tech team suggest you installing SpyHunter to assist you, which is one of the best anti-malware tool capable of tracking and removing all the files of computer threats include Adware, Hijacker, Trojan and Ransomware. Now please download SpyHunter to help you detect .cryptolocker file virus and all other hiding threats easily:
1. Click “Download Now” button below to download SpyHunter Anti-Malware safely:
Note: Only scanner is free. If it detects a virus or malware, you’ll need to purchase its full version. Here we just provide you best recommendation but we are not the maker of this app. And you could find EULA and Privacy Policy when you install these tools. And these tools could only help detect to see if you have .cryptolocker file virus but not recover all the files encrypted by .cryptolocker file virus.
2. Once SpyHunter is installed, click “Start New Now” to detect to see if there are virus on your system:
4. Once SpyHunter completes the scan, you can View Scan Results.
Step 4 – Fix damaged registry files and optimize your system performance with WiperSoft
1. Click “Download” button below to download WiperSoft safely:
2. Start the installation of WiperSoft. Click to Scan Now to detect files of Virus:
3-Check the general status of computer daily.
Step 5 – Recover Your Files from Backup or through Stellar Data Recovery Software.
If you have backed up your files with external hard drive or cloud drive, now you can restore all the encrypted files and then recover your files.
If you do not have any backup, you need to download some famous data recovery tool to try your luck. Here our lab recommends the top-class Stellar Data Recovery software to you, which is specialized in restoring damaged Windows files. We hope it can help you restore some files. Try it now:
1. Click the button below to open download Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery
2. Click Scan Nowto detect the files encrypted by .cryptolocker file virus:
3. Select the file types you want to recover and then click Recoverbutton
Step 6 – Download Data Recovery Pro to rescue files encrypted by .cryptolocker file virus :
1. Click download button here to get Data Recovery Pro and install it
(Note – This guide is only provided as an reference to help you get rid of .cryptolocker file virus ransomware to make your PC healthy and prevent new files being infected. We cannot promise that the recommended tools can recover every user’s files which have been encrypted by the most dangerous ransomware such as .cryptolocker file virus. Wish you with good luck!)
Section Two- Remove .cryptolocker file virus from Mac OS
Step 1. Delete nasty extensions installed by .cryptolocker file virus from Safari in your Mac
- Open Safari on your Mac, select the Safari dropdown menu and click the Preferences button.
- Choose Extensions, and find the plugins you want to remove, click the Uninstall button.
Step 2. Get rid of .cryptolocker file virus and all potential malware and virus from your Mac with Combo Cleaner Antivirus
Combo Cleaner Antivirus is a perfect tool for Mac users to take care of their Mac. It has won great reputations from thousands of users for its powerful functions on removing malware and virus as well as optimizing system. Combo Cleaner Antivirus is able to remove every kind of infection such as .cryptolocker file virus, and boost your system performance to the top. Now install it with the “Free Download” button below and you will know what’s best for your computer:
Note: The scanner is free. If it detects a virus or malware, you’ll need to purchase its full version to remove it. Here we just provide you best recommendation but we are not the maker of this app. Here we just provide you best recommendation but we are not the maker of this app.
How Does Combo Cleaner Antivirus Benefit Your Mac?
Antivirus – Remove all potential malware and virus from your Mac.
Disk Cleanup – Clear up all junks and nasty files
Dashboard – Optimize entire system to boost all system function
Disk Cleanup – Clear up all junks and nasty files
Dashboard – Optimize entire system to boost all system function
Tips for Preventing Computer Virus and Malware
According to research, Free Download Software /Files, Spam Email Attachment, Torrent Files and Porn Websites are the most common ways that cyber criminal spread computer infections such as .cryptolocker file virus. To protect your system from virus and malware attacking, please take these suggestions:
1. Always select Advanced / Custom Installation whenever installing any software;
2. Always update software from their official websites;
3. Always make a scan on free download files and email attachments;
4. It’s better not visiting any Porn websites;
5. Install a top class antivirus software and keep the Firewall up all the time. Here we recommend you the antivirus – WiperSoft for Windows users, and Combo Cleaner for Mac users.
Cryptolocker is a notorious example of the trojan malware that hijacks users files and further demand them to pay a ransom in exchange for a password. Its first mentions date to 2014, when the coordinated attack on more than 500,000 users took place.
In 2020, cryptolocker ransomware is not wide distribution anymore. Still, the danger shouldn’t be ignored, as soon as the scammers still use this working & highly profitable scheme to take money from unaware people.
The name of the virus basically describes its properties. It “crypto-locks” files on your computer using the 2048-bit key, which is impossible to figure out or brute force without the private key only the hacker knows. It’s an extremely hazardous code that is easier to avoid rather than get rid of.
How Can You Get Infected?
Your email probably often gets exposed to all kinds of Spam messages from the frauds. Luck chain letters, Nigerian princesses, and many other shady people ask you to send your passwords from social pages and/or bank accounts. Cryptolocker ransomware has a similar way to infiltrate your system.
You receive a short message from any widely known delivery company (FedEx, DHS, etc.), or even from the EPSON customer support. The message itself looks like an automatically-sent notification about the received parcel/fax. Whichever disguise cybercriminals choose, it will always include a request to download the attached ZIP file, or to follow the link to download it from some cloud storage (e.g., Dropbox).
The letter may as well contain the WORD file, but the result will anyway be the same. As soon as you save and open the file, the hidden EXE program launches automatically, penetrating your system and giving start to the script, which will slowly encrypt all the data on your device.
What Does Cryptolocker Do With User’s System?
Once the Cryptolocker virus is activated, it scans your entire system to find common types of files (.DOC, .DOCX, .JPG, .XLS, .XLSX, .PDF and many others). After getting access to your data, the code then continuously encrypts the files it found.
Usually, it can reach any file on any hard disc, as well as those files you store on a network drive. The possible threat the code carries is hard to overestimate, especially if we talk about large companies with a wide inner network.
The process usually passes undetected as the viruses’ main task is to avoid the user’s attention before the consequences of its job would become irretrievable.
Once Cryptolocker finishes its underhanded schemes, it changes the wallpaper on the infected computer with a demand to pay a ransom in cryptocurrency, usually Bitcoin. Its size might vary – the trojan scans your personal data in order to come to the appropriate currency and convert it in the Bitcoin amount.
The virus then launches a timer, usually for 72 hours, during which the price for the decryption tool stays around 2 BTC. After the time limit has passed, the user would still have a chance to get access to his files, but usually for a much higher price (~10 BTC).
If no actions would be taken, the scammer threatens to delete the private key he owns, after which any chance to restore user’s files would be lost.
How to Detect Cryptolocker Ransomware?
It is almost impossible to detect the trojan before it completely encrypts your system because of its advance self-preservation system.
First of all, the executable saves the malicious code in the key directory in folders like AppData or LocalAppData. Then, it creates a task in a registry, thanks to which the program automatically launches every time the computer is turned on. The last but not the least, it self-replicates to ensure that the main process wouldn’t shut down.
All of these measures often lead to the situation when the infection reveals itself to the user only when it is too late to stop the trojan. On top of that, the latest versions of the Cryptolocker virus would try to delete system’s Shadow Volume Copies that used to make possible to restore some particular files without paying the ransom.
Antiviruses offer the best protection from this trojan. Yet, if you don’t have a possibility or desire to purchase automatic protection, consider downloading special tracking programs like Varonis Datalert, Netwrix, STEALTHbits, etc. Their primary goal is to monitor the processes which take place on your computer and to notify the owner about some suspicious activity (e.g., more than 100 completed events in a minute).
How To Remove Cryptolocker From Your Device?
If you’re aware of the fact that your computer is infected, you can try to disable the virus manually. Start with disconnecting your computer from all the networks it’s involved into – it might stop the program from capturing your whole organization’s network.
Then, download Program Explorer or a similar app that will show all the hidden processes going on your computer. Shut down both Cryptolocker activities by clicking on “Kill Tree” option.
Don’t forget to clean your autorun log. Then, find the original file on a hard drive, and that it is – your data escaped the fate of being completely erased.
However, if any of the steps has triggered the trojan’s final stage (demand for ransom), you still have a chance not to let the frauds win. It could be done thanks to the Dutch company Fox-IT, which decomposed a colossal amount of data and came with the first version of Cryptolocker decryption tool.
It now has a wide variety of more recent and effective successors. Check our top of free antiviruses.
5 Basic Safety Tips To Protect Your Devices From Ransomware
- Do not download ANY files from the unknown sources unless you’re 100% sure they are safe.
- Make a habit of backing up your essential files – later backups can be used to restore your critical data.
- In case of your computer being connected to a network, try to implement a least privilege model, thanks to which only one single unit would be infected instead of all organization’s computers.
- Disable automatic download of files from the Internet, as well as a default feature that hides files extensions.
- Use a reliable antivirus that will stop Cryptolocker from hitting your PC.