Cryptolocker removal tool and file decryption

The article covers must-know facts about Cryptolocker, an advanced persistent Trojan that applies uncrackable RSA cipher to encode victims’ data.

It has been around three years since the first fully functional instances of encryption-based ransomware emerged. The threat landscape has changed considerably over this period, but some infections from this cluster stay and still thrive. The malicious program known as Cryptolocker typifies such an inviolability. Although it has gone through several critical ups and downs, its recurrent iterations never failed to hit the headlines due to the invariably large attack surface, unbeatable cryptographic grip on infected users’ personal files, and high success rate of payload serving. The way this crimeware deploys encryption is tricky as it actually leverages an amalgam of RSA and AES, thus leaving hardly any data recovery options for the assaulted person other than paying the ransom.

Incidentally, the recent edition of Cryptolocker mentions RSA-4096 asymmetric cipher on its warning screen, but this isn’t quite true. The entropy is in fact smaller as the keys are 2048 bits long, but it’s still enough to make the decryption vector of file recovery efforts null and void. Anyway, it takes this ransomware some time before it gets down to the crypto job proper. The first thing it does on a contaminated Windows computer is it adjusts the work of the host system in its own way by adding autostart values and disabling VSS (Volume Shadow Copy Service) to prevent easy file restoration. The next stage is a scan of all letter volumes both on the hard drive and the adjacent network if any. Unmapped network shares are not at risk.

Once the list of the victim’s personal files has been compiled, Cryptolocker triggers the encryption routine and makes them inaccessible. Some versions of the malware contort the appearance of files by modifying the filenames and adding bizarre extensions. It’s only at this point that the Trojan notifies the user of the attack. It displays a UI with a warning message and configures an image with ransom instructions to replace the original desktop wallpaper. According to the notifications, the victim has to pay 0.5-1 Bitcoin during 72 hours. The payment processing service is built into the program’s pane, so the person can navigate back and forth using the toggles provided.

Should the ransom not be submitted in time, the extortionists threaten the target to erase the private decryption key from their Command & Control server. In plain language, this means that the data will remain locked for good. Under certain circumstances, though, it may be possible to reanimate some files through the use of specially crafted recovery tools. Furthermore, Shadow Copies of some items may not be lost if the ransomware has failed to terminate the respective service. All in all, there might be a little bit of chance for remediation.

Cryptolocker ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Cryptolocker, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download Cryptolocker remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Cryptolocker ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the Cryptolocker virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom file recovery

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid Cryptolocker ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download Cryptolocker removal tool