PClock ransomware decryptor and remover

Get exhaustive information on CryptoLocker replica called the PClock ransomware, including its background, distribution vectors and extortion methodology.

PClock is one of the few present-day ransomware samples whose timeline goes back to early 2015. What is more, its look and feel has hardly changed over time. It is one of the numerous copycats of the ill-famed CryptoLocker strain. Whereas the original edition of PClock targeted a little over 100 file types, the currently active variant zeroes in on more than 2,600 formats of data stored on victims’ computers. A major tweak of its modus operandi that occurred around November 2016 also brought about a new propagation tactic. The ransom Trojan is now planted on systems by means of Crimace, a malware downloader that’s effectively a Nullsoft Scriptable Install System package. The payload mostly arrives with an email pretending to contain a fax. The attached password-protected archive may be named “Criminal Case against _You-[random string].rar”.

As soon as an unsuspecting recipient opens the RAR object, they are required to enter a password indicated right in the body of the message. This is most likely a trick aimed at preventing antimalware suites from raising red flags on the attachment. Instead of opening the purported fax, the user unknowingly launches a Windows Script File (.WSF) which, in its turn, fires up the infection chain. Although the above-mentioned Crimace Trojan then generates an error popup saying that the fax cannot be displayed, the ensuing PClock trespass takes place in the background. The ransomware scans the computer’s hard disk and network drives for a bevy of file types and encrypts them. Note that the filenames stay the same, with no extra extension being appended to them. They simply become inaccessible due to the strong crypto. This routine is followed by the display of a warning window titled “CryptoLocker” that reads, “Your personal files are encrypted!”

The interactive edition of PClock ransom note allows the victim to select their preferred language and view a complete list of affected data by clicking the “Show files” button at the bottom. An embedded countdown timer puts additional pressure on the plagued user, urging him or her to pay up within 120 hours, otherwise the private decryption key will supposedly be destroyed. This is bluff, though, as the deadline usually extends further, perhaps with a bigger size of the ransom. The original amount is 0.55 Bitcoin, which is worth about $570 at this point.

PClock also drops several plaintext copies of its data decryption how-to’s on the desktop. These documents are called “Your files are locked !.txt”, with the number of exclamation marks for different editions reaching five. The ransomware also drops the following files: CryptoLocker.lnk, en_files.txt, and en_gfiles.txt. The first one is a desktop shortcut for accessing the main PClock window, and the other two hold the list of enciphered files. In the latest wave of attacks, the ransom Trojan instructs victims to contact the threat actors via buruk01@india.com or buruk02@india.com, though the email addresses listed in the ransom manuals may also be suppteam03@india.com or suppteam03@yandex.ru. Although there is currently no free decryptor for the current version of PClock, the tips and tricks below may help retrieve data without having to meet the perpetrators’ demands.

PClock ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like PClock, 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 PClock 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.

PClock 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 PClock 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 PClock 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 PClock removal tool