How to decrypt .locked files and remove Locked ransomware virus

The entry contains comprehensive instructions on ways to handle the .locked file ransomware, including data restoration workarounds and virus removal proper.

It’s hard to think of a worse predicament for computer users than a ransom trojan attack. The sucker punch inflicted by these threats pursues the goal of making the victims redeem their personal information by submitting a payment. The alpha and omega in deploying this assault is the malevolent use of file encryption mechanisms. Ransomware creators have gotten pretty good at manipulating both symmetric and asymmetric encryption algorithms to their own advantage. The .locked extension virus relies on crypto that cannot be circumvented unless the decryption key is available. The problem is, the private key is not at the victim’s disposal. This type of impact is characteristic of the infection dubbed CryptoLocker.

The plague under consideration propagates over several different channels. Its makers utilize phishing tricks, where the targets are enticed into opening a Microsoft Office attachment and enable macros. Once this happens, the payload gets executed through a backstage routine. The attachment can also be a ZIP file that self-extracts upon a click event. Another modus operandi for distribution is the harnessing of exploit kits, which automatically detect loopholes in the targeted system’s security and make use of these vulnerabilities to infect machines.

The most obvious external sign of the CryptoLocker onslaught is files becoming inaccessible because of strong encryption. This adverse effect is combined with the appearance of .locked appendix at the end of every ciphered file. Things may get yet worse if the filenames are replaced by random gibberish strings of symbols so that the user is unable to determine what exactly is encrypted. The ransomware explains the workflow of data decryption in a .txt, .bmp or .htm document named Payment Instructions, Help_Decrypt, How_To_Recover_Files or similar. According to these directions, the victim needs to go to a Tor-based page and remit $300-$500 in Bitcoins on there within a 96-hour period.

If the user exceeds the deadline, the sum will increase. What this buyout actually implies is purchasing the private RSA key along with the decrypt tool. These components are kept on a secure server whose location keeps swapping so that the regulatory authorities cannot take it down. The extortionists are using DGA (domain generation algorithm) to frequently coin new sites that host the entirety of victim data.

Ultimately, the .locked files stay beyond the reach of infected users until the stated amount of money is paid. To prevent people from reinstating their information via the backup feature built into Windows, CryptoLocker attempts to disable the respective service called VSS. It hasn’t succeeded to do so in a lot of the reported incidents, therefore a number of techniques can get files back without the necessity to submit the big ransom.

Locked ransomware automated removal and data recovery

Owing to an up-to-date database of malware signatures and intelligent behavioral detection, the recommended software can quickly locate the infection, eradicate it and remediate all harmful changes. So go ahead and do the following:

1. Download and install the antimalware tool. Open the solution and have it check your PC for PUPs and other types of malicious software by clicking the Start Computer Scan button

Download Locked virus remover

2. Rest assured the scan report will list all items that may harm your operating system. Select the detected entries and click Fix Threats to get the troubleshooting completed.

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.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid Locked 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 Locked ransomware removal tool