Decrypt .enc file virus and remove Crypt0L0cker ransomware

The newest variant of Crypt0L0cker ransomware labels encrypted files with the .enc extension and creates How_To_Restore_Files ransom notes demanding a buyout.

As opposed to other categories of computer threats, the impact from ransom Trojans cannot be undone by simply removing them. The inescapable aftermath of a ransomware attack is the artificially evoked inaccessibility of one’s data. That’s the biggest problem with recovering from such a compromise rather than mere elimination of the offending code. Moreover, most of the present-day crypto infections are programmed to trigger a self-destruction routine as soon as the file encoding phase has been completed. All of this holds true for Crypto0L0cker. Also referred to as TorrentLocker, this pest wreaks havoc with a victim’s digital life by making all the personal information – stored locally and on network shares – impossible to view or edit.

Here’s a 101 on the activity of Crypt0L0cker: it arrives with realistic-looking yet contagious invoices, energy bills or suchlike documents attached to incoming spam messages. For instance, in mid-August its loader was massively distributed via emails impersonating Enel, an international energy company with headquarters in Italy. Thousands of users received emails with Enel_Bolletta.zip attachment, which extracted to a malicious JScript file. So look out for suspicious entries in your inbox and think twice before downloading them. Having made it inside a Windows computer, this ransomware traverses the fixed and removable drives, as well as synced cloud-based directories, in order to mine the most valuable data.

All the data files found during the scan, including photos, videos, documents and the like, undergo mutilation with the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). Crypt0L0cker will then concatenate the .enc string to the original names and extensions of the affected files. As a result, the victim will be unable to access these skewed items. This whole attack wouldn’t make sense if the scoundrels had no covenant to offer the victim. They express the terms of their deal in documents named HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.html and HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txt. The infected user won’t be at their wit’s end finding these walkthroughs – they are inserted into every encrypted folder and also dropped onto the desktop.

The warning inside reads, “We have encrypted your files with Crypt0L0cker virus.” The document recommends the victim to open a linked-to website titled “Buy Decryption” and pay 2.2 Bitcoins within a specified deadline, otherwise the data may stay unrecoverable. Unfortunately, security researchers haven’t had much progress figuring out how to decrypt .enc files ciphered by Crypt0L0cker. The only options left are to either pay the ransom or try alternative restoration techniques. Meanwhile, don’t fail to keep backups of the most important information in a secure place.

Crypt0L0cker ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Crypt0L0cker, 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 Crypt0L0cker 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.

Crypt0L0cker 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 Crypt0L0cker 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 recovery of .enc files

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 Crypt0L0cker 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 Crypt0L0cker removal tool