Decrypt .encrypted file virus and remove Cryptolocker ransomware

Learn what computer infection makes victims’ files inaccessible, appends the .encrypted extension and creates Decrypt_Instructions ransom notes.

Nothing compares to ransomware when it comes to the damage made to compromised systems. This sub-cluster of malicious code exploits computers in the following way: it enciphers every piece of personal data stored on them and tells victims to pay otherwise the information will remain inaccessible. The makers of the Cryptolocker Trojan chose to go this exact well-trodden route. The newest variant of this baddie locks one’s important files, appends the .encrypted tail to each, and drops a set of ransom payment roadmaps named Decrypt_Instructions.html and Decrypt_Instructions.txt. In fact, Cryptolocker has some interesting background. The original threat, which had appeared back in 2013, was taken down by the law enforcement and security experts in the course of a well-orchestrated Operation Tovar a year later. However, a bevy of copycats have been surfacing ever since, which ‘proudly’ use the name of their infamous begetter.

The latest one of these successors tries to resemble the ‘classical’ modus operandi of its predecessor. It propagates by means of spam for the most part. The execution of the unwelcome loader, consequently, takes place when an unsuspecting Windows user downloads a document attached to a rogue email pretending to convey some important, must-read message. It may be disguised as a payroll report, a tax refund notification or a subpoena. Once the targeted person unzips the attached archive and double-clicks on the file inside, the attack will commence in a matter of seconds. Cryptolocker then scans the hard drive and all the network storage locations in order to find data that isn’t part of the operating system components. In other words, it’s after personal files.

Moving on, the ransomware encodes all such files using an uncrackable alloy of RSA and AES cryptographic algorithms. These now inaccessible entries also get the .encrypted extension appended to them. The filenames themselves may become scrambled and unidentifiable as well. Cryptolocker also creates system.pif startup process that makes the OS open the above-mentioned ransom note – Decrypt_Instructions.html – every time the user starts the PC. According to these step-by-step directions, the infected person must visit a Tor (The Onion Router) page designed to process and display the status of ransom payments. The buyout amount that needs to be submitted is about 2 BTC, which is more than 1,000 USD at the time of this writing. In exchange for the ransom, the victim will supposedly get their private RSA key and automatic decryption software. Luckily, there are recovery methods that don’t involve interacting with the threat actors over these defiant ransom demands.

.encrypted file 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

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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.

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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 .encrypted file 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.

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