ProLock ransomware: decrypt .prolock files and remove virus

A new ransomware called ProLock is out there increasingly haunting enterprise computer networks and demanding huge amounts of Bitcoin for data decryption.

1. What is the ProLock ransomware?
2. ProLock ransomware automated removal and data recovery
3. ProLock ransomware manual removal and file recovery
4. Ransomware Prevention Tips

What is the ProLock ransomware?

This strain debuted in early March 2020 as PwndLocker and has since gone through a big overhaul to try and become a major player in the extortion arena. The remake took place about a month after the original release and wasn’t only about switching to the new name, ProLock. Its authors additionally modified their cryptographic implementation from the ground up to address a serious flaw that allowed the previously victimized companies to restore their data without the secret decryption key. Obviously, the unsuccessful launch of this campaign didn’t discourage its operators from starting over. The no-longer-crackable ProLock, or ProLocker, ransomware is currently spreading mayhem in the corporate ecosystem without leaving any easy workarounds for its prey. The revamped threat is trivial to identify: it appends the .proLock extension to every hostage file and creates a rescue note named [HOW TO RECOVER FILES].txt.

To infiltrate a network, the makers of this ransomware probe it for weak links such as unsecured remote desktop protocol (RDP) ports and vulnerabilities in software deployed by the organization. The contamination vectors also include spam emails and exploit kits. If a loophole is pinpointed or an email recipient opens a harmful attachment, the criminals furtively deposit a booby-trapped BMP file onto the target server. When opened with a regular image processor, this object gives hardly any clues that it could be malicious. It looks like a solid black sheet with several inconspicuous white artifacts in a small portion of the layout. However, its hexadecimal structure turns out to obfuscate binary data that ends up being embedded into memory via a peculiar PowerShell command.

Once the attackers get access to a server, they run PsExec tool to deposit the infection onto all machines on the local network. Then, the data traversal stage is put into effect so that ProLock finds every bit of information that could be important. When scanning, the ransomware ignores executables and common types of critical operating system files to ascertain that the breached hosts continue to function properly and nothing breaks the extortion chain. The data spotted in the aftermath of this routine is subject to encryption based on RSA-2048 cipher, plus each item is concatenated with the .proLock string. By using the asymmetric cryptographic algorithm competently, the perpetrators make sure that the recovery is impossible unless they provide the private key and the decryption tool. Predictably, this will only happen if the company submits the ransom. To find out the options for addressing the disaster, the users are instructed to read the ransom note, a document named [HOW TO RECOVER FILES].txt.

The note mentions that the “decryption fee” is payable in Bitcoin and the price depends on how fast the victim starts cooperating. To get the process going, the user is supposed to open the ProLock Info page in Tor Browser. If for some reason this can’t be done, there is an extra option to contact the crooks by email at chec1kyourf1les@protonmail.com. The felons state that they won’t keep the decryption keys for more than a month. Interestingly, the TXT recovery manual imposes an additional flavor of pressure by emphasizing that the attackers have gathered the organization’s sensitive data before the encryption. This is a way to intimidate the victim into thinking that the files will be leaked if they refuse to pay up. It’s unknown at this point whether this claim is a bluff or a real threat, though.

The Tor payment page says the user can decrypt one or a few files for free as proof that the malefactors actually have a viable recovery tool and the right key. The Payment Information section specifies the size of the ransom. It depends on the number of encrypted computers and can reach dozens of Bitcoins worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. That’s an unacceptable demand most businesses can’t afford to meet. Moreover, sending funds in any ransomware scenario is always a shot in the dark because the victim may never hear back from the cybercriminals. Under the circumstances, it’s best to seek assistance from other sources first. For a start, try the following recommendations to remove ProLock ransomware and see if they can help reinstate the most valuable files.

Prolock ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Prolock, 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 Prolock 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.

Prolock 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 Prolock 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 encrypted .proLock 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 Prolock 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 Prolock removal tool