Crypt0L0cker virus removal and decrypt tool (upd. 2017)

Despite the impossibility to get around the encryption algorithm used by Crypt0L0cker ransomware, the infected users are not necessarily doomed to pay up.

Computer crime has made a sweeping move towards the conceptual framework where end users are bound to buy services sold by the black hat actors on this arena. File encrypting malware is what demonstrates this drastic change, literally compelling its victims to submit money so they can regain access to the things that belong to them in the first place. It targets one’s personal files, treating this sort of data as low hanging fruit in disgusting cyber blackmailing schemes. The name of one such program, Crypt0L0cker, reflects its effect based on distorting the order of 1s and 0s on the contaminated hard disk. Given its tech features and a number of unique infrastructural markers, this infection is believed to be a descendant of the TorrentLocker virus that vanished from the malicious software scene months ago.

Most of the time, Crypt0L0cker will not end up inside a Windows machine unless the user inadvertently commits an action that triggers the bad routine. The scammers in charge have been running a massive phishing campaign, sending out emails that are disguised as legal notices, delivery tracking details, CVs, payrolls and the like. The peril lurks in the attachments to these messages, which can look like PDF documents or ZIP archives. As soon as the user clicks on this file, the ransomware gets inconspicuously dropped in the system and instantly downloads the components it needs for deploying the extortion. While scanning the HDD, mapped drives and removal hardware, which is what the trojan does at the beginning of the attack, it detects all files that are likely to be important to the user. Interestingly, Crypt0L0cker has a file exclusions list, unlike most ransomware specimens out there. It therefore skips the items that are required for normal operation of the system.

In the meantime, the ‘right’ files get encrypted with asymmetric algorithm, where the private key is mandatory for decryption along with the paired public key. Since the former isn’t stored on the PC, it is essentially the main object of manipulation. In order to get it, the user has to pay 2.2 Bitcoins. The respective directions are all provided in a file named DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS, which is available in HTML and TXT formats. By adding a system.pif file to the startup preset, the virus makes this document automatically open right after the computer is booted up. The entirety of communication with the malicious C2 server is tunneled via The Onion Router, so it’s hard for the law enforcement agencies to monitor this traffic. The infected people are also being pressured by a deadline to pay the money, which is 96 hours, otherwise the sum will be increased.

In the event you’ve been attacked by this vicious malware, be sure to make some attempts to restore the files before surrendering to what the criminals want. To this end, review the part below and try the steps listed.

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 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 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