TorrentLocker ransomware: decrypt files and remove virus

This report encompasses all noteworthy details about the new TorrentLocker ransomware variant and provides best practice tips to decrypt hostage files.

The story behind the crypto ransomware called TorrentLocker isn’t as prosaic as it may appear at first sight. While it goes basically the same route as most file-encrypting infections in terms of the modus operandi, it has gone through a series of dramatic updates throughout its existence. What’s more, it is one of the oldest strains to date. Having emerged back in 2014, this infection has since evolved into a top-notch cyber malady that uses a different alias but undoubtedly hails from the same underground workshop. Currently manifesting itself as Crypt0L0cker 2017, the offending program engages a multi-layered encryption routine. First, it applies the symmetric AES cipher to lock a victim’s files down, and then encodes the AES key using the RSA public-key cryptosystem. This composite routine ensures rock-solid data scrambling that underlies further extortion.

As opposed to earlier editions that appended files with the .enc or .encrypted suffix, the one spreading at this point is more difficult to identify by the extension criterion. It concatenates random strings of 6 lowercase characters to original filenames instead. Furthermore, the extension is unique for every skewed file. As an example, two different documents named Manual.pdf and Stats.xlsx will end up morphing into something like Manual.pdf.ogtyit and Stats.xlsx.anjozk, respectively. Windows will recognize them as entries stored in the inexistent format that matches the bizarre extension. Of course, it’s impossible to open or otherwise work with these objects because their original contents got jumbled up via the crypto technique described above.

Having completed the data distortion part of the attack, TorrentLocker explicates its demands. To this end, it displays a ransom note called HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.html and drops its plaintext copy HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txt onto the desktop. The message in these notes is as follows, “Your important files (including those on the network disks, USB, etc.): photos, videos, documents, etc. were encrypted with our Crypt0L0cker virus. The only way to get your files back is to pay us. Otherwise, your files will be lost.” Note that the infection is multilingual, so it shows ransom note editions in Italian, Spanish or German based on the infected computer’s localization. Essentially, the recovery process boils down to visiting a Tor-protected page and submitting a ransom in Bitcoin. The amount ranges from 0.5 to 1 BTC and depends on the type of the victim. An infected organization will have to pay more than a home user. This ransomware provides a deadline for the payment – usually up to 5 days. After this time expires, the ransom will increase.

TorrentLocker is distributed by means of spam. Its payload is masqueraded as invoices from utility companies or similar subjects that are likely to draw recipients’ attention. The corresponding ZIP archives attached to misleading spam emails contain .JS files in them. Once opened, the embedded script downloads the ransomware without raising any red flags. Therefore, to avoid TorrentLocker, users should treat spam with a fair degree of paranoia. In the unfortunate event the contamination has occurred, stick with the procedure below to try and restore the data.

TorrentLocker ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like TorrentLocker, 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 TorrentLocker 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.

TorrentLocker 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 TorrentLocker 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 TorrentLocker 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 TorrentLocker removal tool