RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Alienlock Virus (.alienlock Files Ransomware) – MedusaLocker Ransomware

Alienlock – General Info

The Alienlock stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the MedusaLocker ransomware family. Alienlock was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Alienlock adds the “.alienlock” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by Alienlock, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.alienlock“. As soon as the encryption is completed, Alienlock places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Alienlock text file requesting the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the MedusaLocker family. It actually discusses that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by Alienlock is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of Alienlock is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds associated with Alienlock ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the requested quantity, people must stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not give any positive result and people just lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We highly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Alienlock ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Therefore, the only best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameAlienlock Ransomware
File Extension.alienlock
TypeRansomware
FamilyMedusaLocker
Short DescriptionThe ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special alienlock extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Alienlock ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt important data and to set forth the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to produce the unique decryption key for data decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your crucial files is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they need to be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are numerous ways used by online frauds to distribute Alienlock virus. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how precisely Alienlock injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

  • integration with third-party apps, especially freeware;
  • spam e-mails from unidentified senders;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Frequently Alienlock virus might be presented as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some important software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Alienlock infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might refer to various email spam techniques to inject destructive codes into PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some receipts, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade informs may result in Alienlock virus injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include harmful codes causing Alienlock secret installation. Finally, injection of Alienlock may occur by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s approval.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of Alienlock ransomware?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to share with with you. Firstly, be extremely mindful when you browse the web and particularly while downloading totally free apps. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Make sure that your current anti-virus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to vital damage to be produced your system. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render far better services of defending your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the Alienlock text file:

YOUR PERSONAL ID:
-
/!\\ YOUR COMPANY NETWORK HAS BEEN PENETRATED /!\\
All your important files have been encrypted!

Your files are safe! Only modified. (RSA+AES)

ANY ATTEMPT TO RESTORE YOUR FILES WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE
WILL PERMANENTLY CORRUPT IT.
DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES.
DO NOT RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES.

No software available on internet can help you. We are the only ones able to
solve your problem.

We gathered highly confidential/personal data. These data are currently stored on
a private server. This server will be immediately destroyed after your payment.
If you decide to not pay, we will release your data to public or re-seller.
So you can expect your data to be publicly available in the near future..

We only seek money and our goal is not to damage your reputation or prevent
your business from running.

You will can send us 2-3 non-important files and we will decrypt it for free
to prove we are able to give your files back.

Contact us for price and get decryption software.

hxxp://gvlay6u4g53rxdi5.onion/21-Fk5upIKbWugpCeZxsi1gaIbJyxVKWZdL-Z3eH9HPLVEEER6V0HrkTJ7bVvjAcYT1a
* Note that this server is available via Tor browser only

Follow the instructions to open the link:
1. Type the addres \"hxxps://www.torproject.org\" in your Internet browser. It opens the Tor site.
2. Press \"Download Tor\", then press \"Download Tor Browser Bundle\", install and run it.
3. Now you have Tor browser. In the Tor Browser open \"URL\".
4. Start a chat and follow the further instructions.

If you can not use the above link, use the email:
dec_helper@dremno.com
dec_helper@excic.com
* To contact us, create a new mail on the site: protonmail.com
Make contact as soon as possible. Your private key (decryption key)
is only stored temporarily.

IF YOU DON\'T CONTACT US WITHIN 72 HOURS, PRICE WILL BE HIGHER.

Screenshot of files with “.alienlock” extension added by the ransomware:
Alienlock Ransomware - encrypt files with .alienlock extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Alienlock ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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