RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove AstraLocker Virus – AstraLocker Ransomware

AstraLocker – Ransomware

The AstraLocker stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the AstraLocker ransomware family. AstraLocker was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the encryption is completed, AstraLocker places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by AstraLocker text file requesting the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the AstraLocker clan. It literally discusses that the info is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism used by AstraLocker is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is definitely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

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

Nevertheless, regardless of the asked for amount, people must keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not give any positive result and people simply lose their money for nothing.

We strongly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack AstraLocker ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Hence, the just best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameAstraLocker Ransomware
TypeRansomware
FamilyAstraLocker
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.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to AstraLocker ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt important information and to set forth the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to generate the unique decryption key for data decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is just not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your important information is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they should be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external hard drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you save your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are several ways used by online frauds to distribute AstraLocker ransom virus. Even though it doubts how precisely AstraLocker injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
  • spam emails from unknown senders;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Often AstraLocker ransomware might exist as some genuine software, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some important software updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing AstraLocker infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals may refer to numerous email spam strategies to inject harmful codes into Windows PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in AstraLocker ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include harmful codes leading to AstraLocker secret installation. Finally, injection of AstraLocker may occur by methods of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and set up harmful utilities without the user’s permission.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of AstraLocker ransom virus?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to show with you. To start with, be very careful when you browse the web and specifically while downloading complimentary apps. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to necessary damage to be produced your system. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render better services of protecting your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the AstraLocker text file:

                                              ***************************
                                              *        AstraLocker      *
                                              ***************************
All Your files has been succesfully encrypted by AstraRansomware.

Can I get My files back?
Sure! But i dont have much time for this
Your computer is infected with a ransomware virus. Your files have been encrypted and you won\'t
be able to decrypt them without my help.
What can I do to get my files back?
You can buy my decryption software, this software will allow you to recover all of your data and remove the Ransomware from your computer.
The price for the software is 50$. Payment can be made in Monero, or Bitcoin (Cryptocurrency) only.
How do I pay, where do I get Monero?
Purchasing Monero or Bitcoin varies from country to country, you are best advised to do a quick google search
yourself to find out how to buy Monero or Bitcoin.
Amount of Monero to pay: 0.20 XMR (Monero)
Monero Address:
47moe29QP2xF2myDYaaMCJHpLGsXLPw17CqMQFeuB3NTzJ2X28tfRmWaPyPQgvoHVDUe4gP8h4w4pXCtX1gg7SpGAgh6qqS
Bitcoin Addres:
17CqMQFeuB3NTzJ2X28tfRmWaPyPQgvoHV
After payment contact: AstraRansomware@protonmail.com for decryptor
                                              ***************************
                                              *        AstraLocker      *
                                              ***************************

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove AstraLocker 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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