Remove CrossLock Virus (.crlk Files Ransomware)

CrossLock Virus Ransomware

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

The message given by CrossLock text file asking for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It actually discusses that the information is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by CrossLock is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of CrossLock is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds related to CrossLock ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the asked for amount, people should stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not provide any positive outcome and people simply waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We highly advise 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 CrossLock ransomware and to recover the information data totally free. Therefore, the only right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name CrossLock Ransomware
File Extension .crlk
Type Ransomware
Short Description The 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.
Symptoms File 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 crlk extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to CrossLock ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt important data and to state the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to produce the special decryption key for information decryption.

Therefore, 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 avoid the loss of your crucial information is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they need to be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard 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 together with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are several ways used by online frauds to distribute CrossLock ransom virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how precisely CrossLock injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Typically CrossLock virus may exist as some genuine software, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some essential software updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing CrossLock infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals may refer to different email spam methods to inject malicious 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 encouraging users to open some video, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in CrossLock ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also include malicious codes leading to CrossLock secret installation. Lastly, injection of CrossLock may happen by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install destructive utilities without the user’s authorization.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of CrossLock ransom virus?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to share with with you. To start with, be extremely careful when you surf the web and especially while downloading complimentary apps. Keep 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 include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Make certain that your current antivirus software and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to necessary damage to be made for your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render far better services of protecting your PC.

Screenshot of files with “.crlk” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove CrossLock 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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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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