RansomwareRemoval Guide

CRYPTO LOCKER Virus Removal Guide (+Decode .isolated files)

CRYPTO LOCKER – General Info

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

The message given by CRYPTO LOCKER text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It actually discusses that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by CRYPTO LOCKER is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of CRYPTO LOCKER is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is stored on a specific server run by the frauds related to CRYPTO LOCKER ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the asked for quantity, people must keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not provide any positive outcome and people just lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly advise that you do not contact these crooks and absolutely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack CRYPTO LOCKER ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Thus, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameCRYPTO LOCKER Ransomware
File Extension.isolated
TypeRansomware
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 isolated extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to CRYPTO LOCKER ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt essential information 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 create the special decryption key for data decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is just not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your essential files is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard disk 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 along with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are numerous methods used by online frauds to distribute CRYPTO LOCKER ransom virus. Even though it doubts how exactly CRYPTO LOCKER injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Frequently CRYPTO LOCKER ransomware might be presented as some legitimate software application, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some essential software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing CRYPTO LOCKER infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might describe numerous email spam tactics to inject malicious codes into systems. So, they may refer to 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 encouraging users to open some receipts, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may badly harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in CRYPTO LOCKER ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also contain harmful codes causing CRYPTO LOCKER secret installation. Finally, injection of CRYPTO LOCKER may occur by ways of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and set up harmful tools without the user’s approval.

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

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to show with you. To start with, be really cautious when you browse the web and particularly while downloading complimentary programs. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to essential damage to be produced your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly recommended 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 CRYPTO LOCKER text file:

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$> CRYPTO LOCKER <$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ 
SORRY! Your files are encrypted. 
File contents are encrypted with random key. 
Random key is encrypted with RSA public key (2048 bit). 
We STRONGLY RECOMMEND you NOT to use any "decryption tools". 
These tools can damage your data, making recover IMPOSSIBLE. 
Also we recommend you not to contact data recovery companies. 
They will just contact us, buy the key and sell it to you at a higher price. 
If someone else offers you files restoring, ask him for one file decryption. 
If you decide to decrypt files, for a have to get RSA private key. 
To get the RSA key, follow these steps in order: Pay of the ransom cost: 
1. $100 in the first 24 hours, $200 before and after 48 hours. 
Pay the stated amount to this BTC-purse: 
>>> 19byE1fxToZXcmfXixFZmRy9E9i1QFYmLv <<< 
2. Write on the testodin@cock.li, specifying a link to the BTC-transaction in the message. 
=========== 
!ATTENTION!
Attach file is 000000000.key from %appdata% to email message, without it we will not be able to decrypt your files. 
===========
In the reply letter you will receive a unique decoder and instructions on what to do next. Only we can successfully decrypt your files. 
You will receive instructions of what to do next. 
We guarantee you file recovery if you do it right. 
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$> CRYPTO LOCKER <$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Screenshot of files with “.isolated” extension added by the ransomware:CRYPTO LOCKER Ransomware - encrypt files with .isolated extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove CRYPTO LOCKER 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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