RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Cryptolocker Virus (+Decrypt .cryptolocker files) – Rapid Ransomware

Cryptolocker – General Info

The Cryptolocker stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Rapid ransomware family. Cryptolocker was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Cryptolocker adds the “.cryptolocker” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by Cryptolocker, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.cryptolocker“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, Cryptolocker places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Cryptolocker text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives coming from the Rapid family. It actually discusses that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by Cryptolocker is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

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

Nonetheless, regardless of the asked for quantity, people must keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not provide any positive result and people simply waste their money for 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 Cryptolocker ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Therefore, the only right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameCryptolocker Ransomware
File Extension.cryptolocker
TypeRansomware
FamilyRapid
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 cryptolocker extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsGuesswho, Guesswho, Briansclub
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Cryptolocker ransomware. It is similar Guesswho and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt essential information and to state 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 create the distinct decryption key for files decryption.

Therefore, 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 important information is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are a number of methods used by online scams to distribute Cryptolocker ransom virus. Even though it is uncertain how precisely Cryptolocker injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Frequently Cryptolocker virus may be presented as some genuine software, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some essential software updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Cryptolocker infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might refer to various email spam tactics to inject malicious codes into PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in Cryptolocker ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include malicious codes leading to Cryptolocker secret installation. Lastly, injection of Cryptolocker may happen by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install harmful utilities without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of Cryptolocker ransomware?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to show with you. Firstly, be really mindful when you browse the web and especially while downloading free 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 consist of other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. 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 result in vital damage to be made for your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the Cryptolocker text file:

Welcome. Please read this important instruction.

Cant you find the necessary files?

Is the content of your files not readable?

Congratulations, you files have been encrypted.

> Whats happened?

Your documents, photos, databases and other important files have been encrypted
with strongest encryption and unique key, generated for this computer
Decrypting of your files is only possible with the private key and decrypt program
The only copy of the private key, which will allow you to decrypt your files,
is located on a secret server

> To receive your private key follow instruction:

1) Write to our email: recovery.company@protonmail.com or rapid.file@tuta.io

2) Tell us your personal ID: PCSW7CLOKXNUNS

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Cryptolocker 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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