Remove elder Virus (+Decrypt .[stocklock@airmail.cc].elder files) – Phobos Ransomware

elder – General Info

The elder stands for a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the Phobos ransomware family. elder was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. elder adds the “.[stocklock@airmail.cc].elder” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by elder, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.[stocklock@airmail.cc].elder“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, elder places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by elder text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives coming from the Phobos type. It literally discusses that the information is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a an unique decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism applied by elder is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of elder is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds connected with elder ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the asked for amount, people need to keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, 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 typically does not provide any positive result and people just waste their money for nothing.

We strongly advise 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 elder ransomware and to recover the information data totally free. Hence, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	elder Ransomware
File Extension	.[stocklock@airmail.cc].elder
Type	Ransomware
Family	Phobos
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 [stocklock@airmail.cc].elder extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar Infections	Adair, Deal, Caleb
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to elder ransomware. It is similar Adair and many other ransomware-type threats. Harmful programs of such kind are generally 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 generate the special decryption key for files decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your essential data 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 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 together with other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are a number of methods used by online frauds to distribute elder virus. Even though it is uncertain how exactly elder injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Typically elder ransomware might be presented as some genuine software application, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some essential software updates. This is the common trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing elder infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might describe various e-mail spam tactics to inject harmful codes into PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notifications 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 severely harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade informs may result in elder ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of destructive codes causing elder secret installation. Lastly, injection of elder may occur by ways of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install malicious tools without the user’s consent.

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

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to share with with you. First off, be really mindful when you surf the web and particularly while downloading free 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 consist of other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be destructive. Ensure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to important damage to be made for your PC. 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 Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the elder text file:

All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail stocklock@airmail.cc
Write this ID in the title of your message
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this e-mail: stocklock@airmail.cc
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

Screenshot of files with “.[stocklock@airmail.cc].elder” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove elder 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.