RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Farlock Virus (.farlock Files Ransomware) – MedusaLocker Ransomware

Farlock – General Info

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

The message given by Farlock text file asking for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the MedusaLocker clan. It actually points out that the info is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by Farlock is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of Farlock is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is stored on a specific server run by the frauds related to Farlock ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nonetheless, regardless of the asked for amount, people need to keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to entirely disregard 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 result and people simply waste their money for nothing.

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

Virus Summary

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

Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Farlock ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt crucial 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 comparable algorithm to produce the unique decryption key for information 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 method to avoid the loss of your crucial data is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the Memory Stick 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 in addition to other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are numerous methods used by online scams to distribute Farlock ransomware. Although it doubts how precisely Farlock injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate 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.

Often Farlock virus may exist as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some crucial software updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Farlock infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals might refer to different email spam strategies to inject destructive codes into systems. So, they may refer to 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, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may badly damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in Farlock virus injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of harmful codes resulting in Farlock secret installation. Lastly, injection of Farlock may happen by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up harmful utilities without the user’s approval.

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

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we wish to show with you. To start with, be extremely careful when you browse the web and especially while downloading totally free apps. 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. Ensure that your current anti-virus and your entire operating system is always duly updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in necessary damage to be made for your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly recommended 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 Farlock text file:

YOUR PERSONAL ID:
-
/!\\ YOUR COMPANY NETWORK HAS BEEN PENETRATED /!\\
All your important files have been encrypted!

Your files are safe! Only modified. (RSA+AES)

ANY ATTEMPT TO RESTORE YOUR FILES WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE
WILL PERMANENTLY CORRUPT IT.
DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES.
DO NOT RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES.

No software available on internet can help you. We are the only ones able to
solve your problem.

We gathered highly confidential/personal data. These data are currently stored on
a private server. This server will be immediately destroyed after your payment.
If you decide to not pay, we will release your data to public or re-seller.
So you can expect your data to be publicly available in the near future..

We only seek money and our goal is not to damage your reputation or prevent
your business from running.

You will can send us 2-3 non-important files and we will decrypt it for free
to prove we are able to give your files back.

Contact us for price and get decryption software.

qd7pcafncosqfqu3ha6fcx4h6sr7tzwagzpcdcnytiw3b6varaeqv5yd.onion
* Note that this server is available via Tor browser only

Follow the instructions to open the link:
1. Type the addres \"hxxps://www.torproject.org\" in your Internet browser. It opens the Tor site.
2. Press \"Download Tor\", then press \"Download Tor Browser Bundle\", install and run it.
3. Now you have Tor browser. In the Tor Browser open qd7pcafncosqfqu3ha6fcx4h6sr7tzwagzpcdcnytiw3b6varaeqv5yd.onion
4. Start a chat and follow the further instructions.

If you can not use the above link, use the email:
ithelp02@decorous.cyou
ithelp02@wholeness.business
* To contact us, create a new free email account on the site: protonmail.com
IF YOU DON\'T CONTACT US WITHIN 72 HOURS, PRICE WILL BE HIGHER.

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Farlock 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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