Remove LOCK Virus (+Decrypt .LOCK files) – DCRTR Ransomware

LOCK Virus – Details

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

The message given by LOCK text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the DCRTR type. It actually discusses that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism used by LOCK is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

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

However, irrespective of the requested amount, people must keep away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom usually does not give any positive result and people simply lose 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 LOCK ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Therefore, the just best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	LOCK Ransomware
File Extension	.LOCK
Type	Ransomware
Family	DCRTR
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 LOCK extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to LOCK ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt essential data 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 distinct decryption key for information decryption.

Thus, 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 important data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Remember 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 Memory Stick or external hard disk 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 together with other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are numerous methods used by online scams to distribute LOCK ransom virus. Even though it doubts how precisely LOCK injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Frequently LOCK ransomware may be presented as some legitimate software, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some essential software updates. This is the typical trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing LOCK infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may refer to numerous e-mail spam methods to inject malicious 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 motivating users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in LOCK ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain malicious codes resulting in LOCK secret installation. Finally, injection of LOCK may happen by ways of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s authorization.

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

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to share with with you. Firstly, be very careful when you browse the web and specifically while downloading totally 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 include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be destructive. Make certain that your current anti-virus and your entire operating system is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may result in vital damage to be made for your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render better services of defending your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the LOCK text file:

Good day. 
All your documents, databases, photos, videos and staff were encrypted with a unique key. 
If you want to return all your files, so write to us by mail: raceso@qq.com 
In the message attach your unique ID: xxxxxxxxxx 
Do not waste your time! You risk losing all your files!

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove LOCK 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.