RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Marlock Virus (.marlock22 Files Ransomware) – MedusaLocker Ransomware

Marlock Virus – Details

The Marlock stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the MedusaLocker ransomware family. Marlock was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Marlock adds the “.marlock22” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by Marlock, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.marlock22“. As soon as the encryption is completed, Marlock places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Marlock text file requesting the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the MedusaLocker type. It actually points out that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by Marlock is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely particular 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 technique of Marlock is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is stored on a specific server run by the frauds related to Marlock ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the requested quantity, people should stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not give any positive result and people simply waste their money for nothing.

We strongly encourage 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 Marlock ransomware and to recover the information data totally free. Therefore, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameMarlock Ransomware
File Extension.marlock22
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 marlock22 extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Marlock ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt essential 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 similar algorithm to produce the unique 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 method to avoid the loss of your crucial files is to routinely 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 computer. 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 keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are a number of ways used by online scams to distribute Marlock virus. Although it is uncertain how precisely Marlock injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate 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.

Typically Marlock virus might exist as some genuine software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some essential software application updates. This is the typical trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Marlock infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might refer to numerous email spam methods to inject harmful codes into copmuter. So, they may describe 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 motivating users to open some video, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in Marlock ransom injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also include malicious codes causing Marlock secret installation. Lastly, injection of Marlock may take place by ways of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up malicious utilities without the user’s consent.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of Marlock ransomware?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we want to show with you. First off, be very mindful when you surf the web and especially while downloading complimentary apps. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear 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 and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to important damage to be made for your system. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render far better services of protecting your system.

Screenshot of files with “.marlock22” extension added by the ransomware:
Marlock Ransomware - encrypt files with .marlock22 extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Marlock 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

Sending
User Review
0 (0 votes)
Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)

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.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sending

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to top button