Remove Off_the_grid Virus (.lock Files Ransomware) – RanzyLocker Ransomware

Off_the_grid Virus Ransomware

The Off_the_grid mean a ransomware-type infection. The infection comes from the RanzyLocker ransomware family. Off_the_grid was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Off_the_grid adds the “.lock” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by Off_the_grid, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.lock“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, Off_the_grid places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Off_the_grid text file asking for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the RanzyLocker clan. It actually points out that the info 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 kind of cryptography mechanism applied by Off_the_grid is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is definitely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of Off_the_grid is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds associated with Off_the_grid ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nonetheless, irrespective of the asked for amount, 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 problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not provide any positive result and people simply lose their money for nothing.

We highly recommend 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 Off_the_grid ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Thus, the just best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	Off_the_grid Ransomware
File Extension	.lock
Type	Ransomware
Family	RanzyLocker
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

Keep in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Off_the_grid ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt crucial data and to state the need before 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.

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 files is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they need to be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external 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 absolutely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are a number of ways used by online frauds to distribute Off_the_grid virus. Although it is uncertain how precisely Off_the_grid injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Frequently Off_the_grid virus might exist as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some essential software application updates. This is the common trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Off_the_grid infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may refer to numerous email spam tactics to inject destructive codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to 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 files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in Off_the_grid ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also include destructive codes causing Off_the_grid secret installation. Finally, injection of Off_the_grid may occur by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install harmful tools without the user’s authorization.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of Off_the_grid ransomware?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we want to show with you. First off, be very careful when you surf the web and especially while downloading complimentary 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 include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Make sure that your current antivirus and your entire operating system is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in essential damage to be made for your PC. Hence, 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 much better services of defending your system.

Below please find the quotation from the Off_the_grid text file:

Your servers is LOCKED. Do not try to use other software.
You can contact us directly for further instructions through emails:
off_the_grid@tutanota.com
wee_wee@tutanota.com
In subject write your key (below).
Recovery information:
key: -
personal id: FELIXXX

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Off_the_grid 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.