RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Paralock Virus (.paralock Files Ransomware) – Parasite Ransomware

Paralock Virus – Details

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

The message given by Paralock text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the Parasite clan. It actually mentions that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Regretfully, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by Paralock is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely particular that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of Paralock is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is stored on a specific server run by the frauds connected with Paralock ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

Nonetheless, irrespective of the requested quantity, people need to stay 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 normally does not give any positive result and people just 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 Paralock ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Thus, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameParalock Ransomware
File Extension.paralock
TypeRansomware
FamilyParasite
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 paralock 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 similar to Paralock ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to state the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to generate the special 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 merely not feasible. The only method 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 must be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard 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 location.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are numerous methods used by online scams to distribute Paralock virus. Although it is uncertain how exactly Paralock injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

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

Furthermore, the criminals might refer to various e-mail spam tactics to inject malicious codes into Windows PC. 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 encouraging users to open some receipts, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may badly harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade informs may result in Paralock virus injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also include malicious codes resulting in Paralock secret installation. Lastly, injection of Paralock may happen by methods of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s consent.

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

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we wish to show with you. First off, be extremely cautious when you surf the web and particularly while downloading free programs. Keep 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 bundle, so they may be malicious. Make certain that your current antivirus software and your entire operating system is always duly updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to important damage to be produced your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render better services of defending your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the Paralock text file:

ALL YOUR DATA TURNED TO USELESS BINARY CODE
Your computer is infected with a virus.
Send an email paracrypt@cock.li, specify in the subject your unique identifier - and you will definitly be helped to recover.
NOTE:
You can send 2 files as proof that we can return all your data.
If the provided email doesn\'t work, please contact us at p4r4l0ck@tutanota.com
Algorithms used are AES and RSA.
IMPORTANT:
1. The infection was due to vulnerabilities in your software.
2. If you want to make sure that it is impossible to recover files using third-party software, do this not on all files, otherwise you may lose all data.
3. Only communication through our email can guarantee file recover for you. We are not responsible for the actions of third parties who promise to help you - most often they are scammers.
4. Please, do not try to rename encrypted files.
5. Our goal is to return your data, but if you don\'t contact us, we will not succeed.

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Paralock 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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