ProLock – General Info
The ProLock mean a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the PwndLocker ransomware family. ProLock was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. ProLock adds the “.proLock” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by ProLock, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.proLock“. As soon as the encryption is completed, ProLock places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.The message given by ProLock text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the PwndLocker type. It actually discusses that the info is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by ProLock is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.
Another trick of ProLock is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds related to ProLock ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.
ProLock encrypted your documents, but that might not be the only damage done to you. The ransomware might still be hidingon your computer. To identify whether this holds true, we suggest downloading GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
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Nevertheless, regardless of the asked for amount, people need to stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to completely ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not give any positive outcome and people simply lose their money for absolutely nothing.
We strongly encourage 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 ProLock ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Thus, the just best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.
Virus Summary
| Name | ProLock Ransomware |
| File Extension | .proLock |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | PwndLocker |
| 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 proLock extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to ProLock ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to set forth the need before 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.
Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is just not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your essential information is to frequently create backups of your important information.
Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive 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 definitely not a good storage place.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
There are several methods used by online frauds to distribute ProLock virus. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how exactly ProLock injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:
- integration with third-party software application, especially freeware;
- spam emails from unidentified senders;
- websites rendering free hosting services;
- pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.
Frequently ProLock ransomware might be presented as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some essential software updates. This is the common trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing ProLock infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.
Furthermore, the criminals might describe numerous email spam strategies to inject malicious codes into 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 documents or clicking on such dangerous links may badly harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in ProLock virus injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of destructive codes resulting in ProLock secret installation. Lastly, injection of ProLock may happen by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install harmful utilities without the user’s permission.
Is there any way to prevent the injection of ProLock ransom virus?
Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to show with you. First off, be very cautious when you browse the web and especially while downloading totally free programs. Keep 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 contain other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Make sure that your current antivirus software 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 system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render far better services of protecting your computer.
Below please find the quotation from the ProLock text file:
Your files have been encrypted by ProLock Ransomware using RSA-2048 algorithm. [.:Nothing personal just business:.] No one can help you to restore files without our special decryption tool. To get your files back you have to pay the decryption fee in BTC. The final price depends on how fast you write to us. 1. Download TOR browser: hxxps://www.torproject.org/ 2. Install the TOR Browser. 3. Open the TOR Browser. 4. Open our website in the TOR browser: msaoyrayohnp32tcgwcanhjouetb5k54aekgnwg7dcvtgtecpumrxpqd.onion 5. Login using your ID - ***If you have any problems connecting or using TOR network: contact our support by email support981723721@protonmail.com [You\'ll receive instructions and price inside] The decryption keys will be stored for 1 month. We also have gathered your sensitive data. We would share it in case you refuse to pay. Decryption using third party software is impossible. Attempts to self-decrypting files will result in the loss of your data.
Screenshot of files with “.proLock” extension added by the ransomware:
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove ProLock ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
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.
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