Remove ProLock Virus (+Decrypt .proLock files) – PwndLocker Ransomware

ProLock Virus Ransomware

The ProLock stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the PwndLocker ransomware family. ProLock was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once 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“, as soon as 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 the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the PwndLocker clan. It literally mentions that the information is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism applied by ProLock is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of ProLock is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is kept on a particular server run by the frauds connected with ProLock ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the requested amount, people must keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, 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 strongly advise 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 ProLock ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Thus, the only right decision is to recover the lost information 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

Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to ProLock ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to set forth the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to produce the distinct decryption key for data 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 essential information is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they should be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive 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 along with other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are numerous methods used by online scams to distribute ProLock virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how exactly ProLock injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Often ProLock ransomware may exist as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some important software updates. This is the common technique used by online frauds 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 different e-mail spam methods to inject harmful codes into Windows PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some receipts, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade notifies may result in ProLock virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of malicious codes resulting in ProLock secret installation. Lastly, injection of ProLock may occur by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install harmful utilities without the user’s consent.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of ProLock ransomware?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to share with with you. First off, be very mindful when you surf the web and specifically 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 consist of other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be malicious. Make certain that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may result in essential damage to be made for your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render better services of defending your system.

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:

  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.