RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Wholocked Virus (.wholocked Files Ransomware)

Wholocked – General Info

The Wholocked mean a ransomware-type infection. Wholocked was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Wholocked adds the “.wholocked” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by Wholocked, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.wholocked“. As soon as the encryption is completed, Wholocked places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Wholocked text file requesting the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It literally discusses that the information is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a an unique decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by Wholocked is still not properly examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

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

Nevertheless, regardless of the asked for quantity, people need to keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, 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 normally does not give any positive result and people simply waste 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 Wholocked ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Therefore, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

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

Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Wholocked ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt essential data and to set forth the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to create the special decryption key for data decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your crucial files is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Keep 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 USB Flash Drive or external hard disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you save your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are numerous methods used by online scams to distribute Wholocked ransomware. Even though it doubts how exactly Wholocked injects your computer, 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.

Often Wholocked ransomware might exist as some legitimate software application, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some crucial software application updates. This is the common technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Wholocked infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals may refer to numerous e-mail spam tactics to inject malicious codes into systems. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some receipts, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in Wholocked ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain destructive codes causing Wholocked secret installation. Finally, injection of Wholocked may occur by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up malicious utilities without the user’s consent.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of Wholocked ransom virus?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we wish to show with you. To start with, be really cautious when you surf the web and specifically while downloading totally free 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 contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be malicious. Ensure that your current anti-virus and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to necessary damage to be produced your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your system.

Below please find the quotation from the Wholocked text file:

All your files have been encrypted!
All your documents (databases, texts, images, videos, musics etc.) were encrypted.
The encryption was done using a secret keythat is now on our servers.
To decrypt your files you will need to buy the secret key from us. We are the only on the world who can provide this for you.
What can I do?
Pay the ransom, in bitcoins, in the amount and wallet below. You can use www.coindirect.com/de - coinbase.com - coinmama.com - LocalBitcoins.com to buy bitcoins.
0,036 Bitcoin = 300 EURO
    
Send BTC Address = 1NxoWvpXufC5PkagnfWD9Rf19wm5jchVkX

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Wholocked 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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