Remove XMRLocker Virus (.[XMRLocker] Files Ransomware)

XMRLocker – Ransomware

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

The message given by XMRLocker text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives. It literally points out that the information is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by XMRLocker is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

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

Nonetheless, irrespective of the requested amount, people should stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to totally ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not provide any positive outcome and people just waste their money for nothing.

We strongly recommend 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 XMRLocker ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Therefore, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	XMRLocker Ransomware
File Extension	.[XMRLocker]
Type	Ransomware
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 [XMRLocker] extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to XMRLocker ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt crucial data and to state the demand 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 files decryption.

Therefore, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only method to avoid 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 placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard disk 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 together with other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are several ways used by online scams to distribute XMRLocker virus. Although it doubts how precisely XMRLocker 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 XMRLocker virus might be presented as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some essential software updates. This is the common trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing XMRLocker infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might refer to 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 notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in XMRLocker ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also include harmful codes leading to XMRLocker secret installation. Finally, injection of XMRLocker may take place by means of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and set up malicious utilities without the user’s consent.

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

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to show with you. First of all, be really cautious when you browse the web and particularly while downloading complimentary apps. 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 package, so they may be destructive. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

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

Below please find the quotation from the XMRLocker text file:

~All your files are encrypted with Base-64 algorithm~
Don\'t worry, all your files can be restored.
Contact us by e-mail to find out the price for data decryption:
xmrlocker@goat.si = Main e-mail.
xmrlocker@protonmail.ch = Spare e-mail (If you have not received an answer within one day from main e-mail).
As proof that we can decrypt your files you can send us 1 file weighing no more than 1 MB.
Please note:
1. If you do not pay within 24 hours, the price for data decryption will double (x2).
2. Сhanging, editing or renaming encrypted files can lead to the fact that the data cannot be restored.
Your unique ID: 9DA9-EE55-4FDA-B534-E4F2-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

Screenshot of files with “.[XMRLocker]” extension added by the ransomware:

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove XMRLocker 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.