Ransomware, going by the name SkidLocker has been reported to threaten users that they will never see their files again unless they make a payoff to cyber-criminal. The ransom payment amount which SkidLocker demands to decrypt the files it encodes is ~0.5 BTC which is around 250 US dollars. What is more, this crypto virus uses AES encryption algorithm to encode the files of infected users. After doing so, SkidLocker ads the .locked file extension to the encrypted files. Users are left with no choice but to pay the ransom with no guarantee their files will be restored back.
However, we strongly advise against paying any ransom money to decrypt your files to any ransomware, not just SkidLocker. This is because there is no guarantee you will receive your files back and furthermore, you support the cyber-criminals to further develop their ransomware.
Threat Summary
| Name |
SkidLocker |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The malware encrypts files with a strong AES algorithm and uses RSA cipher to encrypt the key for decryption. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness his wallpaper changed and unfamiliar files on his desktop. READ_IT.txt appears as a ransom note text file.. |
| Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss SkidLocker Ransomware. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
SkidLocker Ransomware – Distribution Strategy
In order to infect users successfully SkidLocker`s creators may use different types of distribution methods to reach the end user.
They may conduct massive spam campaigns that resemble reputable services like PayPal, eBay, different banks, BestBuy and other services. The messages often feature malicious URLs that may lead to the automatic execution of a .js(JavaScript) file or even an Exploit Kit infection.
Another campaign that may be used to distribute SkidLocker is extremely shady websites or compromised legitimate sites. Such sites may have malicious executables put instead of setups of original software that the user might believe he or she is downloading.
The ransomware may also be distributed wherever you meet malicious URLs – forums, social media like Facebook, twitter and other. Such links, however are a bit tricky to place because, the cyber-criminals need to make them undetectable by the malware filters of the website. One way is to make the web links bounce through several hosts until the user lands on the malicious URL.
SkidLocker Ransomware – Technical Analysis
After infection, SkidLocker has been reported to create the following files:
→ In C:\Users\{Username}\Desktop:
ransom.jpg
WindowsUpdate.bat
READ_IT.txt
In C:\Users\{Username}:
Decrypter.exe
After doing so, the ransomware is able to successfully encrypt files using not just one but two encryption algorithms:
- AES to encrypt the files.
- RSA to encrypt the decryption password of the AES encrypted files
The ransomware is pre-programmed to look for the following file types and encode them:
→ .txt, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .pdf, .pps, .ppt, .pptx, .odt, .gif, .jpg, .png, .db, .csv, .sql, .mdb, .sln, .php, .asp, .aspx, .html, .xml, .psd, .frm, .myd, .myi, .dbf, .mp3, .mp4, .avi, .mov, .mpg, .rm, .wmv, .m4a, .mpa, .wav, .sav, .gam, .log, .ged, .msg, .myo, .tax, .ynab, .ifx, .ofx, .qfx, .qif, .qdf, .tax2013, .tax2014, .tax2015, .box, .ncf, .nsf, .ntf, .lwp
Researchers at Nyxbone have also established that the ransomware executes a so-called “CreatePassword” command to encrypt the files with an AES cipher and use a unique 32 character alpha-numerical password for deciphering them.
After doing so, SkidLocker ransomware uses a very strong RSA cipher to encrypt the AES key file. It executes a “EncryptTextRSA” and “RSAENcrypt” commands to conduct the encryption.
Finally after it encrypts the files, the .locked file extension is added, for example:
→ Picture.jpg.locked
The ransomware is also reported to establish an active connection with the server 23.227.199.83 which is believed by researchers to be the command and control center of the virus. When Nyxbone checked the index of the server, the following files appeared, suggesting that other malware may also be distributed in association with this server:
Source: nyxbone.com
This server may also be used to send the encryption key in a RSA encrypted form to the cyber-criminals, so that they are successfully able to extort users with it. After this is done, the ransomware then changes the wallpaper using the image “ransom.jpg” it created:
The ransomware also drops a READ_IT.txt file which has the following ransom message:
→ “(If you are in Notepad, please click the Format menu above ^^^^ and click Word Wrap)
Uh oh. It looks like your data has been the victim of the encryption thief. Your files have been encrypted with AES: search your drive for “locked” if you don`t believe me. Unfortunately you’re going to have to pay some money to get your files back and your fee is approximately $200 in US Dollars. I`ll get right to the ugly details for that:
*You have 72 hours to make this happen as of {date} {time}. Otherwise, your files are lost for good. I will delete the necessary code for all time and I don`t even have to revisit your machine to do it.
*You will be paying by Bitcoin. Don`t worry, it is easy to figure out. Your fee is 0.500639 BTC. Pay this amount precisely, or I might not know who it was that paid in order to rescue them.
*Use LocalBitcoins.com. It isn`t hard to user, there are numerous ways to pay for my bitcoins on there and most importantly, it is fast. Did I mention you have 72 hours?
*The address you will be sending the bitcoins to is {Cyber-criminal’s bitcoin address}.
*Then you will wait for me to get the unlock code for you. Your code will be shown here, https://let-me-help-you-with-that.webnode.com/, under the amount you paid. This may take a day or so: you are on my schedule now :P
*Once you have the code, you can unlock your files as follows:
***Go to your Start Menu
***In the search field, type “cmd”
***Right-click the cmd program.
***Click Run As Administrator(doesn`t have to be but files might be missed otherwise)
***Click Yes to allow it to run like that
***Type “cd C:\Users\{Username}
***Type “Decrypter.exe
*** Other people’s codes will not work for you, obviously.
That is basically it. The rest of this document is a further description about your situation.
*You’ll never be able to find me. Police will never be able to find me. Go ahead and try them if you like, but don`t expect your data back. They will be concerned about helping the community not with helping you meed your deadline. If they say they need to keep your desktop for a few days well lol, you probably won`t be seeing your machine again soon, let alone your data. I`ve been doing this for five years now and haven`t been caught yet.
*Best Buy will have no ability to undo the encryption. Hell, even the NSA probably couldn`t undo it. Well, maybe they could, but I suspect you won`t be a high priority for their computation clusters for at least a couple of years.
*In 72 hours, you will never be able to get these files open. I don`t much like people struggling against the powerful and there is no way for you to argue for an extension. Just make it happen.
So just be thankful that it wasn’t worse. I could have asked for more money. I could have been working for ISIS and saving that money to behead children. I could have been a mean SOB and just destroyed your data outright. Am I those things? No. I just need the money to live off (true story) and don`t care at all about the hacker “community”. So there isn’t anyone you will be protecting by sacrificing yourself. I’ll just encrypt more people’s data to make up for the loss.
So you have your instructions. I’ll even tell you how you could have prevented this.
*Install a good antivirus and keep it up to date. This is basically where you fell down.
* Don`t click on any file from the internet that isn`t a piece of data like (jpg, txt, doc) or you better really know where that file came from.
* Back up your files in case the encryption thief visits you. :P
Better luck to you in the future.”
There is nothing more to say about this ransomware, as it is mentioned in its ransom note. However, malware researchers and security experts strongly advise against paying the ransom money, because:
- You help the cyber-crook further spread the malware.
- You may not get your files back and they may want more money later on.
- Researchers may discover a decryption possibility by analyzing flaws in the malware itself with time.
- There are alternative methods of restoring even a small portion of the data.
- Your files will not be deleted they will just stay encrypted until a reliable decryption is created.
Remove SkidLocker Ransomware and Restore .locked Files
To remove SkidLocker, you should simply follow the step-by-step instructions which are posted below. We strongly advise you to install an advanced anti-malware program because it will automatically detect and remove the ransomware without damaging the encrypted files and protect you in the future from such.
To try and restore files encrypted by SkidLocker, you may want to use the alternative file restoration methods posted in step “3. Restore files encrypted by SkidLocker” below. They may not be 100 percent effective but they could help you revert even a small portion of the data.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for SkidLocker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall SkidLocker and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by SkidLocker on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by SkidLocker there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove SkidLocker
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by SkidLocker.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and SkidLocker aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
SkidLocker-FAQ
What is SkidLocker Ransomware?
SkidLocker is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does SkidLocker Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does SkidLocker Infect?
Via several ways.SkidLocker Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of SkidLocker is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .SkidLocker files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .SkidLocker files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .SkidLocker files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".SkidLocker" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .SkidLocker files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of SkidLocker Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate SkidLocker ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .SkidLocker files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can SkidLocker Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the SkidLocker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this SkidLocker how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the SkidLocker ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.