A new ransomware which pretends to be one of the “big fish” in this segment of malware has been reported to infect users. The ransomware imitates Locky ransomware and is named AutoLocky by malware researchers. Not only this, but it even sets the .locky file extension after encrypting the files. Besides several other differences this ransomware works in the same principle like any other crypto malware – encrypting the user files after which demanding BitCoin payment for the decryption of the files.
| Name | AutoLocky |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | Encrypts the user’s files appending the .locky extension and impersonates Locky Ransomware. |
| Symptoms | The user may witness info.txt and info.html files on his desktop containing ransom instructions explaining how to pay 0.75 bitcoin for file decryption. |
| Distribution Method | Via malicious files, macros or Exploit kits featured in malicious URLs. |
| Detection Tool | Download Malware Removal Tool, to See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware |
| User Experience | Join our forum to discuss AutoLocky. |
| 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. |
AutoLocky Ransomware – Distribution
To spread to various systems, this ransomware may use several different distribution methods. One of them is via malicious links posted on social media, comments or as replies on forums. The other distribution method that you are more likely to encounter is via spam e-mails. The spam e-mails may contain different malicious files in an archive. Some of those files are usually Microsoft Word, Excel or .PDF documents with infected macros. This means that when the document is opened, and editing is enabled by the user, the malware may use a malicious macro script that will infect the user with malware.
AutoLocky Ransomware In Detail
Once activated on the victim PC, AutoLocky creates several files in key Windows folders:
→ Startup executable located in the “%UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\Start.lnk.” file.
“%UserProfile%\Desktop\info.html – Ransom note
“%UserProfile%\Desktop\info.txt
The ransomware then begins to look for the following files to encrypt:
→ .pptx,.sql,pat,fxg,fhd,fh,dxb,drw,design,ddrw,ddoc,dcs,wb2,psd,p7c,p7b,p12,pfx,pem,crt,cer,der,pl,py,lua,css,js,asp,php,incpas,asm,hpp,h,cpp,c,csl,csh,cpi,cgm,cdx,cdrw,cdr6,cdr5,cdr4,cdr3,cdr,awg,ait,ai,agd1,ycbcra,x3f,stx,st8,st7,st6,st5,st4,srw,srf,sr2,sd1,sd0,rwz,rwl,rw2,raw,raf,ra2,ptx,pef,pcd,orf,nwb,nrw,nop,nef,ndd,mrw,mos,mfw,mef,mdc,kdc,kc2,iiq,gry,grey,gray,fpx,fff,exf,erf,dng,dcr,dc2,crw,craw,cr2,cmt,cib,ce2,ce1,arw,3pr,3fr,mdb,sqlitedb,sqlite3,sqlite,sql,sdf,sav,sas7bdat,s3db,rdb,psafe3,nyf,nx2,nx1,nsh,nsg,nsf,nsd,ns4,ns3,ns2,myd,kpdx,kdbx,idx,ibz,ibd,fdb,erbsql,db3,dbf,db-journal,db,cls,bdb,al,adb,backupdb,bik,backup Source: BleepingComputer
So far it is believed that the ransomware uses strong RSA-2048 and AES-128 encryption algorithms which are practically near impossible to decipher directly. After file encryption, the ransomware displays the following ransom message:
→ “Locky Ransomware
All of you files are encrypted with RSA-2048 and AES-128 ciphers.
More information about the RSA and AES can be found here:
{links to Wikipedia}
Decrypting of your files is only possible with the following steps.
How to buy decryption?
1.You can make a payment with BitCoins; there are many methods to get them.
2.You should register BitCoin wallet (simplest online wallet OR some other methods of creating wallet)
3.Purchasing Bitcoins – Although it’s not yet easy to buy bitcoins, it’s getting simpler every day.”
The ransomware has been reported to demand around 0.75 BTC as ransom money from the victims. However malware research experts report that it does not use Tor networking like the original Locky Ransomware, and it uses different programming language than Locky’s C++.
Remove Locky Ransomware and Get Your Files Back
First, before restoring your files, you should remove this ransomware from your computer. To do this effectively, we strongly recommend backing up the encrypted data before following the instructions in the steps below.
After removing AutoLocky, it is time to recover your files. Fortunately, Emsisoft have developed decrypters for AutoLocky ransomware, and you can download it by clicking on step “4. Restore files encrypted by AutoLocky”. The decryptor works fairly easy; you just have to:
1. Open it and wait for it to discover the decryption key.
2. Press OK after the decryption key has been found.
3. Wait for your files to be decrypted one by one.
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.For Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: Click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Remove AutoLocky with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove AutoLocky.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove AutoLocky.
It is highly recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.
Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.
Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any AutoLocky files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.
Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data automatically with cloud backup and insure it against any type of data loss on your device, even the most severe. We recommend reading more about and downloading SOS Online Backup .
To back up your files via Windows and prevent any future intrusions, follow these instructions:
1. For Windows 7 and earlier 1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 1. Enabling the Windows Defense Feature (Previous Versions)1-Click on Windows Start Menu
2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup
4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.
5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.
6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by AutoLocky.
2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter
3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’
4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.
5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from AutoLocky.
1- Press Windows button + R keys.
2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.
3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.
5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from AutoLocky is on.
Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.
2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.
3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by AutoLocky should be restored.
Remove AutoLocky Using Other Alternative Tools
STOPZilla Anti MalwareStep 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.
Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.
Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.
Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.
2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all AutoLocky associated files completely.
Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you haven’t launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.
Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.
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 AutoLocky with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall AutoLocky 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 AutoLocky 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 AutoLocky 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 AutoLocky
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by AutoLocky.
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 AutoLocky 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.
AutoLocky-FAQ
What is AutoLocky Ransomware?
AutoLocky 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 AutoLocky 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 AutoLocky Infect?
Via several ways.AutoLocky 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 AutoLocky 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 .AutoLocky files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .AutoLocky 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 .AutoLocky files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".AutoLocky" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .AutoLocky 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 AutoLocky 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 AutoLocky ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .AutoLocky 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 AutoLocky 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 AutoLocky Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this AutoLocky 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 AutoLocky 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.