An interesting ransomware variant which is reported to have the .8lock8 extension after it encodes the files of the user asking for ransom money is detected out into the open. It copies the behavior of another ransomware known as HiddenTear Ransomware. 8lock8 Ransomware uses a Russian and English message to notify the victims that their files are encrypted. Users who have accidentally become a victim by this ransomware should read this article to learn how to delete the ransomware and decrypt the files for free.
Threat Summary
| Name | 8lock8 |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with the AES-256 cipher and asks a ransom for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted with the 8lock8 file extension and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a “READ_IT.txt” file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| 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 8lock8 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. |
8lock8 Ransomware – How Does It Infect
The 8lock8 ransomware is very specific in its methods of infecting users. It’s primary method may be distribution via malicious email URLs, like the example below:
Such infected email links may redirect to malicious URLs that may inject a script which compromises your PC and may download the payload of 8lock8 onto your computer. Besides that, 8lock8 also has the capability to spread via infected flash drives as well as malicious executables posing as crack fixes in games downloaded from torrents similar to the MM Locker Ransomware, which was spread via game cracks.
8lock8 Ransomware In Detail
8lock8 otherwise known as EightLockEight is believed to have similar coding to another notorious ransomware infection – HiddenTear which is an open source project and has been associated with many other infections, like Sanction ransomware. The one thing that may characterize all ransomware using Hidden Tear is that they may directly attack the drives of infected PCs, changing their settings and encrypting the data in them.
After its payload has been dropped on the infected computer, it may be situated in one of the following locations:
The payload may be set to delete the shadow copies and other backups of Windows, by using vssadmin scripts. This is successfully done with the usage of privilege escalation. The command for deleting Shadow Volume Copies is the following:
→ vssadmin delete shadows /for={Your volume} /all /shadow={ID}] /quiet
Besides that, the ransomware may modify the Registry Editor(Regedit) in Windows so that its encryptor runs on Windows startup. This is possible by entering custom values for its executable in the following key:
→ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
If the encryptor is executed, according to researcher Demonslay335, who has also developed a decryptor for the ransomware, it begins to scan for and encrypt the following file types
→ zip,.bmp, .csv, .doc, .docx,., sql, .txt, .wav, .xls, ..avi, xlsx, .xml, ..ppt, .pptx, .rar, .sln, .htm, .html, .jpg, .mdb, .odt, .pdf, .php, .png, asp, .aspx
After it encrypts files each and every drive that Is active on the compromised computer with a very strong AES-256 encryption cipher, the infection adds its 8lock8 extension to the encrypted files, for example:
→ New Text Document.txt.8lock8
After encryption, the files are unable to be opened and 8lock8 ransomware creates the following ransom note, named “READ_IT.txt” so that the user can see it:
→ “Files have been encrypted!Файлы были зашифрованы
It uses cryptographically strong algorithm!Используется криптостойкий алгоритм
contact by e-mail: d1d81238@tuta.io or d1d81238@india.com
to identify , use lower hash!для идентификации используйте нижний хэш
{Random hash identification}”Source:Demonslay335
Remove 8lock8 Ransomware and Decrypt .8lock8 Files for Free
Since the removal and the decryption of 8lock8 ransomware may be tricky, we have designed a Manual and Automatic removal tutorials to help removing it in a simple and effective manner. We strongly recommend you to follow the instructions below if you want to remove 8lock8. In addition to that, we advise you to remove it using an anti-malware tool for maximum effectiveness.
If you want to decrypt your files for free, it is advisable to carefully follow the instructions for decryption in step “Decrypt Files Encrypted by 8lock8”. You can open them by clicking on it.
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 8lock8 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall 8lock8 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 8lock8 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 8lock8 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 8lock8
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by 8lock8.
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 8lock8 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.
8lock8-FAQ
What is 8lock8 Ransomware?
8lock8 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 8lock8 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 8lock8 Infect?
Via several ways.8lock8 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 8lock8 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 .8lock8 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .8lock8 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 .8lock8 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".8lock8" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .8lock8 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 8lock8 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 8lock8 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .8lock8 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 8lock8 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 8lock8 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this 8lock8 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 8lock8 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.
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