This article aims to help you remove $ucyLocker ransomware and them try to recover the files encrypted with .WINDOWS file extension.
A ransomware virus, using a lockscreen message and the .WINDOWS file extension which it adds to the files it encrypts, called $ucyLocker has been detected at the beginning of June 2017. The virus has been reported to demand a ransom payoff in BTC in order to get back your files. It also drops a READ_IT.txt ransom note file in which there are requests to read the lockscreen program’s instructions on how to pay. If your computer has been infected by $ucyLocker, we advise you to read this article carefully.
Threat Summary
Name | $ucyLocker |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | Encrypts the files on the computers it infects in order to get victims to pay a ransom in BTC to get them back. |
Symptoms | Files cannot be opened and are appended the .WINDOWS file extension after their original one. The virus also adds a READ_IT.txt ransom note. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss $ucyLocker. |
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. |
.WINDOWS File Virus – How Does It Infect
The infection process of this ransomware virus is conducted primarily via malicious e-mail spam messages. These are usually sent with the pretext that they are legitimate notifications, usually for invoices, purchase requests, receipts and other types of important documents. The e-mails usually carry either a web link that leads to the infection one way or another or a malicious file extension. If the file extension uploaded is malicious it may be either an executable file, pretending to be document or a Microsoft Office file with malicious macros. The files are often in an archive. The e-mails may appear like the image below displays:
Other methods by which your computer can become infected with the $ucyLocker ransomware virus include uploading the file online. It may exist in torrent websites or other suspicious software sites as a fake setup of a program, crack, patch or other executable file.
$ucyLocker Virus – Analysis
Whether via a file or a malicious URL script, once you are infected with $ucyLocker, the processes that happen on your computer are almost simultaneous and it is very difficult to detect it or stop the infection process.
The initial activity of the virus is to drop it’s malicious payload files on your computer, each of which may be responsible for different types of activities. These files are the following:
- $ucyLocker.exe
- VapeHacksLoader.exe
- {random 0-9 A-Z name}.exe
These files may be responsible for a variety of malicious activities on the victim’s computer. These activities include:
- Erasing backups, system restore points and shadow copies from your computer, so you cannot get the files back via Windows.
- Interfering with the Windows Registry Editor by adding registry entries which allow the virus to be automatically executed on system boot.
In addition to this activity, the $ucyLocker ransomware virus also drops it’s “read me” file, called READ_IT.txt. It has the following message to the victim:
Your files have been encrypted.
Read the Program for more information.
And the program is not very friendly in it’s messages as well. It features a threatening ransom note with instructions that the victim has to pay various amounts of BitCoin, usually around 0.2 to a BTC address, which the virus provides:
$ucyLocker – The Encryption Process
For the encryption process to succeed, $ucyLocker ransomware targets only specific files that are important for the victim, such as:
- Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint documents.
- PDF Files.
- Audio files.
- Video files.
- Archives.
- Database file types.
- Photos.
- System image files.
When these files are detected $ucyLocker applies an encryption algorithm which makes the files no longer readable by your operating system. The virus finally appends the .WINDOWS file extension to the encrypted files:
Remove $ucyLocker and Try to Recover Your Files
For the removal of $ucyLocker ransomware it is strongly advisable that you focus on backing up the .WINDOWS encrypted files, just in case.
Then you should proceed with removing $ucyLocker, preferably by following the removal instructions below. They are specifically created to help you delete the malicious files of this virus either Manually or Automatically. In addition to this, the ransomware virus should be removed via an advanced anti-malware software, if you lack the experience to do it manually, experts recommend.
Furthermore, if you are looking for methods to recover your data, we advise you to try the alternative tools for file recovery we have suggested in step “2. Restore Files Encrypted by $ucyLocker” below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for $ucyLocker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall $ucyLocker 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by $ucyLocker 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 $ucyLocker there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 $ucyLocker
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by $ucyLocker.
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 $ucyLocker 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.
$ucyLocker-FAQ
What is $ucyLocker Ransomware?
$ucyLocker 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 $ucyLocker 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 $ucyLocker Infect?
Via several ways.$ucyLocker 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 $ucyLocker is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .$ucyLocker files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .$ucyLocker files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .$ucyLocker files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".$ucyLocker" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .$ucyLocker 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 $ucyLocker 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 $ucyLocker ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .$ucyLocker 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 $ucyLocker 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 $ucyLocker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this $ucyLocker 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 $ucyLocker 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.