What is Corona-lock virus? Corona-lock Virus infection is Corona-lock ransomware which encrypts documents and also seeks a ransom for their alleged decryption.
Corona-lock Virus – What Is It
A new Corona-lock Virus ransomware called the .Corona-lock Virus infection has been found in an ongoing wave of Windows infections.
This suggests that target data will certainly be encrypted by it, the kinds of data will depend on an integrated list of extensions (pictures, videos, audio files, etc). In the end the virus will certainly make sure that the files are locked. The ransomware comes with a ransomware note which will blackmail them to pay a ransom fee.
It is also noteworthy that this Corona-lock virus might likewise be configured to execute other malware payloads.
Corona-lock Virus Summary
| Name | Corona-lock Virus |
| File Extension | .corona-lock |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Ransom Demanding Note | README_LOCK.txt |
| Short Description | Aims to render the files on the compromised computers by it to no longer be able to be opened In order to extort victims into paying ransom to get their files back. |
| Symptoms | Files cannot be opened and have the .Corona-lock Virus file extension. The ransomware drops a _readme.txt ransom note, containing the extortionists’ message. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| 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. |
Corona-lock Virus – Description
Corona-lock Virus infection infections can be easily slithered via one of the most popular distribution infections. Usual ones include the sending out of phishing messages that can take the form of e-mail alerts or internet site. They might be hosted on domain names that appear to reflect the names of the impersonated businesses as well as solutions, companies and other big and seemingly reputable organizations.
The ransom note of Corona-lock-virus-appears like the following:
Image Source: @nao_sec Twitter
Its name is README_LOCK.txt and victims report getting this virus known as a new version of BigLock ransomware and a variant of STOP Ransomware as well.
The ransomware code can additionally be incorporated in payload service providers that will certainly cause the virus implementation when they are run. Popular options are macro-infected documents and application bundle installers. The text message on the note is the following:
#############################################################
################# YOUR FILES WERE ENCRYPTED #################
############ AND MARKED BY EXTENSION .corona-lock ########### 4
#############################################################
DON’T WORRY! YOUR FILES ARE SAFE! ONLY MODIFIED :: ChaCha + AES WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND you NOT to use any Decryption Tools.
These tools can damage your data, making recover IMPOSSIBLE. Also we recommend you not to contact data recovery companies.
They will just contact us, buy the key and sell it to you at a higher price. If you want to decrypt your files, you have to get RSA private key.To get RSA private key you have to contact us via email to: » support@covidworldcry.com « and send us your id: » 2374052812 «
HOW to understand that we are NOT scammers? You can ask SUPPORT for the TEST-decryption for ONE file!
#############################################################
################## LIST OF ENCRYPTED FILES ##################
The files that are encypted by the Corona-Lock ransomware infection are appended the .corona-lock file extension and they cannot be opened. They appear like the following:
Infected files as well as standalone infection files of this ransomware can be published to popular online domains and portals which can range from social networks to discussion forums and also chat rooms. The documents can alternatively be submitted to file-sharing networks (like BitTorrent) and various other areas where customers can anticipate to find pirate or genuine files.
Once the ransomware infection is mounted on a provided computer system it will release its documents control operations unless another sequence is programmed first. This will practically depend on the instructions that have actually been established by the cyberpunks and the neighborhood device problems.
It may consist of components such as the following:
- System Changes— This can consist of the control of existing system documents, in addition to the Windows Computer registry. This might result in the insertion of Corona-lock Virus virus relevant code in them or the elimination of vital criteria. This will certainly result in efficiency problems, the lack of ability to run certain applications and also unexpected errors. When crucial system files are affected this can result in data loss.
- Safety Applications Bypass— The Corona-lock Virus infection can manipulate the system and consequently disable the set up security applications. This can act versus engines of anti-virus programs, firewall programs, digital maker hosts and also sandbox environments.
- Added Malware Distribution— They ransomware infections can likewise mount other malware: Trojans as well as web browser hijackers are among one of the most prominent ones.
The encryption component will certainly be run when all prior actions have completed running. A cipher will encode target documents, in most cases this will certainly target information that is consisted of in an integrated listing: archives, multimedia files, backups, papers and others. All of these files will be renamed with an expansion called .Corona-lock. The user will certainly be blackmailed via a ransom note data called README_LOCK.txt.
Remove Corona-lock Virus from Your Computer
If your computer obtained infection with the Corona-lock Virus, you need to have a little experience in removing malware. You must eliminate this ransomware as quick as possible prior to it can have the opportunity to spread further as well as infect other computer systems. You ought to eliminate the ransomware by following the step-by-step guidelines lead supplied below. For maximum effectiveness during removal we reccomend to use the aid of an advanced malware-removal software.
Video removal guide for Corona-lock ransomware:
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 Corona-lock Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Corona-lock Virus 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 Corona-lock Virus 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 Corona-lock Virus 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 Corona-lock Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Corona-lock Virus.
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 Corona-lock Virus 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.
Corona-lock Virus-FAQ
What is Corona-lock Virus Ransomware?
Corona-lock Virus 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 Corona-lock Virus 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 Corona-lock Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Corona-lock Virus 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 Corona-lock Virus 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 .Corona-lock Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Corona-lock Virus 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 .Corona-lock Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Corona-lock Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Corona-lock Virus 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 Corona-lock Virus 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 Corona-lock Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Corona-lock Virus 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 Corona-lock Virus 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 Corona-lock Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Corona-lock Virus 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 Corona-lock Virus 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.
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