Alma Locker virus is a recent ransomware discovered by a malware researcher from Proofpoint security. The researcher has found that the virus spreads via the RIG Exploit Kit. The ransomware encrypts nearly 90 file types. Victims have five days to pay the ransom or otherwise the price will increase. The ransom that the crypto-virus asks is 1 BitCoin, which currently is in the vicinity of 580 US dollars.
Read this article carefully to see how to remove the virus and try to decrypt your files.
Threat Summary
Name | Alma Locker |
Type | Ransomware |
Short Description | The ransomware will encrypt your files and display a ransom note. You are given five days to pay, and after that period the ransom price will increase. |
Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt files, and put an extension to them. The extension consists of five random symbols. |
Distribution Method | Executables, Spam Emails, File Sharing Networks |
Detection Tool |
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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. |
Alma Locker Virus – Infection Spread
Alma Locker ransomware virus is spread through the RIG Exploit Kit, according to the Proofpoint security researcher Darien Huss.
However, that does not exclude the possibility of the ransomware to spread using other methods. It might spread an executable file, placing it inside spam emails as an attachment. Upon opening attachments from such suspicious emails or another place with an unknown origin, your computer can get infected. Social media networks and file-sharing services might also contain such a file somewhere inside them if cybercriminals put them there. Thus, you should always be on a high alert and careful with your clicks, downloads and when you open files. We also could see another Exploit Kit serving the payload file of the ransomware.
Alma Locker Virus – Technical Overview
Alma Locker is a ransomware virus. Darien Huss, a malware researcher, working at Proofpoint security, had discovered it in the wild just one day ago. He also found that Alma Locker ransomware has an active Command & Control server on the TOR network. Note that the ransomware will send the following information to its C&C server:
- AES-128 private decryption key
- file extension put to encrypted files
- user name
- the name of the active network interface
- the system Locale ID (LCID)
- the version of your Operating System (OS)
- the name of your security software
Afterward, Alma Locker ransomware will encrypt files and place a picture as a lock-screen, which is the ransom note. You can see image of it here:
If you follow any of the consecutive links, you will see this page in your browser:
From there you can log in with your unique ID and download the Alma Locker decrypter program. Unfortunately, their site gives an error if you try decrypting some files for free, so you are left with the following decrypter:
There is a period of 120 hours or in other words, five full days, for you to pay the price which is asked. If the condition is not met, the initial price will be increased. The ransom price asked, in the beginning, is 1 Bitcoin and is equal to 580 US dollars. It is not advised to pay these cyber criminals – if you pay them, there is no guarantee that you will unlock your files, and you will only aid them in their criminal activity.
Alma Locker ransomware will search for files to encrypt, which have nearly 90 different file extensions. You could see the full list here:
→.1cd, .3ds, .3gp, .accdb, .ape, .asp, .aspx, .bc6, .bc7, .bmp, .cdr, .cer, .cfg, .cfgx, .cpp, .cr2, .crt, .crw, .csr, .csv, .dbf, .dbx, .dcr, .dfx, .dib, .djvu, .doc, .docm, .docx, .dwg, .dwt, .dxf, .dxg, .eps, .htm, .html, .ibank, .indd, .jfif, .jpe, .jpeg, .jpg, .kdc, .kwm, .max, .mdb, .mdf, .odb, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt, .orf, .p12, .p7b, .p7c, .pdf, .pef, .pem, .pfx, .php, .png, .pps, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .psd, .pst, .pub, .pwm, .qbb, .qbw, .raw, .rtf, .sln, .sql, .sqlite, .svg, .tif, .tiff, .txt, .vcf, .wallet, .wpd, .xls, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xml
Source: Bleeping Computer
All files will get locked with a 128-bit AES encryption algorithm. Also, files and their extension will not be changed, but rather a second extension will be added to them, which has five random characters. As for the victim ID – it is created from the serial number of the C:\ drive and the MAC address of the first network interface.
You can see that the ransomware uses an executable file named syncli.exe and it is already being detected from a number of security programs based on an analysis from the VirusTotal platform:
It is still not known whether the Alma Locker ransomware virus erases the Shadow Volume Copies of the Windows operating system, but that has a fairly high probability.
Remove Alma Locker Virus and Restore Your Files
If your computer got compromised and is infected with the Alma Locker ransomware virus, you should have some experience with removing viruses before tampering with it. You should get rid of the ransomware fast before it can spread further on the network and encrypt more files. The recommended action for you is to remove the ransomware completely by following the step-by-step instructions written below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Alma Locker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Alma Locker 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 Alma Locker 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 Alma Locker 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 Alma Locker
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Alma Locker.
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 Alma Locker 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.
Alma Locker-FAQ
What is Alma Locker Ransomware?
Alma Locker 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 Alma Locker 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 Alma Locker Infect?
Via several ways.Alma Locker 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 Alma Locker 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 .Alma Locker files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Alma Locker 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 .Alma Locker files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Alma Locker" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Alma Locker 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 Alma Locker 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 Alma Locker ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Alma Locker 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 Alma Locker 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 Alma Locker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Alma Locker 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 Alma Locker 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.
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