What Is AXLocker Ransomware?
AXLocker is a new ransomware family that was recently detected in the wild. The ransomware not only encrypts victims’ data but also steals their Discord tokens and sends them to the hackers’ server. AXLocker is capable of encrypting several file types. Once the encryption process is complete, a ransom note is displayed on the victim’s system with information to (supposedly) get the decryption key needed for file recovery. What is specific about this ransomware is that it doesn’t use a file extension to add to encrypted data.
Why are cybercriminals targeting Discord accounts? The reason is simple – Discord is a communication platform preferred by the NFT and cryptocurrency community. Stealing Discord tokens could enable cybercriminals to perform a variety of other scams, including stealing crypto funds.
AXLocker Ransomware Summary
| Name | AXLocker ransomware |
| File Extensions | The ransomware doesn’t append a file extension to encrypted files. |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all files located on infected systems. A specially crafted message gives the victim instructions on what to do to supposedly get their files back. The ransomware also steals Discord tokens. |
| Symptoms | Your files are encrypted and can’t be accessed. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | info.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Freeware Installers |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
AXLocker Ransomware – How Did It Infect My PC?
How does ransomware spread across computers? Why are ransomware operations so successful?
The most widespread techniques of distributing ransomware such as AXLocker are pirated software and malicious email attachments. We can describe two of the most popular infection cases for you:
- You may have downloaded a form of suspicious software from an untrustworthy torrent or freeware platform. Users like you are often led to believe that downloading apps from such places is safe. In truth, most torrent websites contain unverified downloads that directly put you at risk of Trojans and ransomware. If you have downloaded a trojanized application, it may have opened the door to more severe infections, such as the .bDAT virus. We highly advise you to keep great online and computer hygiene. You should always keep an eye on pending software and operating system patches. This way, you will update them as soon as a critical or important patch arrives.
- You may have opened a malicious email attachment sent to you by a seemingly trustworthy sender, such as a company, or a company representative. Keep in mind that malspam operators use misleading tricks to make you open their emails. The attached file may look like a regular document, but in truth, it contains malicious code that could compromise your system severely. We advise you to disable macros in Microsoft Office applications. You can go to Microsoft’s support page on macros for more details. Note that if you are an enterprise user, the system administrator is in charge of the macro default settings.
- Long story short, opening an unexpected email attachment hides many risks and shouldn’t be done without additional verification. If you can’t define whether the attached archive is malicious or not, you can always refer to us for help!
AXLocker Ransomware – Technical Overview
Once executed, AXLocker ransomware is designed to hide itself by modifying the file attributes and calling the startencryption() function to initiate encryption. It is noteworthy that this function searches for specific file extensions to encrypt, and excludes a list of directories from the encryption process, as per Cyble researchers’ technical analysis. The ransomware operators are using the AES encryption algorithm to encrypt victims’ files. No file extension is added to the encrypted files. Once all files are encrypted, the ransomware collects and sends sensitive details from the compromised system, including:
- Computer name;
- Username;
- IP address;
- System UUID;
- Discord tokens.
To harvest Discord tokens, AXLocker specifically targets these directories on infected computers:
Discord\Local Storage\leveldb
discordcanary\Local Storage\leveldb
discordptb\leveldb
Opera Software\Opera Stable\Local Storage\leveldb
Google\Chrome\User Data\\Default\Local Storage\leveldb
BraveSoftware\Brave-Browser\User Data\Default\Local Storage\leveldb
Yandex\YandexBrowser\User Data\Default\Local Storage\leveldb
The final stage of the infection process is showing the following ransom note to the victim:
Should You Pay the Demanded Ransom?
We believe that contacting cybercriminals is not a good idea. There is no guarantee you will get your files back, if you follow their requests and demands. Instead, we advise you to remove the virus from your system to prevent it from spreading further, and wait for an official decryption tool. In the meantime, you can try to restore your files via using an alternative method. More about this is available in the instructions below.
Remove AXLocker Ransomware
You can remove the AXLocker Ransomware by following the removal instructions below. We created these steps to navigate you through the removal process.
NOTE! If the manual removal steps don’t work for some reason, we would advise you to do what most cybersecurity experts would do – run a scan with an advanced anti-malware tool on your PC. Such a program aims to automatically detect and delete all malicious files and objects and protect your machine against future infections.
In terms of encryption of files locked by this new ransomware, you can refer to the “Try to restore” step. Please note that the alternative solutions we have given may not recover all affected files, but you may be able to restore some of your data partially.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
Follow Me:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for AXLocker Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall AXLocker Ransomware 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 AXLocker Ransomware 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 AXLocker Ransomware 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 AXLocker Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by AXLocker Ransomware.
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 AXLocker Ransomware 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.
AXLocker Ransomware-FAQ
What is AXLocker Ransomware Ransomware?
AXLocker Ransomware 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 AXLocker Ransomware 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 AXLocker Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.AXLocker Ransomware 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 AXLocker Ransomware 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 .AXLocker Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .AXLocker Ransomware 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 .AXLocker Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".AXLocker Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .AXLocker Ransomware 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 AXLocker Ransomware 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 AXLocker Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .AXLocker Ransomware 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 AXLocker Ransomware 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 AXLocker Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this AXLocker Ransomware 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 AXLocker Ransomware 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.