What Is CrossLock Ransomware?
CrossLock is a new ransomware currently detected in the wild. The ransomware attacks a computer system by locking its files, and appending the .crlk extension to them. As a result, the files become inoperable. As seen in most ransomware cases, the cybercriminals behind the CrossLock encrypting virus demand a ransom payment in exchange for decryption. However, as you are dealing with cybercriminals, there is no guarantee that your files will actually be decrypted.
What Is Ransomware?
Malicious software known as ‘ransomware’ is a threat to confidential data and computer systems; it works by encrypting the information until a payment is made to the perpetrator. In most instances, there is a limited amount of time to make the payment, and if the demand is not met, the data will be lost forever or the ransom will increase.
CrossLock Virus – Details
| Name | CrossLock Virus |
| File Extension | .crlk |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The File Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .crlk extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | –CrossLock_readme_To_Decrypt—.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your Mac Has Been Affected by CrossLock
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CrossLock File Virus – How Did It Infect My PC?
Ransomware, including the CrossLock Virus File, is a unique type of malicious code that can spread through payload droppers on social media, file-sharing services, and free software on the web. It encrypts your files and presents you with a ransom note requiring payment in order to restore your documents. It may also modify the Windows Registry and launch or stop processes, making it more challenging to take out of the system. Upon encryption, all of your documents will be given the .crlk extension, including audio, video, image files, documents, backups, and banking information.
Also note that the ransomware could be set to erase all the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system with the help of the command:
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
If your computer device is infected by this ransomware, continue reading for removal instructions.
CrossLock Ransom Note
The ransomware drops the following ransom note once the successful encryption process is complete:
!!!!!!!!ATTENTION!!!!!!!!
DON’T RENAME, OR TRY TO DECRYPT THE FILES USING A FREE PUBLIC SOFTWARE BECAUSE YOU WILL LOSE ALL YOU FILES AND DATA
–
Valid certificadora,
You entire network has been compromised and completely encrypted and your sensitive data (docs,dbs, customers’ info..etc) has been downloaded to our servers.
To restore your encrypted data and prevent your sensitive data from being leaked you must buy the decryption app.
Your data will be leaked on:
Website: 0
to visit the website you should use tor browser.
Contact us to get the decryption application:
tox: 8F0E308CB4D9F1F3F80EC93A4C566B8CF CCAB0967F0637C00ED3079C37235652A64B21A7070E
You’ll need to download tox client app then add our tox id.
NOTE: Since tox is peer to peer you’ll need to stay online to send the message to us.
CrossLock
What Are .crlk Files
The .crlk files have been compromised by ransomware and are no longer accessible until the encryption is successfully decrypted. In order to regain access to the files, either the ransom must be paid or a reliable data recovery tool should be used.
This file virus targets certain file types and implements the AES encryption algorithm for encryption.
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Others.
How to Open .crlk Files
If your system has been infected with the CrossLock virus ransomware, the most important thing to do is to eradicate the malicious virus and restore your files from a backup, since it is not possible to access the encrypted files without paying the ransom demanded by the cybercriminals. If the files have been encrypted by .WiKoN ransomware, the same action should be taken as a priority.
What To Do If My Files Are Locked with the .crlk Extension?
The only technique of retrieving files encrypted by CrossLock virus ransomware is to restore them from a backup or by reversing the cipher. If no backup is accessible, data recovery software could be employed in an attempt to get back the files, as detailed in the guide below. Nevertheless, there is no assurance that these strategies will be effective.
How To Protect Windows from Ransomware in the Future?
In order to protect your Windows system from any ransomware, make sure to continually install the latest security patches and updates, safely store your files, be cautious when surfing the web, and be mindful of the files you download.
Remove CrossLock Virus File
If your computer has been infected with the .crlk Virus File, we urge you to take swift action in removing the malware. Having some prior experience in malware removal is recommended, but not necessary. To prevent the ransomware from spreading, it is important to eliminate it as soon as possible. To do so, please follow the instructions listed below.
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Step 1: Scan for CrossLock with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall CrossLock 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 CrossLock 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 CrossLock 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 CrossLock
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by CrossLock.
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 CrossLock 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.
CrossLock-FAQ
What is CrossLock Ransomware?
CrossLock 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 CrossLock 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 CrossLock Infect?
Via several ways.CrossLock 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 CrossLock 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 .CrossLock files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .CrossLock 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 .CrossLock files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".CrossLock" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .CrossLock 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 CrossLock 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 CrossLock ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .CrossLock 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 CrossLock 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 CrossLock Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this CrossLock 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 CrossLock 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.