Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by DarkLocker and other threats.
Threats such as DarkLocker may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Article created to help wipe out the DarkLocker ransomware virus, also known as Monument ransomware and assist in restoring files without paying ransom.
Ransomware infection believed to be an evolved modification of the JigSaw ransomware variant, has been detected. Besides showing a lockscreen message, the DarkLocker ransomware also encrypts the files on the computers infected by it. After the files are encrypted, the DarkLocker ransomware demands the payoff of approximately 0,15-0.20 BTC for the restoring of the encrypted files. In case you have become a victim of this cyber-threat, reccomendations are to focus on reading this article thoroughly.
Threat Summary
Name
DarkLocker
Type
Ransomware
Short Description
The malware encrypts users files using a strong encryption algorithm, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available to the cyber-criminals.
Symptoms
The user may witness ransom note and “instructions” linking to a web page and a decryptor..
Distribution Method
Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner.
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by DarkLocker
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.
DarkLocker Ransomware – How Does It Spread
For this ransomware infection to actually reach computers of unsuspecting users, the creators of the virus have also engineered a plan to spread it. One scenario of spreading the ransomware is by conducting a massive spam campaign of e-mail messages sent to many users on a global scale. To do this, the cyber-criminals may have a pre-configured e-mail list of legitimate e-mail addresses. To obtain such lists, they may purchase it on the black market by someone who collects personal information by stealing it or breaking privacy policy of shady websites.
Then, these e-mails may be embedded in a spam bot which in it’s turn sends spam messages with malicious e-mail attachments, like the example below:
Once the attachment is opened, infection by DarkLocker is inevitable.
But this may not be the only way of infecting with this virus. The DarkLocker malware may spread via fake updates, programs, patches and other “software” uploaded online as well.
DarkLocker Ransomware – Activity
Once the user becomes infected, the virus may situate it’s malicious files on the following Windows folders of great importance:
%AppData%
%Roaming%
%Local%
%LocalRow%
%SystemDrive%
%Startup%
%Windows%
Among the malicious files may be different types of exectuables as well as support modules, but the main two identified are named as the following:
can.exe
Winlk.exe
After this infection drops it’s files, it may initiate modifications by adding value strings with data in the Windows Registry Editor. The predominantly targeted Windows Registry keys are the following:
In addition to this, the DarkLocker ransomware may also delete backups, system restore points and shadow volume copies of Windows. It may also shut down critical system security processes to ensure uninterrupted file encryption
DarkLocker Ransomware – Encryption Process
For the file encryption of this virus, one or more than one encryption modes can be used to render the files no longer openable. This is achievable by combining the encryption mode with the cipher. The DarkLocker virus may be pre-configured to encrypt only a portion of the files, hence the larger the file, the more size will be encrypted. This is done to ensure a faster encryption process. For the infection, DarkLocker may target certain files of bigger importance than the average file types. Such files may be:
Documents.
Images.
Audio files.
Videos.
Database files.
Other files associated with often used software.
In addition to performing this, the DarkLocker virus may also be careful to avoid encrypting files in different system folders, that may cause Windows to misbehave and even crash.
After the encryption process is compete. The ransomware has been reported by researcher Amigo A to display the following ransom note type of file, extorting victims to pay ransom:
Remove DarkLocker Ransomware and Restore Files Encrypted by It
Before beginning to remove this virus, recommendations are to focus on saving the files encrypted by it on another drive, preferably external.
Then, we advise you to follow the following removal instructions to help you remove DarkLocker by isolating it first. In case you feel unsure that you will remove all objects created by this virus manually, recommendations are to focus on performing the removal process automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program. It will detect and remove DarkLocker files automatically and protect the system against any future intrusions too.
After having removed DarkLocker virus, reccomendations are to focus on restoring your files using some alternative methods. We have mentioned several of those in step “2. Restore files encrypted by DarkLocker” below. They are designed to enable you to restore at least some of the files, until a decryptor is released for free download. In the meantime you can check this article, as we will update it if there is any development with this virus.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by DarkLocker and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as DarkLocker. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove DarkLocker follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove DarkLocker files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by DarkLocker on your PC
Find files created by DarkLocker
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove DarkLocker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for DarkLocker and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove DarkLocker. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by DarkLocker
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by DarkLocker
Ransomware infections and DarkLocker aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Article created to help wipe out the DarkLocker ransomware virus, also known as Monument ransomware and assist in restoring files without paying ransom.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for DarkLocker and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
