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 .lockedfile PyLocky virus and other threats.
Threats such as .lockedfile PyLocky virus 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.
This article has been created with the main purpose to explain what exactly is the .lockedfile extension ransomware, called PyLocky and how to remove it from your computer plus how you can try and restore files, encrypted by this virus.
A new ransomware variant, using the .lockedfile has been detected to still be active by researchers. The ransomware is an evolved variant of a previously detected PyLocky virus. The main purpose of the infection is to make it so that the files on your computer can not be opened at all by encrypting them. Furthermore, in addition to this, the PyLocky ransomware also adds a ransom note file which aims to get users to pay ransom in BitCoin in order to get their files to work again. If your computer has been infected by the PyLocky ransomware, we recommend that you read this article as it aims to help you to remove this ransomware infection from your computer and hopefully restore files, encrypted by it without having to pay ransom.
Threat Summary
Name
.lockedfile PyLocky virus
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
Files are encrypted and the virus leaves a ransom note extorting victims to pay ransom in order to get their files to work once again.
Symptoms
The files on your computer have the .lockedfile extension added to them and cannot be opened.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by .lockedfile PyLocky virus
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.
PyLocky .lockedfile Ransomware – Distribution
The main method by which this ransomware virus may land on your Windows machine is by using a malicious file that is executed either automatically or by you if you are deceived into doing so. Such files often carry exploits so that the infection on your computer remains no longer openable. These files can be seen in the form of e-mail attachments in e-mails, like the example below:
In addition to via e-mail, the file may also pretend to be an important document of some sort, such as:
Setups of programs.
Portable software.
Cracks for games or software.
Patches.
License activators.
Key generators.
PyLocky Ransomware – Analysis
Once an infection with PyLocky commences, the ransomware virus may immediatey drop it’s payload on the victim’s computer. The payload of this virus may be located in the following Windows directories:
%AppData%
%Temp%
%LocalLow%
%Local%
%Roaming%
Texttt
Texttt
Once the files are In place, the .lockedfile variant of PyLocky may then modify the Windows Registry Editor of the infected machine so that it immediately starts when you log in Windows. To do this, the virus may add registry values in the following Windows sub-keys:
In addition to this, the PyLocky ransomware also drops it’s ransom note file, reported to have the following message in several different languages:
Furthermore, the .lockedfile variant of PyLocky may also take actions towards deleting backups and shadow volume copies of the infected computer by running the following commands as an administrator:
According to researchers, the .lockedfile files are encrypted with the AES encryption algorithm which generates an asymmetric decryption key that may be RSA encrypted itself. To do the encryption, PyLocky may first copy your files then delete their original variants and shortly after this encrypt the copies. If your computer has been infected by PyLocky ransomware, the following file types are at stake:
These file types are basically often used files on your computer, like documents, videos, images, audio files, archives and many other. The ransowmare skips encrypting files in the system folders of Windows, because you would still need to use your computer in order to pay the ransom.
After the encryption is complete, the files, encoded by this virus look like the following:
.lockedfile Files Virus (PyLocky) – Decryptor Released
There is a decrypter tool released for the Pylocky ransomware. The tool was initially released for the Windows variants versions of the cryptovirus. You can download the tool via the Decryption Tool link here. The tool requires the PCAP file of the outbound connection attempt to the C&C servers.
.lockedfile Files Virus (PyLocky) – Decryptor Released
There is a decrypter tool released for the Pylocky ransomware. The tool was initially released for the Windows variants versions of the cryptovirus. You can download the tool via the Decryption Tool link here. The tool requires the PCAP file of the outbound connection attempt to the C&C servers.
Remove PyLocky Ransomware and Restore .lockedfile Files
If you want to remove this variant of PyLocky ransomware virus, we strongly suggest that you follow the removal instructions underneath this article as they have been divided in manual and automatic removal steps. If manual steps do not work or you feel unsure in doing them, be advised that most experts would recommend using an advanced anti-malware software to automatically scan for and remove PyLocky .lockedfile ransomware from your PC.
If you wish to restore files, encrypted by PyLocky ransomware, it is strongly reccomended that you try out the alternative methods in step “2. Restore files, encrypted by .lockedfile PyLocky virus”. They may not be a 100% solution, but with their aid you may be able to recover some or most of your files.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by .lockedfile PyLocky virus 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 .lockedfile PyLocky virus. 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 .lockedfile PyLocky virus follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .lockedfile PyLocky virus 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 .lockedfile PyLocky virus on your PC
Find files created by .lockedfile PyLocky virus
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.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
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 .lockedfile PyLocky virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for .lockedfile PyLocky virus and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove .lockedfile PyLocky virus. 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 .lockedfile PyLocky virus
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .lockedfile PyLocky virus
Ransomware infections and .lockedfile PyLocky virus 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.
This article has been created with the main purpose to explain what exactly is the .lockedfile extension ransomware, called PyLocky and how to remove it from your computer plus how you can try and restore files, encrypted by this virus.
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 .lockedfile PyLocky virus and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
