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 [email protected] and other threats.
Threats such as [email protected] 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.
A ransomware virus belonging to the @india.com ransomware variants has been reported to encrypt user files using a strong encryption algorithm. After encryption, the Masterlock virus leaves a .crypt file extension along with a unique identification number. All users infected by this ransomware should not pay the 3 BTC ransom price asked by the cyber criminals and read this article to learn how to remove the Masterlock virus and restore your encrypted files.
The ransomware encrypts files with the AES algorithm and asks a ransom of 3 BTC for decryption.
Symptoms
Files are encrypted with a .crypt file extension added to them and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a wallpaper file.
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.
To be replicated and infect the maximum amount of users this ransomware may use the same method used by it to communicate with it’s victims – e-mail. The virus may replicate via numerous fake e-mail messages aiming primarily to resemble legitimate services such as PayPal or others. To those e-mails may be attached the malicious payload carrying a file of Masterlock ransomware that may be other malware, an exploit kit or a javascript. In addition to that, Masterlock may also spread via several other methods such as malicious URLs posted online on social media or other websites, or even opened automatically on your browser as a result of having an ad-supported (PUP) application on your computer.
When it is installed on your computer, the Masterlock ransomware may create one or more files in the typical important Windows directories:
%SystemDrive%
%AppData%
%Temp%
%Startup%
%Roaming%
%Local%
After creating it’s malicious payload, the virus may set the file(s) to run automatically on system startup by modifying the Run registry keys for Windows machines:
Not only this, but the Masterlock ransomware may also change the wallpaper prompting users to contact it’s distinctive e-mail [email protected] When a user contacted the cyber-criminals, the response from them was the following:
→ “Hello, dear friend! We are writing to inform you that our team of network security specialists has analyzed your system and has identified vulnerabilities in the protection. We kindly draw your attention that defensive operation on your computer is not running properly, and now the whole database is at risk. All your files are encrypted and can not be accepted back without our professional help. Obviously, vulnerability analysis, troubleshooting, decoding the information and then ensuring safety are not a simple matter. And so our high-grade and quick service is not free. Please note that today the price of your files recovery is 3 Bitcoins, but next day it will cost 5 Bitcoins. You should buy bitcoins here https://localbitcoins.com/faq Read the paragraphs: 1. How to buy Bitcoins? 2. How do I send Bitcoins and how can I pay with Bitcoins after buying them? The Bitcoin wallet for payment is 12yDGpp82ejLqT6GbE4qAPtCYAKRpksbWd After the transfer of bitcoins, please send an email with a screenshot of the payment page. We do not advise you to lose time because the price will increase with each passing day. As proof of our desire and readiness to help you, we can decipher a few of your files for the test. To check this you can upload any one encrypted file on web site dropmefiles.com, size no more than 10 MB (only one text file or a photo) and send us a download link. Certainly, after payment we guarantee prompt solution of the problem, decrypt the database to return to its former condition and consultation how to secure the rules of the system safety. Kind regards, Master Lock.”
After the files of the user have been locked, the virus also appends it’s own file name to them, that includes the .crypt file extension, for example:
To fully erase the Masterlock virus from your computer, it is strongly advisable to guide yourself by following the removal instructions after this article. In case you are not sure that you can remove the virus manually, malware researchers and reverse engineers always advise using an advanced anti-malware software that will perform this activity swiftly and automatically.
To restore files that have been encrypted by Masterlock ransomware, users have reported that Rannoh Decryptor by Kaspersky was able to restore some of their files. We advise downloading it from step “3.Restore files encrypted by [email protected]” below and attempting to decrypt your files only after removing the virus. In case this Kaspersky decrypter does not work for you, it is strongly advisable to attempt using the other file restoration alternatives in the step.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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.
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove [email protected] 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.
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 [email protected] with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for [email protected] and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove [email protected] 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.
Ransomware infections and [email protected] 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.
A ransomware virus belonging to the @india.com ransomware variants has been reported to encrypt user files using a strong encryption algorithm. After encryption, the Masterlock virus leaves a .crypt file extension along with a unique identification number. All users infected by this ransomware should not pay the 3 BTC ransom price asked by the cyber criminals and read this article to learn how to remove the Masterlock virus and restore your encrypted files.
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 
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
