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.
Threat Summary
| Name | masterlock@india.com |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | 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. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Masterlock Ransomware. |
| Data Recovery Tool | 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. |
Masterlock@india.com Virus – How Does It Spread
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.
Masterlock@india.com Virus – More Information
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:
→ 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
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ RunServices
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce\Setup
In those keys, a string value may be used that leads to the location of the files, for example:
→ HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run “{filename}= {location of the file/filename.exe(bat, dll, tmp, etc)}
After the malicious file which encrypts modules is ran, the Masterlock virus may begin to encipher files of the following file types:
→“PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX .INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”Source:fileinfo.com
Not only this, but the Masterlock ransomware may also change the wallpaper prompting users to contact it’s distinctive e-mail Masterlock@india.com. 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:
Remove Masterlock@india.com Ransomware and Restore .crypt Files
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 Masterlock@india.com” 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.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove masterlock@india.com from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of masterlock@india.com from Mac OS X.
How to Remove masterlock@india.com from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove masterlock@india.com
Step 2: Uninstall masterlock@india.com and related software 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 uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by masterlock@india.com 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 masterlock@india.com 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: Scan for masterlock@india.com with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by masterlock@india.com.
Ransomware infections and masterlock@india.com 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of masterlock@india.com from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall masterlock@india.com and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove masterlock@india.com via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by masterlock@india.com.
Ransomware infections and masterlock@india.com 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
masterlock@india.com FAQ
What is masterlock@india.com ransomware and how does it work?
masterlock@india.com 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 algorithm how 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.
How does masterlock@india.com ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.masterlock@india.com Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of masterlock@india.com 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 .masterlock@india.com files?
You can't. At this point the .masterlock@india.com files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .masterlock@india.com files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by masterlock@india.com ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".masterlock@india.com" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .masterlock@india.com files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of masterlock@india.com ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate masterlock@india.com ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .masterlock@india.com files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like masterlock@india.com ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
