A ransomware crypto-virus that goes by the name of MotoxLocker was discovered by researchers from the MalwareHunterTeam. They claim that the virus is a new variant of the DetoxCrypto ransomware and that it uses the AES algorithm for encryption. Locked files do not get a new extension, and the ransom note is written in Croatian. To see how to remove this ransomware and how you can try to decrypt your files, read the article to the end.
Threat Summary
| Name | MotoxLocker |
| Type | Ransomware, Crypto-Virus |
| Short Description | The ransomware will encrypt your files with AES encryption, without adding new extensions to them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will display a ransom note in Croatian and ask around 50 euros for decryption. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss MotoxLocker. |
| 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. |
MotoxLocker Virus – Infection
MotoxLocker ransomware probably uses similar ways of spreading itself like its past variants, such as the DetoxCrypto virus. Spam email campaigns are distributing the payload file of the ransomware. Such an email will try to convince you that an important message is conveyed in the attached file that comes with the email. In fact, the attached file will look like a normal document, but the malicious payload of the virus will be contained inside the very same file. If you open the contents, deem your computer machine infected and your data encrypted.
For this variant, one of the payload droppers is an executable file, named “Document.pdf.exe”. You can see its detections on VirusTotal here:
Other infection methods for MotoxLocker could be set in motion, which utilize social media networks or file sharing services. The malware creator could have put the malicious files on any such platform, as an additional way for infection. Be careful when browsing the Web and avoid dubious e-mails, files or links. Perform checks of any file you have downloaded for its signatures, size, and perform a scan with security software. You should read more ransomware prevention tips in that forum thread.
MotoxLocker Virus – Inspection
The MotoxLocker cryptovirus is a variant of the DetoxCrypto ransomware and discovered by the MalwareHunterTeam. Interestingly enough, this variant tries to trick people that it is a security application, developed by TrendMicro:
Image Source: @MalwareHunterTeam
When the MotoxLocker ransomware virus drops its payload file, it probably creates entries in the Windows Registry, for retaining persistence. Those entries will set the malware to launch automatically with every boot of the Windows Operating System. From then on your files get encrypted. After all of your files become encrypted, the virus creates the file which contains the ransom message. The ransom note is written entirely in Croatian and describes the payment instructions.
The original text reads:
Svi važni fajlovi na vašem kompjuteru su zaključani i nemoguće je razbiti enkripciju. NEMOGUĆE JE RAZBITI CryptoLocker. Ako želite fajlove natrag javite se na mail: motox2016@mail2tor.com
NAPOMENA: Nemojte brisati ovaj program jer će biti potreban da bi vratili fajlove. Dobit ćete na mail upute i ključ koji ćete unijeti i svi fajlovi će biti vraćeni. Vrlo jednostavno, samo se javite na mail i dogovorimo se oko povratka fajlove.
Ako pokušate očistit ovaj program ili sami nešto popraviti moguće je da zauvijek oštetite i izgubite podatke zato je najbolje rješenje da se javite.
OTKUPNINA ZA SVE VAŠE FAJLOVE I TRAJNU ZAŠTITU OD SLIČNIH PROVALA JE SAMO 50€. JAVITE SE NA MAIL.
A very rough translation of the ransom message in English would be the following:
All important files on your computer are locked and it is impossible to break the encryption. It is impossible to to break this CryptoLocker. If you want the files back to contact us at mail: motox2016@mail2tor.com
NOTE: Do not delete this program because it will be needed to restore the files. You will receive instructions in the mail and the key you enter all the files will be restored. Very simple, just contact us at mail and arrange for the return of files.
If you attempt to clean this program or yourself something to fix it is possible for all damage and loss of data because it is the best solution to contact.
RANSOM FOR ALL YOUR FILES and permanent protection of a similar break-in was only 50 €. CONTACT THE EMAIL.
The MotoxLocker ransomware sets a decryption price of 50 euros, which is not a lot, but you shouldn’t be tempted to pay under any circumstances. No guarantee exists that you will recover your files. The cybercriminals will just use the money to make a new ransomware and possibly put some of the money aside for other criminal activities. The email used as a contact is motox2016@protonmail.com. ProtonMail is an encrypted electronic mailing service that is used by other ransomware viruses, such as the new variant of Fantom ransomware, which does not seem related to this cryptovirus.
However, the MotoxLocker virus is part of the DetoxCrypto ransomware family and is by definition related to the following variants:
The encrypted files will not have any new extensions, prefixes or name changes, whatsoever. The ransomware uses the military AES encryption algorithm and encrypted files will have a bigger size. The malware researcher Michael Gillespie has stated that the ransomware is decryptable. Check below for a possible decryption of your data.
The MotoxLocker ransomware is highly likely to erase all Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows Operating System. Continue to read and see how you can try to decrypt some of not all of your files and turn them back to normal.
Remove MotoxLocker Virus and Restore Your Files
If your computer got infected with the MotoxLocker ransomware virus, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide given below. To see ways that you can try to recover your data, see the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by MotoxLocker.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for MotoxLocker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall MotoxLocker 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 MotoxLocker 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 MotoxLocker 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 MotoxLocker
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by MotoxLocker.
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 MotoxLocker 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.
MotoxLocker-FAQ
What is MotoxLocker Ransomware?
MotoxLocker 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 MotoxLocker 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 MotoxLocker Infect?
Via several ways.MotoxLocker 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 MotoxLocker 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 .MotoxLocker files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .MotoxLocker 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 .MotoxLocker files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".MotoxLocker" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .MotoxLocker 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 MotoxLocker 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 MotoxLocker ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .MotoxLocker 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 MotoxLocker 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 MotoxLocker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this MotoxLocker 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 MotoxLocker 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.
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