Datalock Ransomware Virus
Datalock Virus also known as MedusaLocker ransomware which locks files on computers it infects and demands money to be paid as a ransom for unlocking them. It uses the RSA and AES cryptographic algorithms to lock files which makes them completely inaccessible after the attack. The threat is programmed to append the .datalock extension to locked files. The ransomware is likely to encrypt all types of files such as audio, video, pictures, backups, banking data, and other personal user files found on a compromised computer system.
At last, the Datalock ransomware will drop a ransom note that gives instructions to victims on how they can allegedly restore their data by paying a ransom fee.
Keep up with our ransomware removal guide and learn how to win the battle with security weapons of choice.
Datalock Virus Summary
| Name | Datalock Virus |
| File Extension | Datalock |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The Datalock ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the Datalock extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | Recovery_Instructions.html |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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Datalock Virus – How Did It Infect My PC and What Happened?
The Datalock virus is a new release of MedusaLocker ransomware. The threat is designed to leverage file-encrypting processes against valuable users’ data.
It is likely being spread by criminals via the most common techniques. The use of phishing contents is one of them. It enables hackers to impersonate legitimate and authentic senders such as companies or web services. Criminals tend to fake images and text. They may host similar sounding domain names or even utilize self-signed certificates to appear authentic. They can also integrate the virus code in email messages.
The execution of Datalock ransomware will start an extensive attack. Based on the detected samples, one of the first actions is the security bypass feature. The virus engine will scan for the presence of any installed security programs and disable them. The list includes anti-virus programs, firewalls, intrusion detection software and etc.
The virus engine could then continue with further dangerous system changes including the following:
- Operating System Security Bypass — Alongside the applications the malicious code will also change important operating system values and disable the Windows User Account Control. This will allow the virus to gain administrative privileges and conduct various other actions.
- Files Removal — The ransomware may remove malware data such as backups and shadow volume copies. This will make it very difficult to achieve data recovery.
- Persistent Installation — The virus will modify the boot options and run itself automatically when the computer is powered on. It may also disable access to the recovery boot options thereby making it very hard to use manual user recovery techniques.
- Trojan Horse Infections — They will initiate a local malware client that establishes a secure and persistent connection to a hacker-controlled server. This allows the criminals to overtake control of the machines and steal users’ files.
When the actual encryption phase starts, target data will be encrypted with two strong cipher algorithms. The encryption will make them inaccessible and renamed with a given extension. Corrupted data may include the following types of files: multimedia files, archives, backups, documents and etc. All of the processed data will receive the .datalock extension.
Datalock Virus files infections will be accompanied by a ransom note (Recovery_Instructions.html) that extorts a ransom for a decryption tool. The ransom is demanded to be paid in cryptocurrency assets. Here is a copy of the text message displayed by Datalock ransom message:
YOUR PERSONAL ID:
–
/!\ YOUR COMPANY NETWORK HAS BEEN PENETRATED /!\
All your important files have been encrypted!Your files are safe! Only modified. (RSA+AES)
ANY ATTEMPT TO RESTORE YOUR FILES WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE
WILL PERMANENTLY CORRUPT IT.
DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES.
DO NOT RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES.No software available on internet can help you. We are the only ones able to
solve your problem.We gathered highly confidential/personal data. These data are currently stored on
a private server. This server will be immediately destroyed after your payment.
If you decide to not pay, we will release your data to public or re-seller.
So you can expect your data to be publicly available in the near future..We only seek money and our goal is not to damage your reputation or prevent
your business from running.You will can send us 2-3 non-important files and we will decrypt it for free
to prove we are able to give your files back.Contact us for price and get decryption software.
hxxp://gvlay6u4g53rxdi5.onion/21-R1Wu50TdwfSawiYyul068n 4111M5AVEW-7XTbtJyI2PI9MRCZpQLW5vQRakSWLkRt
* Note that this server is available via Tor browser onlyFollow the instructions to open the link:
1. Type the addres “hxxps://www.torproject.org” in your Internet browser. It opens the Tor site.
2. Press “Download Tor”, then press “Download Tor Browser Bundle”, install and run it.
3. Now you have Tor browser. In the Tor Browser open “{{URL}}”.
4. Start a chat and follow the further instructions.If you can not use the above link, use the email:
diniaminius@winrof.com
soterissylla@wyseil.com
* To contact us, create a new mail on the site: protonmail.com
Make contact as soon as possible. Your private key (decryption key)
is only stored temporarily.IF YOU DON’T CONTACT US WITHIN 72 HOURS, PRICE WILL BE HIGHER.
As soon as the infection is detected it should be removed immediately to prevent additional damage. Keep up with the ransomware removal guide steps below to clean and secure your PC.
Remove Datalock Virus
If your computer got infected with the Datalock Virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for Datalock Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Datalock Virus 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 Datalock Virus 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 Datalock Virus 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 Datalock Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Datalock Virus.
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 Datalock Virus 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.
Datalock Virus-FAQ
What is Datalock Virus Ransomware?
Datalock Virus 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 Datalock Virus 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 Datalock Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Datalock Virus 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 Datalock Virus 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 .Datalock Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Datalock Virus 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 .Datalock Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Datalock Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Datalock Virus 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 Datalock Virus 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 Datalock Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Datalock Virus 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 Datalock Virus 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 Datalock Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Datalock Virus 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 Datalock Virus 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.
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