A crypto-virus known as ECLR ransomware has reported using a strong encryption cipher to encode the files of infected computers, demanding the insane sum of 100 BitCoins for their decryption. In USD this sum equals to around 44700$ and infected users have just about two days time to pay this money if they want to see their files working again. This is the most “expensive” ransomware seen so far, and its creators do not fool around, threatening the user in the ransom note which they leave after infection. Malware researchers have not yet discovered a decryption possibility for .eclr encrypted files, but they strongly advise against paying any ransom to the cyber-crooks, for several obvious reasons. We recommend removing ECLR ransomware from your computer and attempting file restoration using methods, such as the ones presented in this article.
Threat Summary
| Name | ECLR |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with a strong encryption algorithm and asks a ransom for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted with a .eclr file extension added to them and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a README_IMPORTANT.txt file. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks, Targeted attacks. |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss ECLR 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. |
ECLR Ransomware – How Does It Infect
The cyber-criminals behind the ransomware may use more than one method to infect users. The primary method of infection is most likely via exploit kits. Such may deliver the malicious executable of the ransomware, reported by infected users to have the name result00.exe. So far it is a mystery on how the malicious file is dropped on the %Windows% folder, but researchers believe that a Trojan.Dropper may have been used. What is more, this ransomware is not like any other virus – it targets companies directly. This may significantly change the methods of infection since a more targeted approach may have been conducted:
Targeted attacks are very cunning and clever, and they may come when least expected. What is more, their infection rate is more successful because they are tailor made to infect the specific victim or a group of victims. They may vary:
“The lost USB Flash Drive” – this type of attack is already a cliché, but it is also very effective. The cyber-criminals may leave a flash drive somewhere on the parking lot or anywhere, containing a Trojan, worm or other malware and leaving the average user to figure out the rest. Usually, most users are curious and want to see what is in the drive, and this is what this method of infection relies on.
“The phishing e-mail” – this type of attack requires an inside person or at least access to the internal network of the organization. If the organization is small and does not have an internal infrastructure, the attack becomes significantly easier. This is because what the attacker needs to conduct a successful infection is information about the e-mail address(es) of the victim as well as other information. For example, if an attacker knows the name of the CEO of a company as well as his e-mail address, he may send a phishing mail, which looks like the CEO’s e-mail with a malicious attachment in it, saying the attachment is urgent and must be opened. This may be very effective.
“Simple spam” – this is the oldest technique of spreading the virus, via spam e-mail messages. Similar to the phishing e-mail they may contain claims that the user should click on a web link or open an attachment. However, spam messages are not as effective, because they may not be targeted, like the phishing e-mails. But they assume the same strategy, only target a wider “audience”.
“The hands-on approach” – this approach is very unlikely, but very characteristic when the attacker is within the organization. There can always be someone who can be motivated by one reason or another to be an inside person for the cyber-criminals and infect the computers of the organization with malware.
Of course, there are also other methods of infection(limited only to the cyber-criminals’ imagination) like online spam messages posted on different websites, fake installers, fake game cracks and keygens downloaded from suspicious sites and others. Infection by such randomly posted malicious files or URLs online may be the result of carelessness of the user opening them. This is also a very likely scenario.
Either way, users are strongly advised to follow several protection tips to prevent such attacks from happening in the future:
ECLR Ransomware – What Does It Do
Once it has made a computer its victim, ECLR ransomware may create the following malicious file:
- C:\Windows\adminarsenal\pdqdeployrunner\service-1\exec\result00.exe
The file has been detected as a WS.Malware.1 by Symantec security software and it is most likely the encryption module of the malware or the file that encrypts your data, leaving the .eclr file extension after the encrypted files, for example:
- Microsoft Excel Document.xlsx.eclr
The encrypted files are unable to be opened and their type may vary, for example:
→ “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
Those files may be encrypted even on removable drives such as External SSD, HDD, memory cards, memory sticks and others. After the encryption process is completed, ECLR Ransomware is reported to leave two files:
- A secret.key file, which most likely contains the public key.
- A README_IMPORTANT.txt file, which contains the following text message:
→ YOUR FILES ARE FULLY ENCRYPTED
MAKE THE PAYMENT OF 100 BITCOINS TO THE BTC ADDRESS BELOW
5KW7c830sna38ffnpoda9hHUASGDu28w9dh92nd
AFTER WE RECEIVE THE PAYMENT THE DECRYPTION PROGRAM AND KEY WILL BE SENT TO YOUR EMAIL
THE DECRYPTION PROGRAM WILL RESTORE YOUR FILES BACK TO NORMAL.
7399@sigaint.org
TO ASSURE YOU WE CAN RESTORE YOUR FILES, WE WILL DECRYPT A SINGLE FILE YOU SEND US.
## YOU HAVE 48 HOURS TO SAVE YOUR FILES ##
CONTACT US ONLY AFTER MAKING THE PAYMENT,
ALL PRICE NEGOTIATIONS WILL BE IGNORED
THE ABOVE EMAIL ADDRESS WILL EXPIRE AFTERWARDS AND NO COMMUNICATIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE.
ECLR Ransomware – Conclusion, Removal and Restoration Options
As a bottom line, we have to admit that this is a ransomware that is one of a kind. For the first time we see the ransom price of 100 BitCoins which is around 44700 dollars to be requested, suggesting the ransomware means business. The cyber-criminals behind it are mainly focused on extorting organizations, which means that it may not be as widespread to the public and this may be the good news.
If you want to remove ECLR Ransomware, we suggest you follow either the manual or automatic removal instructions below. They are methodologically arranged to help you isolate and delete its malicious files. However, since this ransomware may conduct targeted attacks it may create different files for every infection and locate them in different folders. This is why malware researchers always advise using an advanced anti-malware tool focused on removing ransomware to scan for and remove the threat.
If you want to try and decrypt your files, you may want to attempt using the decryption and file restoration alternatives in step “3. Restore files encrypted by ECLR” in the manual below. In the meantime, we will continue to look for a decrypter and suggest that you follow this article or our forum for any updates. We will post one as soon as it is available.
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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Step 1: Scan for ECLR with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall ECLR 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 ECLR 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 ECLR 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 ECLR
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by ECLR.
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 ECLR 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.
ECLR-FAQ
What is ECLR Ransomware?
ECLR 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 ECLR 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 ECLR Infect?
Via several ways.ECLR 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 ECLR 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 .ECLR files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .ECLR 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 .ECLR files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".ECLR" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .ECLR 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 ECLR 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 ECLR ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .ECLR 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 ECLR 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 ECLR Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this ECLR 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 ECLR 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.
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.