This article will help you remove Evil Lock Virus totally. Follow the ransomware removal instructions given at the end of this article.
Evil Lock Virus is a new version of the Evil ransomware. Your files will get encrypted and receive the .evillock extension this time. Afterward, the Evil cryptovirus puts files with a ransom message on your PC, and some of them are placed on your Desktop. Read on to see what ways you could try out to see if you can potentially restore some of your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Evil Lock |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer and displays a ransom message afterward. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and put the .evillock extension on each of them. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Evil Lock. |
| 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. |
Evil Lock Virus – Distribution Methods
Evil Lock ransomware could be distributed through different methods. One of the ways is via a payload file which executes the malicious script for the ransomware. That script drops the payload, which in turn infects your computer machine. The ransomware also utilizes a JavaScript exploit that usually sends the OZV Trojan downloader. You can see the analysis for one of these payload files for the previous version of the ransomware on the VirusTotal service:
Evil Lock ransomware might also be distributing that payload file on social media sites and file-sharing services. Freeware applications found on the Internet can be presented as beneficial but also could be hiding the malicious script for this cryptovirus. Do not open files when you download them, especially if they come from suspicious sources, such as links and e-mails. First, you should scan the files with a security tool, and check their size and signatures for anything that seems out of place. You should read the ransomware preventing tips in the forum section.
Evil Lock Virus – Detailed Description
Evil Lock Virus is also a cryptovirus and the new variant for Evil Ransomware. The new iteration of the virus has changes in the ransom note and puts a different extension to encrypted files. All files on your computer machine while appending the .evillock extension to them when the process finishes.
Evil ransomware creates the following files on an infected system:
- HOW_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.TXT
- HOW_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.HTML
- background.png
- list.txt
The last file written above contains a list with the file that the ransomware has encrypted and is located in the following directory:
→%User%/AppData/Local/Temp/list.txt
Evil Lock ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry aiming to achieve a high level of persistence. Such registry entries are typically designed in a way that will keep the virus automatically starting with each boot of the Windows Operating System.
The ransom note appears right after the encryption process is finished. The note provides the demands of the cyber criminals, such as the ransom price, along with all other instructions for decrypting your files. The note is contained in a file called HOW_TO_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.html which is copied to your desktop. A .txt file containing the same text is also created and put inside your disk drives. You can preview how the ransom note looks from the picture below:
That ransom note reads the following:
Hello.
Your UID: [Redacted] As you can see some of your files have been encrypted!
Encryption was made using a unique strongest AES key.
If you want restore your files you need to BUY the key, it costs 0.3 BTC.
Send me your ID to gena1983@mbx.kz
Just google how to buy bitcoins in your country. You have only 3 days to deadline!
After, your key will be deleted!
List of encrypted files
P.S. I can decrypt one encrypted file as evidence that there is decrypt
The ransomware developers of the Evil Lock virus have clearly stated their demands in the ransom note. The e-mail suggests that they want people to believe that Kazakhstan is the source of this malware. The cybercriminals claim that they will decrypt your files if you pay, but that may not be the case. Once they receive your money, they may want you to pay more or never even contact you. You should NOT in any circumstance pay them. Your files might not get restored, nd nothing can guarantee that. In addition, giving money to the criminals will most likely just motivate them to continue doing criminal acts.
Here you can see the full list with file extensions that the Evil Lock ransomware seeks to encrypt.
→.3fr, .accdb, .ai, .arw, .bay, .cdr, .cer, .certs, .cr2, .crt, .crw, .dbf, .dcr, .der, .dng, .doc, .dwg, .dxf, .dxg, .eps, .erf, .img, .indd, .jpg, .kdc, .mdb, .mdf, .mef, .mrw, .nef, .nrw, .odb, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt, .orf, .p12, .p7b, .p7c, .pdd, .pef, .pem, .pfx, .ppt, .psd, .pst, .ptx, .pub, .r3d, .raf, .raw, .rtf, .rw2, .rwl, .sr2, .srf, .srw, .wb2, .wpd, .wps, .x3f, .xlk, .xls
All of the files that become encrypted will receive the same extension appended to each one of them, which is .evillock. The encryption algorithm that is utilized is AES or at least that is what is stated inside the ransom note message.
The Evil Lock cryptovirus is likely to erase the Shadow Copies from the Windows operating system by using the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Continue to read and find out what kind of ways you can try out to potentially restore your files.
Remove Evil Lock Virus and Restore .evillock Files
If your computer got infected with the Evil Lock ransomware 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.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Evil Lock with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Evil Lock 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 Evil Lock 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 Evil Lock 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 Evil Lock
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Evil Lock.
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 Evil Lock 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.
Evil Lock-FAQ
What is Evil Lock Ransomware?
Evil Lock 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 Evil Lock 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 Evil Lock Infect?
Via several ways.Evil Lock 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 Evil Lock 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 .Evil Lock files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Evil Lock 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 .Evil Lock files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Evil Lock" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Evil Lock 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 Evil Lock 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 Evil Lock ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Evil Lock 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 Evil Lock 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 Evil Lock Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Evil Lock 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 Evil Lock 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.