This guide refers to the removal of File-Locker ransomware from the infected PC and the recovery process of .locked files.

File-Locker is the name given to a new HiddenTear based data locker ransomware that encodes target files and marks them with the .locked extension. The ransomware renders all corrupted data inaccessible until a demanded ransom payment is paid for their decryption. After encryption File-Locker crypto virus drops a ransom note file Warning!!!!!!.txt on the desktop. This ransom note is written in both Korean and English. It demands 50,000 won (the currency of South Korea) in bitcoin as a ransom payment.

Threat Summary

Name	File-Locker
Type	Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description	The ransomware virus encrypts files on your PC and a ransom note demands 50,000 won in Bitcoins for the decryption of .locked files.
Symptoms	This ransomware will encrypt your files and then append the extension .locked on every encrypted file.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable Files
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by File-Locker Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss File-Locker.
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.

File-Locker Ransomware – Distribution

File-Locker ransomware infection occurs once the executable file named File-Locker Ransomware.exe is running on the system. The payload may be spread via different techniques, but one of them is considered to be the preferred one. It’s about spam email messages that generally deliver the ransomware payload. Such emails usually come with a spoofed sender and an email address. This trick aims to mislead addressee that the received email appears to be sent from a trustworthy source like favorite websites, popular services, public organizations and even governmental entities. The main aim of these emails is to trick receivers into reaching out a malicious file attachment or a corrupted web link. Once the malicious file attachment that carries the File-Locker ransomware payload is started on the system, it triggers the infection. Plagued email attachments usually come as documents, archives, pictures, projects, or other commonly used file types. When a corrupted web link is used for the ransomware distribution, it lands on a web page which has the payload injected into its code. As it may be set to download the malicious file automatically the ransomware penetrates the system unnoticeably and starts encoding target data.

File-Locker Ransomware – Infection Flow

It seems that the code of a threat created for educational purposes – HiddenTear has been modified for another severe ransomware attack and released in active attack campaigns against online users. The File-Locker is a new HiddenTear based ransomware that is targeting primarily users in Korea which does not exclude its distribution worldwide.

The analyses of the new File-Locker ransomware samples reveal that it can perform various malicious actions. Once the ransomware payload contained in the file File-Locker Ransomware.exe is running on the system, it initiates a sequence of malicious actions. Thus the threat could easily bypass the available security layers and establish its malicious files on the system. Additionally, File-Locker can create more malicious files and terminate various processes to fulfill the attack. Some files associated with File-Locker may be located in the following system folders:

• %AppData%
• %Temp%
• %Roaming%
• %Common%
• %System32%

File-Locker ransomware uses the AES encryption algorithm to encode a predefined list of target file extensions and then appends the extension .locked to all corrupted data. Afterward, it requests 50,000 Won, or approximately 50 USD, from victims so they could get the files back. The amount should be transferred in bitcoin to a specified Bitcoin address that supposedly belongs to the creators of the threat. The exact address is mentioned in a ransom note created on the desktop. It is called Warning!!!!!!.txt and is written in both English and Korean. What the entire note reads is:

한국어: 경고!!! 모든 문서, 사진, 데이테베이스 및 기타 중요한 파일이 암호화되었습니다!!
당신은 돈을 지불해야 합니다
비트코인 5만원을 [email protected]로 보내십시오 비트코인 지불코드: 1F1tAaz5x1HUXrCNLbtMDqcw6o5GNn4xqX 결제 사이트 http://www.localbitcoins.com/

English: Warning!!! All your documents, photos, databases and other important personal files were encrypted!!
You have to pay for it.
Send fifty thousand won to [email protected] Bitcoin payment code: 1BoatSLRHtKNngkdXEeobR76b53LETtpyT Payment site http://www.localbitcoins.com/

Any contacts and negotiations with the hackers should be avoided. Remember that the ransom payment provides no guarantee of .locked files decryption. Following hackers’ rules only encourages them to continue spreading devastating infections like File-Locker ransomware and blackmail infected users. In this article are presented secure solutions that will help to regain the control over infected PC and corrupted files without funding crooks.

File-Locker Ransomware – Data Encryption

As File-Locker crypto virus script is HiddenTear based it utilizes the AES cipher algorithm to encrypt predefined file types. The ransomware scans the system for the following file extensions that store valuable information:

.txt, .doc, .docx, .xls, .index, .pdf, .zip, .rar, .css, .lnk, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx, .odt, .jpg, .bmp, .png, .csv, .sql, .mdb, .sln, .php, .asp, .aspx, .html, .xml, .psd, .bk, .bat, .mp3, .mp4, .wav, .wma, .avi, .divx, .mkv, .mpeg, .wmv, .mov, .ogg, .java, .csv, .kdc, .dxg, .xlsm, .pps, .cpp, .odt, .php, .odc, .log, .exe, .cr2, .mpeg, .jpeg, .xqx, .dotx, .pps, .class, .jar, .psd, .pot, .cmd, .rtf, .csv, .php, .docm, .xlsm, .js, .wsf, .vbs, .ini, .jpeg, .gif, .7z, .dotx, .kdc, .odm, .xll, .xlt, .ps, .mpeg, .pem, .msg, .xls, .wav, .odp, .nef, .pmd, .r3d, .dll, .reg, .hwp, .7z, .p12, .pfx, .cs, .ico, .torrent, .c

Each time File-Locker detects a match during the scan it modifies the original code of the target file and renders it completely unusable. All encrypted files receive the specific extension .locked at the end of their names. Corrupted .locked files remain unusable until a proper solution is applied for their recovery.

To prevent one of the available data recovery options, the ransomware deletes all Shadow Volume Copies stored in the Windows Operating System.

Remove File-Locker Ransomware – Restore .locked Files

File-Locker ransomware is a nasty infection that should be removed immediately from the infected machine. Otherwise, it will keep obstructing the regular access to valuable information. As long as its malicious files are present on the system it has the chance to execute them automatically on each system start and corrupt additional data. Only after the complete removal of all files and objects associated with File-Locker ransomware, the device can be used regularly again. To remove File-Locker crypto virus just follow the step-by-step removal guide below which provides both manual and automatic approaches. Due to the complexity of ransomware code, security researchers recommend the help of advanced anti-malware tool for maximum efficiency.

Once the removal is complete, alternative data recovery approaches could be also found in the guide. They may be useful for the restore of some .locked files. Be advised to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before you proceed with the recovery process.

Manually delete File-Locker from your computer

Note! Substantial notification about the File-Locker threat: Manual removal of File-Locker requires interference with system files and registries. Thus, it can cause damage to your PC. Even if your computer skills are not at a professional level, don’t worry. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using a malware removal tool.

1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove File-Locker files and objects

Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode

1. For Windows 7,XP and Vista. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by File-Locker on your PC.

For Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:

1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:

– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.

– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.

3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.

4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account

While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.

Step 1: Open the Start Menu

Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.

Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.

Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.

Step 6: Click on Restart.

Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.

Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries of your computer to change different settings. This is why manual clean up of your Windows Registry Database is strongly recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit lenghty, we recommend following our instructive article about fixing registry entries.

2.Find malicious files created by File-Locker on your PC

Find malicious files created by File-Locker

1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows 7,XP and Vista.

For Newer Windows Operating Systems

Step 1:

On your keyboard press  + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.

Step 2:

Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.

Step 3:

Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:

N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.

For Older Windows Operating Systems

In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:

Step 1:

Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.

Step 2:

After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.

Step 3:

After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.

Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.

Automatically remove File-Locker by downloading an advanced anti-malware program

1. Remove File-Locker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data

Remove File-Locker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Install SpyHunter to scan for and remove File-Locker.2. Scan with SpyHunter to Detect and Remove File-Locker. Back up your data to secure it against infections and file encryption by File-Locker in the future.

Step 1:Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.

Download

Malware Removal Tool

It is highly recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.

Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to automatically update.

Step1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Scan Computer Now’ button.

Step2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any File-Locker files, click on the ‘Fix Threats’ button to remove them automatically and permanently.

Step3: Once the intrusions on your PC have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart it.

Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future

IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data automatically with cloud backup and insure it against any type of data loss on your device, even the most severe. We recommend reading more about and downloading SOS Online Backup .

SOS Online Backup

2. Restore files encrypted by File-Locker

Restore Files Encrypted by File-Locker

Ransomware infections like File-Locker aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to directly decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that they may not be 100% effective but they may help you little or a lot in some situations.

Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software.
Another method of restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:

• Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery Technicians License(Pro version with more features)
• Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery
• Stellar Phoenix Photo Recovery

Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors.
If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:

• Kaspersky Decryptors
• Emsisoft Decryptors

Urgent! It is strongly advisable to first remove the File-Locker threat before attempting any decryption, since it may interfere with system files and registries. You can do the removal yourself just in 5 minutes, using an advanced malware removal tool.

Method 3: Using Shadow Explorer

To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for shadow copies in Windows using this software if ransomware has not deleted them:

• Shadow Explorer

Method 4: Finding File-Locker decryption key while it communicates it via a network sniffing software.

Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:

Instructions on How to Find Decryption Key for Files Encrypted By Ransowmare

Optional: Using Alternative Anti-Malware Tools

Remove File-Locker Using Other Alternative Tools

STOPZilla Anti Malware

1. Download and Install STOPZilla Anti-malware to Scan for And Remove File-Locker.
Step 1: Download STOPZilla by clicking here.
Step 2: A pop-up window will appear. Click on the ‘Save File’ button. If it does not, click on the Download button and save it afterwards.

Step 3: After you have downloaded the setup, simply open it.
Step 4: The installer should appear. Click on the ‘Next’ button.

Step 5: Check the ‘I accept the agreement’ check circle if not checked if you accept it and click the ‘Next’ button once again.

Step 6: Review and click on the ‘Install’ button.

Step 7: After the installation process has completed click on the ‘Finish’ button.

2. Scan your PC with STOPZilla Anti Malware to remove all File-Locker associated files completely.
Step 1: Launch STOPZilla if you haven’t launched it after install.
Step 2: Wait for the software to automatically scan and then click on the ‘Repair Now’ button. If it does not scan automatically, click on the ‘Scan Now’ button.

Step 3: After the removal of all threats and associated objects, you should Restart your PC.

Gergana Ivanova

Gergana Ivanova is a computer security enthusiast. She keeps track on the latest malware issues and hopes that more people will outsmart hackers.

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