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 malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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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 fasfry2323@naver.com로 보내십시오 비트코인 지불코드: 1F1tAaz5x1HUXrCNLbtMDqcw6o5GNn4xqX 결제 사이트 https://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 fasfry2323@naver.com Bitcoin payment code: 1BoatSLRHtKNngkdXEeobR76b53LETtpyT Payment site https://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.
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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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
About the File-Locker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this File-Locker 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 File-Locker 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
How to Remove File-Locker from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove File-Locker
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall File-Locker and related software 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by File-Locker 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 File-Locker there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for File-Locker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by File-Locker.
Ransomware infections and File-Locker 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of File-Locker from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall File-Locker and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to File-Locker:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to File-Locker. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to File-Locker. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove File-Locker via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as File-Locker. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by File-Locker.
Ransomware infections and File-Locker 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
File-Locker FAQ
What is File-Locker ransomware and how does it work?
File-Locker 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 algorithm how 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.
How does File-Locker ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.File-Locker Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of File-Locker 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 .File-Locker files?
You can't. At this point the .File-Locker files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .File-Locker files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by File-Locker ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".File-Locker" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .File-Locker files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of File-Locker ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate File-Locker ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .File-Locker files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like File-Locker ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.