A ransomware cryptovirus called KillerLocker was recently discovered in the wild. The ransom note it shows is written in Portuguese and gives 48 hours for victims to contact the cybercriminals. The virus states in its ransom message that it uses a 256-bit AES algorithm for encryption. All locked files will get the extension .rip appended to them. To see how to remove the ransomware and how you can try to restore your data, read the article to the end.
Threat Summary
| Name | KillerLocker |
| Type | Ransomware, Crypto-Virus |
| Short Description | The ransomware will encrypt your files with an AES 256-bit encryption. Then it will display a ransom note with desktop wallpaper of a clown in it. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will display a ransom message in Portuguese and lock files with the .rip extension appended to them. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss KillerLocker. |
| 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. |
KillerLocker Virus – Infection Spread
KillerLocker ransomware might infect computers using different spread methods. Spam emails could be spreading its payload file. These types of emails will try to make you believe that something important is attached to that email. In actuality, the attachment will look like a legitimate document or an archived one, but upon opening it, the malicious code inside the file will infect you with the virus.
Looking inside the file, the original name of it is “KillerLocker.exe.” You can see the detections of it on the VirusTotal website:
More infection methods for KillerLocker might be at play – ones that use social media sites or file sharing networks, perhaps. The ransomware creator could have put the malicious payload file on similar platforms and use them to infect more unsuspecting users. When you are browsing the Web, try to be more careful. Refrain from opening files in suspicious e-mails, or links for that matter. Scanning files with security software and checking for their signatures and size is always a good idea. You should read some tips for ransomware prevention in our forum topic.
KillerLocker Virus – In Depth
The KillerLocker ransomware virus has been recently found by malware researchers in the wild. It might be a possible variant of the Jigsaw Ransomware as the design of the desktop screen which shows after file decryption is very similar.
After the KillerLocker virus drops its payload file, it can create entries in the Windows Registry so that it can remain persistent. Such entries are set in a way to make the malware start automatically with every boot of the Windows operating system. What happens next is that your files get encrypted, after which the screen with the ransom message shows on your desktop. The whole ransom note is written in Portuguese except a small fraction and contains information about the payment.
The original text in Portuguese reads:
Todos os seus arquivos foram criptografados com uma criptografia AES 256 BIT Muito forte. Realize o pagamento em: 000-00 /00 até 48 horas
Key: _______ Decrypt Files
Você não pode fazer nada sobre isso e sua chave serão eliminadas em 48 horas. Arquivos encrypt
A rough translation of that message in English would look like the following:
All your files are encrypted with an AES 256-BIT Very strong. Perform payment: 000-00 /00 to 48 hours
Key: _______ Decrypt Files
You cannot do anything about it and your key will be deleted within 48 hours. Encrypted files count
The KillerLocker ransomware gives you only 48 hours of time to decrypt your data, but no specific amount of Bitcoins or another currency is given. No contact email address is provided in the desktop image either, so the ransomware is either still in development, or there is an additional file somewhere along the encrypted files. Either way, you shouldn’t even be thinking of paying the cybercriminals. Nobody can guarantee that you will recover your files after payment. The crooks will simply use that money to fund a new ransomware project and possibly put some amount aside for other criminal activities.
The following file types will become encrypted:
→.jpg, .pdf, .doc, .docm, .docx, .xls, .xlsm, .xlsx
The encrypted file list is incomplete, but files with the above extensions will surely become locked. Other document and picture file types are probably encrypted. Those are the most important files for a Windows user, so that is only logical. The encrypted files will have the .rip extension appended to them, after their file name. So, a .jpg file won’t be renamed but will become .jpg.rip.
The ransomware uses 256-bit AES encryption algorithm or at least that is stated in the ransom message. The KillerLocker ransomware is very likely to erase all Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system. Read further to see how you can try to restore parts of your data, if not all of it.
Remove KillerLocker Virus and Restore .rip Files
If your computer got infected with the KillerLocker ransomware virus, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect more computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide given below. To see ways that you can try to recover your data, see the step titled 2. Restore files encrypted by KillerLocker.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for KillerLocker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall KillerLocker 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 KillerLocker 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 KillerLocker 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 KillerLocker
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by KillerLocker.
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 KillerLocker 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.
KillerLocker-FAQ
What is KillerLocker Ransomware?
KillerLocker 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 KillerLocker 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 KillerLocker Infect?
Via several ways.KillerLocker 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 KillerLocker 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 .KillerLocker files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .KillerLocker 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 .KillerLocker files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".KillerLocker" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .KillerLocker 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 KillerLocker 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 KillerLocker ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .KillerLocker 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 KillerLocker 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 KillerLocker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this KillerLocker 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 KillerLocker 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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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