Image Source: MakeMac.com
Article created to help you remove the lockscreen Mac ransomware using help.apple@gmail.com e-mail to extort victims into paying in BitCoin.
A new ransomware from the Lockscreen type for Apple MacBooks has appeared in the wild. The virus does not havve a particular name, but uses sophisticated scripts to lock you out of your MacBook after which asks victims to enter a 4 digit code in order to unlock their Mac. The good news about this is that the 4-digit PIN can be cracked as @denichodev (Deni Cho) explains in Twitter. Read this article to learn how to unlock your MacBook without having to pay any ransom to the cyber-criminals behind Mac Ransomware.
Threat Summary
| Name | Padlock Mac Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Lockscreen |
| Short Description | After encryption locks MacBook users out of their devices setting a hidden 4-digit pin code. |
| Symptoms | Attacks the login settings of the infected MacBook after which sets a black and white lockscreen with a white padlock and a place to enter a custom PIN code. Asks to contact help.apple@gmail.com. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool | User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Padlock Mac 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. |
How Does Mac Ransomware Infect
The infection process of Mac ransomware is conducted via multiple methods, involving the two main types of infection objects – malicious files and malicious web links. The malicious files may actually be installation files for apps downloaded from the Apple AppStore. Such apps may have malicious functions that may bypass the sandboxing protection and drop and install custom files, similar to the malware upload and download scheme for fake applications containing WireLurker ransomware below:
Another method may be if the app is sent online via a web link sent to users via chat services, via e-mail or other form of communication. Such web links may also be caused if you have adware that generates pop-ups on your Safari web browser. Such apps are considered to generally be safe, but some of them may cause a redirect to a dangerous third-party website.
Analysis of Mac Ransomware
Once the Mac “Padlock”ransomware slithers onto your computer it may extract files and hide them within your MacBook. After doing so, the virus may modify components of the login segment of the MacOS, resulting in displaying the following lock screen:
Image Source: Deni Cho Twitter Account (@denichodev)
From there, the virus asks to contact a so-called “Apple Help” e-mail and when this is done, the following message was reported to be sent from the cyber-criminals:
“Hello!
Your device is locked. To activate your device:
Pay 50$ to the Bitcoin Address: 1AQtRCX15YrXzPUZic7FbMotrqLemzjnRi
Buy bitcoins online: coinbase . com
Purchase bitcoins through a debit or credit card for buying bitcoins.
Register on the site.
After payment we send you a password immediately.
If you do not receive payment within 24 hours, the amount will be increased to 150$.”
Thankfully the code of this virus can be bruteforced manually, so keep reading to learn how to do it and unlock your computer for free.
How to Unlock Your MacBook from Padlock Mac Ransomware
Since the code is reported to be a 4-digit type of code, the virus can be bruteforced by simply writing down every possible combination from 0000 to 9999. However, the malware may lock your computer for 60 minutes if you are not careful. The user Deni Cho has managed to unlock his virus with a code 9169, but he had to try each combination, but has later identified that this virus can also be bruteforced. The expert asks to private message him in his Twitter account to understand how to bruteforce this screen and answer any questions on this virus.
If you manage to unlock your computer, we strongly advise you to pull all your files in the cloud and change all of your passwords. If possible, it is reccomended to extract the files on an external HDD and reinstall the MAC (Factory Reset it) to get rid of this threat after you have unlocked it with the code.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Follow Me:
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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove Padlock Mac Ransomware from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Padlock Mac Ransomware from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Padlock Mac Ransomware from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Padlock Mac Ransomware
Step 2: Uninstall Padlock Mac Ransomware 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Padlock Mac Ransomware 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 Padlock Mac Ransomware 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: Scan for Padlock Mac Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Padlock Mac Ransomware.
Ransomware infections and Padlock Mac Ransomware 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of Padlock Mac Ransomware from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Padlock Mac Ransomware 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:
- 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 Padlock Mac Ransomware 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:
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 2: Scan for and remove malware from your Mac
When you are facing problems on your Mac as a result of unwanted scripts, programs and malware, the recommended way of eliminating the threat is by using an anti-malware program. Combo Cleaner offers advanced security features along with other modules that will improve your Mac’s security and protect it in the future.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Padlock Mac Ransomware on your Mac.
Ransomware for Mac Padlock Mac Ransomware aims to encode all your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decode, unless you pay money.
This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files, but only in some cases. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Padlock Mac Ransomware FAQ
What is Padlock Mac Ransomware ransomware and how does it work?
Padlock Mac Ransomware 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 Padlock Mac Ransomware ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Padlock Mac Ransomware 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 Padlock Mac Ransomware 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 .Padlock Mac Ransomware files?
You can't. At this point the .Padlock Mac Ransomware 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 .Padlock Mac Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Padlock Mac Ransomware 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 ".Padlock Mac Ransomware" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Padlock Mac Ransomware 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 Padlock Mac Ransomware 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 Padlock Mac Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Padlock Mac Ransomware files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Padlock Mac Ransomware 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.
