Ransomware virus, named PowerLocky has been reported to infect users and use encryption to encode the files of infected computers and append the .locky file extension in them. The PowerLocky Ransomware also leaves a ransom note, extorting users to pay the sum of approximately 500$ or 0.74 BTC as a ransom. PowerLocky is reported by researchers to have its name from two powerful ransomware viruses, Locky and PowerWare Ransomware. All users who have become victims of these viruses are advised to take extreme caution and read this article to learn how to remove PowerLocky Ransomware and restore their files.
Threat Summary
| Name | PowerLocky |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | PowerLocky encrypts files with the AES-128 ciphers and asks a ransom payment of 0.7 BTC for decryption. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a “_HELP_instructions.html” file. |
| Distribution Method | PowerShell, Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss PowerLocky 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. |
PowerLocky Ransomware – Distribution Methods
To be widespread across user PC’s, PowerLocky ransomware may use various methods to replicate. One of those methods may be via spam e-mail campaigns which may resemble various well-known services or offers, for example:
- “Windows Free Upgrade Is Here”.
- “Your PayPal Account Has Been Suspended.”
- “Your Bank Account Receipt”.
- “Your Debit Card Has Been Rendered Inactive”.
As soon as an e-mail has been opened by a user, he or she may find either malicious files or malicious URLs, which can cause different activities that can lead to infection of the computer:
- Malicious redirects to web links that may cause infection via drive-by download.
- Infection via an Exploit-kit.
- Infection via malicious macros in infected Microsoft Office or Adobe documents.
- Infection via a malicious .js(JavaScript) file.
PowerLocky Ransomware – Detailed Information
As soon as PowerLocky has infected a user PC, the ransomware may or may not drop its malicious payload. Since PowerWare Ransomware is a fileless ransomware, if this element is used, it may directly get to the encryption procedure. However, if the virus uses malicious files, it may drop them in the usually targeted file locations:
Here is a detection of PowerLocky’s main executable by several anti-malware products. It may either be directly activated or simply dropped on the computer:
After the encryption process of PowerLocky Ransomware has been initiated, the ransomware virus begins to scan for and encrypt files. It may scan for files with the following extensions and encrypt them if detects them:
After encrypting the files, the PowerLocky virus appends the .locky file extension to them, for instance:
After encrypting the files, PowerLocky leaves an .html file, named “_HELP_instructions.html”. It has the following ransom instructions for the affected user:
→“We present a special software Locky Decrypter
which allows to decrypt and return control to all your encrypted files.
How to buy Locky decrypter?
1. Download and install Multibit application. This will give you your own Bitcoin-wallet address. You can find it under the “Request” tab. Paste this in the “Your BTC-address” field below.
2. Buy Bitcoins, the price is 500 $ / 0.74290893 BTC and send it to your own Bitcoin-wallet address, they will show up in the Multibit app that you installed earlier. From there, hit the “Send” tab. Send the remaining BTC (bitcoin) to this Bitcoin-wallet address: {Unique-BTC-Address}
Now submit the form below, only if you’ve actually sent the Bitcoins. Upon manual verification of the transaction, you will receive the decrypter through email within 12 hours. ALL of your files/data will then be unlocked and decrypted automatically, HTML ransom files will also be removed.
Do NOT remove HTML ransom files or try to temper files in any way, because decrypter will not work anymore.
Please remember this is the only way to ever regain access to your files again!”Source: Infected Users
As visible above there are instructions on how to use the service Multibit to pay ransom money in BitCoin. This is the primary method of payment chosen by cyber-criminal gangs dealing with ransomware since it is untraceable.
PowerLocky Ransomware Virus – Removal and File Restoration
In case you have decided not to pay the ransom money which is highly recommended by security experts, we advise you to follow the step-by-step removal instructions which we have kindly provided below. They are methodologically arranged for maximum effectiveness. In case you fail to discover manually and remove all objects and processes associated with PowerLocky Ransomware, we strongly advise you to try automatic removal solution. It includes the usage of an advanced anti-malware product which will make sure the threat is permanently removed without any harm to the encrypted files and protect your PC in the future as well.
Since files which are encrypted by PowerLocky ransomware most likely have been ciphered with a powerful AES-128 encryption algorithm, it at this point not possible to directly decode them. However, we advise you to wait for an update in this article, which we will provide as soon as a decryptor has been released to the public. In the meantime, we suggest you to attempt the alternative methods in step “3. Restore files encrypted by PowerLocky.”
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Step 1: Scan for PowerLocky with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall PowerLocky 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 PowerLocky 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 PowerLocky 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 PowerLocky
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by PowerLocky.
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 PowerLocky 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.
PowerLocky-FAQ
What is PowerLocky Ransomware?
PowerLocky 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 PowerLocky 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 PowerLocky Infect?
Via several ways.PowerLocky 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 PowerLocky 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 .PowerLocky files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .PowerLocky 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 .PowerLocky files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".PowerLocky" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .PowerLocky 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 PowerLocky 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 PowerLocky ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .PowerLocky 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 PowerLocky 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 PowerLocky Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this PowerLocky 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 PowerLocky 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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