Malware researchers have recently discovered Princess Locker and what appears to be a second version. The methods of infection are still unknown, but the payload file is named ran.exe as submitted from various samples. Victims have a few days to pay the ransom, or the price will double, exactly like the previous version. The asked ransom price is 0.0600 Bitcoins. Read this article to the end to see how to remove the virus and try to decrypt your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | Princess Locker V2 |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware will encrypt your files and display a ransom note. You are given a few days to pay, otherwise the ransom price will increase. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt files, and put an extension to them. The extension consists of five random symbols, just like it was with the previous version of the ransomware. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, File Sharing Networks, Exploit Kits |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Princess Locker V2. |
Princess Locker V2 Virus – Infection Spread
The Princess Locker ransomware virus is possibly spread with an Exploit Kit if it follows suit of the original variant. Other methods for distributing the infection probably exist. It might spread through spam emails with an attachment. If you open such an attachment put in a suspicious e-mail, your computer could get infected. Social media networks and file-share services could also contain files like those if the cybercriminals decided to place them there. So, you should be very careful with the interactions you make on the Internet, such as when you click, download or open unknown files.
Below you can see the payload file that distributes the ransomware on VirusTotal:
The file is named ran.exe and is also present in other threat detection databases. Most antivirus programs detect it already, probably because of the similarity between its code and that of the original variant.
Princess Locker V2 Virus – Technical Data
Princess Locker is a ransomware cryptovirus. The ransomware has the same design, encryption mechanism and similar file distribution tactics as the original variant of the Princess Locker Ransomware Virus.
When Princess Locker ransomware finishes encrypting files it will place an image and a text document containing the ransom note with decryption instructions inside. The text document file bares one of the following names:
- =_THIS_TO_FIX_cRtG.txt
- =_THIS_TO_FIX_fyust.txt
- = _THIS_TO_FIX_aknT0I.txt
Below you can see the contents of one of these ransom note files:
The note states the following:
hpeECbqS CqXdyb qhBGhoryp
Your ID: U2WbVAYRDcaMQxxx
Your extension: cRtG
() Your files are encrypted!
(kBFflrEv) Download and install Tor Browser:
https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html
() Follow this link via Tor Browser:
https://royal25fphqilqft.onion/
If you click on the latter link, which are given on there you will land on the following page inside your browser:
You enter your ID and as you do that you will see a counter pop up showing that you have only a few days remaining to pay the initial price. That price is 0.0600 Bitcoins or around 545 US dollars. After that small time frame of a week expires, the demanded ransom will increase.
It is strongly NOT advised to pay any of the sums to the cybercriminals – if you pay them, there is absolutely no guarantee that you will decrypt your files. You will only end up financially supporting them with your money with their criminal endeavors.
Princess Locker V2 Virus – Encryption Process
Princess Locker V2 ransomware should search to encrypt files with extensions such as its previous variant. The extension list might be even more extensive than the one provided below, but the following extensions are surely to be encrypted:
→.1cd, .3ds, .3gp, .accdb, .ape, .asp, .aspx, .bc6, .bc7, .bmp, .cdr, .cer, .cfg, .cfgx, .cpp, .cr2, .crt, .crw, .csr, .csv, .dbf, .dbx, .dcr, .dfx, .dib, .djvu, .doc, .docm, .docx, .dwg, .dwt, .dxf, .dxg, .eps, .htm, .html, .ibank, .indd, .jfif, .jpe, .jpeg, .jpg, .kdc, .kwm, .max, .mdb, .mdf, .odb, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt, .orf, .p12, .p7b, .p7c, .pdf, .pef, .pem, .pfx, .php, .png, .pps, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .psd, .pst, .pub, .pwm, .qbb, .qbw, .raw, .rtf, .sln, .sql, .sqlite, .svg, .tif, .tiff, .txt, .vcf, .wallet, .wpd, .xls, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xml
If the Princess Locker ransomware is anything like its predecessor, files should be locked with the 128-bit AES encryption algorithm. Researchers have confirmed that files and their extension will not be changed. However, the extension that will be appended to files with five random characters will be placed as a secondary extension.
Below you can see a page on the TOR network, connected to the decryption instructions of the ransomware which allow you to decrypt a file up to 1 MB:
It is still unknown whether the Princess Locker ransomware virus can erase the Shadow Volume Copies of the Windows operating system, but there is a pretty high chance of that.
Remove Princess Locker V2 Virus and Restore Your Files
If your computer got compromised and is infected with the Princess Locker ransomware virus, you should have some experience with removing viruses before tampering with it. You should get rid of the ransomware fast before it can spread further on the network and encrypt more files. The recommended action for you is to remove the ransomware completely by following the step-by-step instructions written below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Princess Locker V2 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Princess Locker V2 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 Princess Locker V2 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 Princess Locker V2 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 Princess Locker V2
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Princess Locker V2.
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 Princess Locker V2 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.
Princess Locker V2-FAQ
What is Princess Locker V2 Ransomware?
Princess Locker V2 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 Princess Locker V2 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 Princess Locker V2 Infect?
Via several ways.Princess Locker V2 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 Princess Locker V2 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 .Princess Locker V2 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Princess Locker V2 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 .Princess Locker V2 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Princess Locker V2" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Princess Locker V2 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 Princess Locker V2 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 Princess Locker V2 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Princess Locker V2 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 Princess Locker V2 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 Princess Locker V2 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Princess Locker V2 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 Princess Locker V2 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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