Ransomware variant, known by the name REKTLocker has been reported to use the .rekt file extension and the RSA-2048 encryption algorithm to encipher user data. The virus then changes the wallpaper with the ransom demands, wanting the sum of 1 BTC as a ransom payoff. Users who have become unfortunate victims of this malware are strongly advised by experts NOT to pay any ransom money and fight off this malware by isolating it and removing it and trying to restore the files themselves. We recommend that you read this article thoroughly to learn more information about REKTLocker ransomware and how to restore your files and remove it from your system.
Threat Summary
| Name |
REKTLocker |
| Type | Ransomware Virus |
| Short Description | REKTLocker encrypts the files of the systems it infects, asking 1 BTC as a ransom payoff. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and no longer accessible with an added .rekt file extension and a dropped Readme.txt file. |
| Distribution Method | Via malicious URLs, malicious e-mail attachments or other forms of online spam. |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss REKTLocker 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. |
REKTLocker – Distribution Methods
Similar to other ransomware, to spread and infect victims while they are unsuspecting, REKTLocker may use a set of tools that might help it reach its goals:
- Malware obfuscators.
- JavaScript files.
- Exploit Kits.
- Spam bots or spamming services.
- Third-party advertisers and ad-supported PUP services.
These tools may be used to slither the malware in the form of malicious web links or malicious attachments. The web links may seem legitimate when scanned for malware, but they may cause browser redirects to the actual infection URLs that may inject a malicious script and drop the payload in a drive-by manner.
Malicious attachments, however, may carry an exploit kit or be in a .js, .exe, .dll or .tmp files which may cause the infection. Such are primarily posted as e-mail attachments that usually resemble Adobe Reader or Microsoft Office documents.
REKTLocker – More Information
As soon as REKTLocker has been initiated on the computer of the user, it may drop its malicious files in the following folders:
- %AppData%
- %Temp%
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %SystemDrive%
- %User’s Profile%
- %Windows%
The files dropped by REKTLocker may be more than one, and they may have different file formats depending on what they have been created to do. For example, if the ransomware drops a .BAT (Batch file) it is most likely dropped to delete the backups and shadow volume copies of the computer, using the following administrative command:
→ vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet
As soon as it has dropped the files, the REKTLocker ransomware may create malicious registry values in the following Windows Registry keys for it’s executable that encrypts files to run when Windows starts up:
→ 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
After this has been done, REKTLocker may begin the encryption process. The virus may use an RSA-2048 encryption algorithm which will generate a decryption key and send it to the cybercriminals’ C&C (Command and Control) server after encrypting files of the following type:
- Audio files.
- Pictures and other image files.
- Video files.
- Databases.
- Photoshop files.
- Microsoft Office documents.
- Web files.
- Other files associated with widely used software.
After the encryption has been completed, REKTLocker ransomware changes the structure of the files making them inaccessible and looking like the following example:
After encryption, the REKTLocker ransomware adds a Readme.txt file along with a photo which it changes as a wallpaper. Here is what they both state:
“You PC has been locked with 2048 bit encryption.
REKTLocker”
Readme.txt file:
“Your computer has been encrypted.
Send 1 BTC to 1NuLLtgCmigRb5mXeFgsGDFnVLypLC4a8Y or your files will be permanently encrypted.
Decryptor:
Other peoples keys will not work on your computer.
Do not think your antivirus will save you; it will not.”
REKTLocker Ransomware – Conclusion, Removal, and File Restoration
As a bottom line, REKTLocker has most likely been purchased as a service (RaaS) online from a deep web forum and the people behind it, have inserted some crooked humor, by including the file extension .rekt in it, with a reference to a so-called “owning” in video games. We advise not to respect the demands of these cyber-crooks and focus on dealing with the threat yourself. To do this, you should first remove REKTLocker ransomware and after this, focus on getting your files back by following the instructions below.
To remove REKTLocker, we have designed methodologically arranged steps that will help you with manually locating and removing the files as long as you have the exact knowledge of where all the files are. For maximum effectiveness, we urge you to use an advanced anti-malware program, because it will not only automatically detect and remove REKTLocker and other hazards to your PC, but will also protect it in the future as well.
In case you are interested in restoring your files, make sure to back the encrypted data first and DO NOT reinstall Windows. This will help programs such as data recovery software which we suggest using in step “3. Restore files encrypted by REKTLocker” to act more effectively and revert at least a small portion of your files. While you attempt to restore your files, we also strongly recommend following this article and our updates, since we will immediately post an update as soon as malware research experts have released a free decryptor for REKTLocker ransomware.
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 REKTLocker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall REKTLocker 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 REKTLocker 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 REKTLocker 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 REKTLocker
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by REKTLocker.
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 REKTLocker 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.
REKTLocker-FAQ
What is REKTLocker Ransomware?
REKTLocker 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 REKTLocker 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 REKTLocker Infect?
Via several ways.REKTLocker 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 REKTLocker 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 .REKTLocker files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .REKTLocker 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 .REKTLocker files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".REKTLocker" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .REKTLocker 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 REKTLocker 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 REKTLocker ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .REKTLocker 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 REKTLocker 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 REKTLocker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this REKTLocker 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 REKTLocker 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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