The “hidden tear” project has brought yet another ransomware. It is named Strictor and it is also known as BankAccountSummary ransomware which wants 500$ from infected users to get the files encrypted by it back at their disposal. The ransomware locks the data using a very strong AES-256 cipher which would take years and years to crack unless a flaw in its code has been found. Experts advise infected users to not pay the 500$ ransom amount in most circumstances because their files may not be decrypted and they help the cyber-criminals develop and spread the virus. Instead, it is recommended to remove the ransomware and try and restore the data using alternative methods such as the ones below while waiting for a decryption method to be released.
Threat Summary
Name | Strictor |
Type | Remote Access Trojan with file encryption capability. |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files with a strong AES-256 cipher asking 500$ for decryption. |
Symptoms | Files are encrypted with the.locked file extension and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom may show as a wallpaper. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks. |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Locky 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. |
Strictor Ransomware – Distribution
To be successfully deployed across computers, the creators of Strictor may have used spam messages that could feature either malicious e-mail attachments or malicious URLs such as the example below:
But, they have also though out this bottleneck very well, realizing it is the most important part of the infection process. This is why they may have used file obfuscators to hide the malicious payload carrying file from Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware programs.
Researchers have also reported that a malicious executable file pretending to be a .PDF document has been reported to be widespread via spam messages carrying Strictor. The file has the following name:
- Bank_Account_Summary.pdf.exe
Strictor Ransomware In Detail
After being activated on your computer, Strictor may create malicious files in the following Windows folders:
After creating the files, researchers at https://id-ransomware.blogspot.bg have reported that the ransomware creates the following registry entries:
→ In the key:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\Bank_Account_Summary_RASAPI32\
The following subkeys:
ConsoleTracingMask
EnableConsoleTracing
EnableFileTracing
FileDirectory
FileTracingMask
MaxFileSize
In the key:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Tracing\Bank_Account_Summary_RASMANCS\
The following subkeys:
ConsoleTracingMask
EnableConsoleTracing
EnableFileTracing
FileDirectory
FileTracingMask
MaxFileSize
After changing the settings of the user, the ransomware may also connect to its command and control server:
→ 202.181.194.227
After connecting to the server, the ransomware may send different information from the infected computer:
- Decryption Key.
- System Information.
- Anti-Virus Information.
The ransomware also uses an AES-256 cypher to encrypt most usable files without damaging Windows:
→ “PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG”Source:fileinfo.com
The encrypted files by Strictor contain the .locked file extension, for example:
→ Picture.jpg.locked
After encryption, the ransomware virus is reported to create the following file:
→ C:\Users\Name\Documents\WindowsUpdate.locked
The ransomware virus may also delete the shadow volume copies of the infected users by
In addition to that, Strictor Ransomware has preventive measures, when the user stops the connection to the internet. The ransomware displays the following message if there is no active connection:
→ “Are you trying to fool me? Connect me to the Internet ;)”
In addition to that, it leaves a ransom note, by changing the wallpaper of the infected computer to the following picture:
The ransomware may also add a text file, containing the following ransom message:
→ “All your precious Files on your computer
I have successfully encrypted!
Your files are encrypted To get the key to decrypt flies you have to pay 500 USD.
If payment is not made before {Deadline date here} the cost of decrypting files will increase 2 times and will be 1000 USD
Click below to pay us the bitcoins!!!”
Strictor – Conclusion, Removal, and File Restoration
The corollary for Strictor ransomware is that it has been created to induce fear in users and drive them into paying the ransom money of 500 USD in time. The creators of this virus do not fool around, and they may have a lot of experience with ransomware infections because the malicious website connected to the ransomware contains the name “CryptoWall” in it. CryptoWall is one of the most notorious ransomware infections ever to be created, generating damages of over 180 million dollars globally for 2015.
To remove Strictor, we advise you to follow our instructions. They are organized in a methodological order to help you remove the ransomware. We advise you to also use an anti-malware tool to help you remove the malicious files because they may be different files in different locations under different names.
To decrypt your files. Unfortunately there is no current method released. However, we have prepared alternative file restoration methods which will help you restore at least some of your files. In the meantime, we will keep you posted in this article with updates if a decryptor has been released.
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.
How to Remove Strictor from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Strictor





Step 2: Uninstall Strictor 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:



Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Strictor 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 Strictor there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:



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 Strictor with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Strictor.
Ransomware infections and Strictor 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 Strictor from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Strictor 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 Strictor 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 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Strictor.
Ransomware infections and Strictor 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.
Strictor FAQ
What is Strictor ransomware and how does it work?
Strictor 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 Strictor ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Strictor 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 Strictor 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 .Strictor files?
You can't. At this point the .Strictor 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 .Strictor files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Strictor 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 ".Strictor" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Strictor 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 Strictor 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 Strictor ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Strictor files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Strictor 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.
How to 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.