| Name | Trojan:HTML/Browlock |
| Type | Ransomware, Trojan |
| Short Description | May encrypt important files and give decryption keys upon paying ransom which is usually financial compensation. |
| Symptoms | Appearing of different objects in various user folders and a message in the user’s Web Browser. May terminate internet connection. Files encoded with unfamiliar extensions. |
| Distribution Method | Spam mails. MiTM attacks, malicious redirects and links. |
| User Experience | Join our forum to follow the discussion about Trojan:HTML/Browlock. |
| 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. |
This new ransomware Trojan belongs to the Police Ransomware family of Trojans. This group of Trojans is specially created to induce fear in your average inexperienced user by posing as a law enforcement notification service. ESG malware researchers have established an increasing trend in attacks by monitoring police ransomware threats such as Trojan:HTML/Browlock. Ransomware such as this one are the ones that we are most likely to see in near future. Also, known as Browlock, this type of ransomware may exhibit a pop-up screen on the user’s web browser, claiming that he or she has committed a crime and has to pay a ‘fine’ in order to evade legal consequences.
Trojan:HTML/Browlock -How Did I Get Infected With?
A very obvious cause of an infection is carelessness in most users. The Trojan may be distributed via malicious web links that may be opened via ad-supported search results, online pop-up ads, dangerous browser redirects and other. All of those are common for adware PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs) situated on your computer. Such unwanted apps come ’glued’ to third-party installers of various free programs provided by third-party sites. This is called bundling, and it is done solely to make money online. Also, the Trojan may come into existence in your machine by clicking on a malicious message, falsely advertised or sent by a virus on social networks, like Facebook, Twitter, and others.
Trojan:HTML/Browlock – More About
Researchers claim that it is very common for this family of Trojans to block all access to the infected computer with to the world wide web. It also utilizes the victim’s browser to display the ransom message. Similar to other ransomware police attacks, it demands payment in the form of ‘legal’ compensation in its ransom note. Browlock trojan is reported also to do your regular ransomware activities, such as making modification in the victim’s OS to make sure they cannot escape the ransom message. This type of trojan varies in its methods of infection and is believed to modify its attack, depending on the victim’s location. ESG security analysts even report it to resemble every country’s law enforcement ministry in badges and language, depending on where your machine is situated. For example, if you are located in Spain, it may resemble Spanish police, and the message may be in Spanish.
Security researchers have managed to establish that one of the servers, connected with this trojan may be located in Saint Petersburg in Russia.
Removing Trojan:HTML/Browlock and Protecting Yourself
In case you are experiencing difficulties in accessing the web and see a Police Ransomware message, that is a clear sign you may have Browlock Trojan on your computer. Experts advise to disconnect immediately from the internet and use a USB stick to install an advanced anti-malware program by downloading it onto the flash drive or other external memory carriers from a safe PC. They also advise booting into Safe Mode without networking since this will prevent any unauthorized third-parties to run on the computer. It is advisable to check the aftermentioned the step-by-step removal and protection tutorials to get rid of this threat.
Also, In case you want to decrypt your files and do not know any methods of decryption, please download a decrypting program (For example Kaspersky Decryptor) or check out these instructions. Either way, do not raise your hopes, because if the encryption is strong you may not restore your files in the next year or so.
Ransomware Removal and Protection Instructions
1. Start Your PC in Safe Mode to Remove Trojan:HTML/Browlock.
For Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 systems:
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: Click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
2. Remove Trojan:HTML/Browlock automatically by downloading an advanced anti-malware program.
To clean your computer you must download an updated anti-malware program on a safe PC and then install it on the affected computer in offline mode. After that you should boot into safe mode and scan your computer to remove all Trojan:HTML/Browlock associated objects.
Security engineers recommend that you back up your files immediately, preferably on an external memory carrier in order to be able to restore them. In order to protect yourself from Trojan:HTML/Browlock (For Windows Users) please follow these simple instructions:
For Windows 7 and earlier:
1-Click on Windows Start Menu
2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup
4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.
5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.
6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by Trojan:HTML/Browlock.
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10:
1-Press Windows button + R
2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter
3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’
4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.
5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from Trojan:HTML/Browlock.
Enabling Windows Defense Feature:
1- Press Windows button + R keys.
2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.
3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.
5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from Trojan:HTML/Browlock is on.
Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.
2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.
3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by Trojan:HTML/Browlock should be restored.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Trojan:HTML/Browlock with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Trojan:HTML/Browlock 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 Trojan:HTML/Browlock 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 Trojan:HTML/Browlock 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 Trojan:HTML/Browlock
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Trojan:HTML/Browlock.
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 Trojan:HTML/Browlock 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.
Trojan:HTML/Browlock-FAQ
What is Trojan:HTML/Browlock Ransomware?
Trojan:HTML/Browlock 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 Trojan:HTML/Browlock 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 Trojan:HTML/Browlock Infect?
Via several ways.Trojan:HTML/Browlock 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 Trojan:HTML/Browlock 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 .Trojan:HTML/Browlock files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Trojan:HTML/Browlock 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 .Trojan:HTML/Browlock files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Trojan:HTML/Browlock" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Trojan:HTML/Browlock 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 Trojan:HTML/Browlock 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 Trojan:HTML/Browlock ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Trojan:HTML/Browlock 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 Trojan:HTML/Browlock 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 Trojan:HTML/Browlock Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Trojan:HTML/Browlock 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 Trojan:HTML/Browlock 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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