The article will help you to remove TrumpLocker ransomware fully. Follow the ransomware removal instructions at the end of the article.
TrumpLocker is the new name for the old VenusLocker ransomware. This virus will even display a splash screen with a picture of Donald Trump as seen right here on the right, if the .exe file for it is run. The extension .TheTrumpLockerf will be appended to all files that get fully encrypted. AES is being used as the encryption algorithm and the ransomware stems from the HiddenTear/EDA2 project. The TrumpLocker virus creates quite the long ransom note. Keep on reading and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | TrumpLocker |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer and leaves a ransom message afterward. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and put the extension .TheTrumpLockerf on completely encrypted files and .TheTrumpLockerp to files which have only their first 1024 bytes encrypted. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss TrumpLocker. |
| 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. |
TrumpLocker Virus – Infection
TrumpLocker ransomware could spread its infection in multiple ways. A payload file which initiates the malicious script for the ransomware in question is seen before on the Internet. Your computer machine will get encrypted by the cryptovirus if its malicious script gets executed. You can preview one such payload dropper, uploaded to the VirusTotal service by malware researchers, from below here:
TrumpLocker ransomware might also be spreading its payload file on social media sites and file-sharing networks. Freeware that is spread on the Internet can be presented as helpful but could also hide the malicious script for this cryptovirus. Refrain from opening files after you have downloaded them, especially if they are coming from suspicious places like emails or links of unknown origin. Instead, you should scan the files with a security tool and check their size and signatures for anything that seems out of place. Read the ransomware prevention tips from the forum section to see how to avoid infection.
TrumpLocker Virus – Description
TrumpLocker ransomware is also a cryptovirus. The virus is a variant of VenusLocker ransomware and even uses the desktop background image of the original. All encrypted files will receive an extension, but the extension for each will be based on whether they got fully encrypted or not.
The malware usually waits a couple of minutes before doing anything. Afterward, a whole procedure of actions starts to ensue. At first a splash screen is shown with a photo showing Donald Trump smiling and the caption “YOU ARE HACKED!!”, as you can see right here:
The TrumpLocker ransomware makes entries in the Windows Registry to achieve a higher form of persistence. The thing that happens is that the registry entries guarantee that the ransomware will start automatically with every launch of the Windows Operating System.
The following files will be created:
- ”C:\Users\User_name\Desktop\What happen to my files.txt” – contains the text with the ransom note instructions.
- ”C:\Users\User_name\bg.jpg” – the picture that is going to be placed as your Desktop background
The Desktop wallpaper that is placed as a background after file encryption look like this:
The message left on it reads the following:
You are hacked
Your personal files are encrypted
To decrypt and recover all your files, you need to pay 50 US dollars for decryption service.
1. Exchange 50 USD (or equivalent local currencies) to Bitcoins, and then send these Bitcoins to our Bitcoin receiving address: 1N82pq3XovKoJYqUmTrRiXftpNHZyu4jyv
2. Send your Personal ID to our official email: TheTrumpLocker@mail2tor.com
3. You will receive your private key to recover your files within one working day.
For detailed information, please refer to the dialog or “What happen to myfiies.txt” on your desktop.
The ransom note will be placed inside a .txt file after the encryption process is complete. The file with the ransom note is called What happen to my files.txt. That text is also going to be loaded in a window screen that looks like the following:
The What happen to my files.txt file contains the full ransom note message and it looks like this:
The note reads the following:
——— Trump Locker ———
Unfortunately, you are hacked.
1. What happened to my files?
Your personal files, including your photos, documents, videos and other important files on this computer, have been encrypted with RSA-4096, the strongest encryption algorithm. RSA algorithm generates a public key and a private key for your computer. The public key was used to encrypt your files a moment ago. The private key is necessary for you to decrypt and recover your files. Now, your private key is stored on our secret Internet server. And there is no doubt that no one can recover your files without your private key.
For further information about RSA algorithm, please refer to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
2. How to decrypt my files?
To decrypt and recover your files, you have to pay 50 US Dollars for the private key and decryption service. Please note that you have ONLY 72 HOURS to complete your payment. If your payment do not be completed within time limit, your private key will be deleted automatically by our server. All your files will be permanently encrypted, and nobody can recover them. Therefore, it is advised that you’d better not waste your time, because there is no other way to recover your files except making a payment.
3. How to pay for my private key?
There are three steps to make a payment and recover your files:
1). For the security of transactions, all the payments must be completed via Bitcoin network. Thus, you need to exchange 50 US dollars (or equivalent local currencies) to Bitcoins, and then send these Bitcoins (about 0.045 BTC) to the following address. 1N82pq3XovKoJYqUmTrRiXftpNHZyu4jyv
2). Send your personal ID to our official email: TheTrumpLocker@mail2tor.com
Your personal ID is cc673bcfcf644d2c1a88893cb0ff8fa7
3). You will receive a decryptor and your private key to recover all your files within one working day.
4. What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is an innovative payment network and a new kind of money. It is based on an open-source cryptographic protocol that is independent of any central authority. Bitcoins can be transferred through a computer or a smartphone withour an intermediate financial institution.
5. How to make a payment with Bitcoin?
You can make a payment with Bitcoin based on Bitcoin Wallet or Based on Perfect Money. You can choose the way that is more convenient for you.
About Based on Bitcoin Wallet
1) Create a Bitcoin Wallet. We recommend Blockchain.info (https://blockchain.info/)
2) Buy the necessary amount of Bitcoins. Our recommendations are as follows.
LocalBitcoins.com — the fastest and easiest way to buy and sell Bitcoins.
CoinCafe.com — the simplest and fastest way to buy, sell and use Bitcoins.
BTCDirect.eu — the best for Europe.
CEX.IO — Visa / MasterCard
CoinMama.com — Visa / MasterCard
HowToBuyBitcoins.info — discover quickly how to buy and sell Bitcoins in your local currency.
3) As mentioned above, send about 0.045 BTC (equivalent to 50 USD) to our Bitcoin receiving address.
4) As mentioned above, and then, send us your personal ID via email, you will receive your private key soon.
About Based on Perfect Money
1) Create a Perfect Money account. (https://perfectmoney.is)
2) Visit to PMBitcoin.com. (https://pmbitcoin.com/btc)
Input our Bitcoin receiving an address in the \“Bitcoin Wallet\” textbox.
input 100 in the \“Amount\” textbox, the amount of Bitcoin will be calculated automatically.
click \“PAY\” button; then you can complete your payment with your Perfect Money account and local debit card.
6. If you have any problem, please feel free to contact us via official email.
Best Regards
The Trump Locker Team
Ransom note source: Infected users
The ransomware is reported to be a stem of the HiddenTear. You can read more about the HiddenTear/EDA2 open-source project from the corresponding article in the blog.
You should NOT under any circumstances consider paying the crooks behind TrumpLocker ransomware, and you should not contact them either. Your files may not get restored, and nobody could guarantee that. Furthermore, giving money to these criminals will likely motivate them to distribute other ransomware viruses or do more criminal activities.
The TrumpLocker ransomware encrypts files differently than VenusLocker. Each of the files that get encrypted will receive an extension appended to the end of their names. The only difference is that some files get only their first 1024 bytes encrypted and receive an extension slightly different to others. Here is how that stands:
- Files that get fully encrypted receive the extension .TheTrumpLockerf
- Files that get partially encrypted (only their first 1024 bytes) receive the extension .TheTrumpLockerp
Here is a list with all extensions that will get encrypted with the .TheTrumpLockerf extension:
→.xls, .xlt, .xlm, .xlsx, .xlsm, .xltx, .xltm, xlsb, .xla, .xlam, .xll, .xlw, .txt, .ini, .php, .html, .css, .py, .c, .cpp, .cc, .h, .cs, .log, .pl, .java, .doc, .dot, .docx, .docm, .dotx, .dotm, .msg, .ppt, .pot, .pps, .pptx, .pptm, .potx, .potm, .ppam, .ppsx, .ppsm, .sldx, .sldm, .class, .jar, .csv, .xml, .dwg, .dxf, .asp, .rtf, .wpd, .docb, .wps
Here is a list with all extensions that will get encrypted with the .TheTrumpLockerp extension:
→.idx, .kwd, .lp2, .ltr, .man, .mbox, .msg, .nfo, .now, .odm, .oft, .pwi, .rng, .rtx, .run, .ssa, .text, .unx, .wbk, .wsh, .7z, .arc, .ari, .arj, .car, .cbr, .cbz, .gz, .gzig, .jgz, .pak, .pcv, .puz, .rev, .sdn, .sen, .sfs, .sfx, .sh, .shar, .bkf, .ade, .adpb, .dic, .cch, .ctt, .dal, .ddc, .ddcx, .dex, .dif, .dii, .itdb, .itl, .kmz, .lcd, .lcf, .mbx, .mdn, .clr, .dbx, .jc, .potm, .ppsm, .prc, .prt, .shw, .std, .ver, .wpl, .xlm, .yps, .1cd, .bck, .html, .bak, .odt, .pst, .log, .mpg, .mpeg, .odb, .wps, .xlk, .mdb, .dxg, .wpd, .wb2, .dbf, .ai, .3fr, .arw, .srf, .sr2, .bay, .shr, .sqx, .tbz2, .tg, .tlz, .vsi, .wad, .war, .xpi, .z02, .z04, .zap, .zipx, .zoo, .ipa, .isu, .jar, .js, .udf, .adr, .ap, .aro, .asa, .ascx, .ashx, .asmx, .odf, .odp, .ods, .pab, .pkb, .pkh, .pot, .potx, .pptm, .psa, .qdf, .qel, .rgn, .rrt, .rsw, .rte, .sdb, .sdc, .sds, .sql, .stt, .tcx, .thmx, .txd, .txf, .upoi, .vmt, .wks, .wmdb, .xl, .xlc, .xlr, .xlsb, .xltx, .ltm, .xlwx, .mcd, .cap, .cc, .cod, .cp, .cpp, .cs, .csi, .dcp, .dcu, .dev, .dob, .dox, .dpk, .dpl, .dpr, .dsk, .dat, .csv, .xml, .spv, .grle, .sv5, .game, .slot, .aaf, .aep, .aepx, .plb, .prel, .prproj, .eat, .ppj, .indl, .indt, .indb, .inx, .idml, .pmd, .xqx, .svg, .as3, .as, .dsp, .eql, .ex, .f90, .fla, .for, .fpp, .jav, .java, .lbi, .owl, .pl, .plc, .pli, .pm, .res, .rsrc, .so, .swd, .tpu, .tpx, .tu, .tur, .vc, .yab, .aip, .amxx, .ape, .api, .mxp, .oxt, .qpx, .qtr, .xla, .xlam, .xll, .xlv, .xpt, .cfg, .cwf, .dbb, .slt, .bp2, .bp3, .bpl, .asp, .indd, .asr, .qbb, .bml, .cer, .cms, .crt, .dap, .htm, .moz, .svr, .url, .wdgt, .abk, .bic, .big, .blp, .bsp, .cgf, .chk, .col, .cty, .dem, .elf, .ff, .gam, .grf, .h3m, .h4r, .iwd, .ldb, .lgp, .lvl, .map, .md3, .mdl, .nds, .pbp, .ppf, .pwf, .pxp, .sad, .sav, .scm, .scx, .sdt, .spr, .sud, .uax, .umx, .unr, .uop, .usa, .usx, .ut2, .ut3, .utc, .utx, .uvx, .uxx, .vmf, .vtf, .w3g, .asf, .pdf, .xls, .docx, .xlsx, .mp3, .waw, .jpg, .jpeg, .txt, .rtf, .doc, .rar, .zip, .psd, .tif, .wma, .gif, .bmp, .ppt, .pptx, .docm, .xlsm, .pps, .ppsx, .ppd, .eps, .png, .ace, .djvu, .tar, .cdr, .max, .wmv, .avi, .wav, .mp4, .pdd, .php, .aac, .ac3, .amf, .amr, .dwg, .dxf, .accdb, .mod, .tax2013, .tax2014, .oga, .ogg, .pbf, .ra, .raw, .saf, .val, .wave, .wow, .wpk, .3g2, .3gp, .3gp2, .3mm, .amx, .rpt, .avs, .bik, .dir, .divx, .dvx, .evo, .flv, .qtq, .tch, .rts, .rum, .rv, .scn, .srt, .stx, .svi, .swf, .trp, .vdo, .wm, .wmd, .wmmp, .wmx, .wvx, .xvid, .3d, .3d4, .3df8, .pbs, .adi, .ais, .amu, .arr, .bmc, .bmf, .cag, .cam, .dng, .ink, .ini, .jif, .jiff, .jpc, .jpf, .jpw, .mag, .mic, .mip, .msp, .nav, .ncd, .odc, .odi, .opf, .qif, .xwd, .abw, .act, .adt, .aim, .ans, .asc, .ase, .bdp, .bdr, .bib, .boc, .crd, .diz, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .dvi, .dxe, .mlx, .err, .euc, .faq, .fdr, .fds, .gthr, .w3x, .wtd, .wtf, .ccd, .cd, .cso, .disk, .dmg, .dvd, .fcd, .flp, .img, .isz, .mdf, .mds, .nrg, .nri, .vcd, .vhd, .snp, .crw, .cr2, .dcr, .kdc, .erf, .mef, .mrw, .nef, .nrw, .orf, .raf, .rwl, .rw2, .r3d, .srw, .x3f, .der, .pem, .pfx, .p12, .p7b, .p7c, .jfif, .exif, .docb, .xlt, .xltm, .xlw, .ppam, .sldx, .sldm, .class, .db, .pdb, .ptx, .pef
The encryption which is utilized by the ransomware is believed to be AES as that is the encryption algorithm used by the HiddenTear variants and VenusLocker ransomware.
A really long list with exclusions is encoded inside the TrumpLocker virus:
→Program Files, Program Files (x86), Windows, Python27, Python34, AliWangWang, Avira, wamp, Avira, 360, ATI, Google, Intel, Internet Explorer, Kaspersky Lab, Microsoft Bing Pinyin, Microsoft Chart Controls, Microsoft Games, Microsoft Office, Microsoft.NET, MicrosoftBAF, MSBuild, QQMailPlugin, Realtek, Skype, Reference Assemblies, Tencent, USB Camera2, WinRAR, Windows Sidebar, Windows Portable Devices, Windows Photo Viewer, Windows NT, Windows Media Player, Windows Mail, NVIDIA Corporation, Adobe, IObit, AVAST Software, CCleaner, AVG, Mozilla Firefox, VirtualDJ, TeamViewer, ICQ, java, Yahoo!
The above list contains all names of folders, which are to be excluded from the encryption process.
The TrumpLocker cryptovirus is reported by HybridAnalysis to delete the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system by utilizing the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Read on through and check out what type of ways you can try to potentially restore some of your files.
Remove TrumpLocker Ransomware and Restore .TheTrumpLockerf Files
If your computer got infected with the TrumpLocker ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for TrumpLocker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall TrumpLocker 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 TrumpLocker 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 TrumpLocker 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 TrumpLocker
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by TrumpLocker.
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 TrumpLocker 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.
TrumpLocker-FAQ
What is TrumpLocker Ransomware?
TrumpLocker 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 TrumpLocker 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 TrumpLocker Infect?
Via several ways.TrumpLocker 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 TrumpLocker 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 .TrumpLocker files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .TrumpLocker 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 .TrumpLocker files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".TrumpLocker" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .TrumpLocker 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 TrumpLocker 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 TrumpLocker ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .TrumpLocker 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 TrumpLocker 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 TrumpLocker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this TrumpLocker 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 TrumpLocker 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.
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.