This article will aid you remove Unlock 92 Ransomware effectively. Follow the removal instructions at the end.
A new Unlock92 ransomware variant has been discovered which encrypts the target data with the @LOCKED extension. The collected samples have been collected from a campaign which is probably the test release. It’s very possible that future atttacks will happen soon if they prove successful. Our article will guide users into finding out if they have been infected and how they can attempt to remove the active infections.
Threat Summary
| Name | Unlock 92 ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer and displays a ransom message afterward. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will encrypt your files and put the extension @Locked to them after it finishes its encryption process. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| 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 Unlock 92 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. |
@Locked Unlock 92 Ransomware – Distribution
The Unlock92 ransomware is delivered using the most popular malware spread tactics. So far the captured strains do not indicate which is the primary method.
Virus sample belonging to the Unlock92 ransomware family are spread through email SPAM messages — they are designed to look like legitimate messages sent by popular Internet services or sites that the targets may use. The virus files may be either directly attached or linked in the body contents.
A similar mechanism is the creation of fake download sites. They may look like familiar vendor download sites or popular Internet sites, the malicious actors may use similar sounding domain names, contents and certificates.
Unlock92 ransomware code can be embedded in infected payloads of which there are two popular types. The first one is the malicious document — the hackers can embed scripts that can lead to the virus delivery. The dangerous fact here is that any of the popular types can be infected with the macros: spreadsheets, presentations, text files and databases. When opened a notification prompt will appear asking the users to enable the built-in code. The other type is the malicious application installer — the hackers will take the legitimate setup files of popular applications and modify them with the virus code.
The ransomware samples associated with the Unlock92 virus may be spread through peer-to-peer networks such as BitTorrent — they can spread both the stand-alone files and the infected payloads.
In other cases the hackers can also utilize malicious web plugins that are used as the payload delivery mechanism. They are advertised as useful additions to the web browsers and are made compatible with the most popular ones. They are uploaded to their relevant plugin repositories with fake user reviews and developer credentials.
@Locked Unlock 92 Ransomware – Information
The @Locked Unlock 92 ransomware is a recent release of the Unlock 92 malware family. So far the captured samples are very limited in number which is an indication that they are a test release or that the large-scale campaign has not been launched yet. We assume that this virus will follow the typical behavior execution pattern.
The attacks may begin with the start of the data collection module which will automatically start to collect data from the infected computers. It can either be used to construct the unique victim ID or to expose the identity of the victim users owning the machines. The information that is to be used by the virus is mainly composed of details about the installed hardware components, operating system values and user settings. On the other hand data that can directly reveal details about the owners is made up of their name, phone number, address, location and any found account credentials. As the virus can access the whole operating system this includes also all user-installed applications. Web browsers for example can be harvested for any stored credentials.
Following this the harvested data can be used by the stealth protection module. It is used to detect, bypass or entirely security services and systems. This includes anti-virus programs, sandbox/debug environments and virtual machine hosts. When this step is complete the @Locked Unlock 92 ransomware will have the ability to control the infected systems — this includes the possibility of starting up several processes, to hook up to others and manipulate the task manager.
At this point of the infection process the malicious engine will be able to modify the Windows Registry by creating entries belonging to itself or modifying existing ones. When registry values to the operating system are modified this can lead to severe performance issues and malfunctions. Modified strings belonging to any third-party software can cause them to behave in a non-intended way.
A related process launched by most ransomware is the persistent installation — it will reprogram the infected system so that the virus code will be launched every time the computer is powered on. This action may also prevent access to the recovery boot menu which is used in several manual recovery instructions.
To make recovery more difficult the @Locked Unlock 92 ransomware may delete sensitive user data — System Restore Points and Shadow Volume Copies. If a network connection is established to a hacker server then it is usually done so in order to report the infection. However in some cases this can lead to a Trojan deployment. This would allow the criminals to spy on the users, harvest their files and take over control of the machine at any given time.
@Locked Unlock 92 Ransomware – Encryption Process
Like previous versions of this malware family the @Locked Unlock 92 ransomware encrypts user data with a strong cipher. In accordance with the typical practices a built-in list of target files, an example one may include the following:
- Archives
- Backups
- Databases
- Images
- Videos
- Music
The files will be renamed according to the following template .
Ваши файлы зашифрованы.
Если хотите их вернуть отправьте один из зашифрованных файлов на e-mail: unk921@protonmail.com
Если вы не получили ответа в течение суток то скачайте с сайта www.torproject.com браузер TOR
и с его помощью зайдите на сайт: https://n3r2kuzhw2hx6j5.onion (https://n3r2kuzhw2h7x6j5.tor2web.io/
– с любого другого браузера без использования TOR)
– там будет указан действующий почтовый ящик.
Попытки самостоятельного восстановления файлов могут безвозвратно их испортить!Your files have been encrypted.
If you want to restore files, send one more file us to the e-mail: unk921@protonmail.com
Only in case you do not receive a response from the first email address
withit 24 hours, please use use TOR browser from www.torproject.com and see current
e-mail in https://n3r2kuzhw2hx6j5.onion (https://n3r2kuzhw2h7x6j5.tor2web.io/ – from any other browser w/o using a TOR)
Using another tools could corrupt your files, in case of using third party
software we dont give guarantees that full recovery is possible so use it on
your own risk.
Remove Unlock 92 Ransomware and Restore @Locked Files
If your computer got infected with the Unlock 92 Ransomware 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.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for Unlock 92 ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Unlock 92 ransomware 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 Unlock 92 ransomware 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 Unlock 92 ransomware 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 Unlock 92 ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Unlock 92 ransomware.
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 Unlock 92 ransomware 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.
Unlock 92 ransomware-FAQ
What is Unlock 92 ransomware Ransomware?
Unlock 92 ransomware 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 Unlock 92 ransomware 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 Unlock 92 ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Unlock 92 ransomware 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 Unlock 92 ransomware 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 .Unlock 92 ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Unlock 92 ransomware 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 .Unlock 92 ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Unlock 92 ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Unlock 92 ransomware 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 Unlock 92 ransomware 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 Unlock 92 ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Unlock 92 ransomware 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 Unlock 92 ransomware 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 Unlock 92 ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Unlock 92 ransomware 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 Unlock 92 ransomware 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.
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