Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by VenusLocker and other threats.
Threats such as VenusLocker may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ransomware, named VenusLocker, using AES-256 and RSA-2048 ciphers to encrypt files of infected computers has appeared in the wild, leaving the encoded objects with a .Venusf extension added to them. To purchase back their files, the users are given instructions and a deadline to pay the hefty sum of 0.15 BitCoins. The ransomware also uses a lock-screen mechanism to block the user from using the computer. Users who have become victims of this cyber-threat are advised not to pay the ransom money, remove VenusLocker from their computers and try alternative methods like the ones in this article to restore their files.
Threat Summary
Name
VenusLocker
Type
Ransomware
Short Description
The ransomware uses 256-bit AES and RSA ciphers to encrypt files with an asymmetric algorithm to generate a decryption key different than the encryption one.
Symptoms
The ransomware will lock all your files with .Venusf extension appended to them and put a ransom note in your PC. The note states that you have to pay the equivalent of 0.5 Bitcoins for decryption.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Suspicious Sites
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by VenusLocker
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.
VenusLocker Ransomware – How Does It Spread
To replicate successfully and infect user PCs, the creators of VenusLocker may have undertaken a massive e-mail spam campaign. The messages of the e-mails sent to users may contain false names of people or companies that may be familiar to the user, such as the following examples of topics:
“Your PayPal Receipt.”
“Your account confirmation.”
“Your bank account details.”
“Your account has been discontinued.”
The e-mails may contain malicious attachments which are obfuscated and disguised as if they are legitimate documents. Another form of infection via those mails is to use malicious URL web links.
VenusLocker Ransomware – More Information
Once entered the computer, VenusLocker may situate its malicious files under different names in the following Windows locations:
After this, it modifies heavily the Windows Registry Editor. VenusLocker may attack and compromise the following registry keys:
To encrypt files, VenusLocker uses an AES-256 encryption algorithm – one of the strongest in the world, which is military grade and also used by the NSA. After encryption it generates a unique AES unlock key which is also encrypted with another military grade cipher – RSA-2048 bit. VenusLocker ransomware may attack the following types of files:
After encryption, VenusLocker locks the screen and drops a ReadMe.txt file, displaying the following ransom instructions on how to contact the cyber-criminals and pay the ransom money:
→“—————————————- Venus 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, a strong 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 100 US Dollars for the private key and decryption service. Please note that you have ONLY 72 HOURS to complete your payment. If your peyment 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 100 US dollars (or equivalent local currencies) to Bitcoins, and then send these Bitcoins (about 0.15 BTC) to the following address. 1Dj9YnMiciNgaKuyzKynygu7nB21tvV6QD 2). Send your personal ID to our official email: [email protected] 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 without 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 0.15 BTC (equivalent to 100 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 VenusLocker Team” Source: Infected Users
VenusLocker ransomware also changes the wallpaper to the following image:
Remove VenusLocker and Try to Get Back The Files
To remove VenusLocker ransomware, we strongly advise you to follow the instructions below. They are methodologically arranged to assist deleting this virus. However, since VenusLocker ransomware may create different files on your computer, it is strongly advisable to use an advanced anti-malware program which will take care swiftly of all associated objects with VenusLocker on your computer.
VenusLocker ransomware has been created for one purpose – profit via online extortion. The cyber-criminals use advanced mechanisms and directly decrypting files is next to impossible, unless researchers discover holes in the code which can help decrypt files. We are currently monitoring the situation and will provide a download link for a free decryptor on this web page once it is released. In the meantime, we strongly advise you to make copies of the encrypted files and try using the file restoration methods in step “3. Restore files encrypted by VenusLocker” below.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by VenusLocker and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as VenusLocker. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove VenusLocker follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove VenusLocker files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 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.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by VenusLocker on your PC
Find files created by VenusLocker
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove VenusLocker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for VenusLocker and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove VenusLocker. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by VenusLocker
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by VenusLocker
Ransomware infections and VenusLocker aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ransomware, named VenusLocker, using AES-256 and RSA-2048 ciphers to encrypt files of infected computers has appeared in the wild, leaving the encoded objects with a .Venusf extension added to them. To purchase back their files, the users are given instructions and a deadline to pay the hefty sum of 0.15 BitCoins. The ransomware also uses a lock-screen mechanism to block the user from using the computer. Users who have become victims of this cyber-threat are advised not to pay the ransom money, remove VenusLocker from their computers and try alternative methods like the ones in this article to restore their files.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for VenusLocker and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
