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 UltraLocker and other threats.
Threats such as UltraLocker 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.
A crypto-virus, called CryptoWire has surfaced during Autumn, 2016 and now it has resurfaced with a successor variant, calling itself UltraLocker. The virus most likely uses AES encryption algorithm to render the files of the victims no longer usable and ads a pop-up notification message in the form of a little program that notifies the victim the files are corrupted. Once those files have already been corrupted, the ransomware virus aims to perform several different activities to notify the user and give him instructions to buy 1000$ worth of bitcoins and pay them to decrypt files. In case you have become a victim of UltraLocker CryptoWire variant, we advise you not to contact the [email protected] address for decryption, but to focus on reading this article and learning how to remove UltraLocker virus and try to restore the encrypted files.
Threat Summary
Name
UltraLocker
Type
Ransomware
Short Description
The ransomware encrypts files with the AES cipher and asks a ransom payoff for decryption.
Symptoms
Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a lockscreen.
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery Technician’s License 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.
How Does The UltraLocker Virus Infect
Just like it’s first ransomware variant, CryptoWire uses advanced distribution techniques to spread. It may use a vast array of tools that combined together result in a successful infection.
Malicious .js, .wsf files or JavaScript spread in URLs.
Malicious .htm, .html, .hta and other types of files.
Obfuscators that conceal the virus from any security programs on the computer of the victim.
File joiners that could combine the malware with legitimate documents and execute it via malicious macros. (docx, pdf, xls, etc.)
Malicious servers to command the operation and monitor it.
Tools that are being used in order to assist the malware
Some or all of these tools, if combined together make for the perfect infection by UltraLocker ransomware and make it possible to spread the virus using e-mail, social media accounts and even comments on various sites that support third-party links of all character. It is even possible to become infected as a result of adware on your computer that causes the infection via malvertising you web links.
UltraLocker Ransomware – Post-Infection Actions
After infecting the computer, the UltraLocker ransomware uses an advanced combination of lockscreen notification and techniques that encrypt the files on compromised computer. To do the encryption, the virus may act in an obfuscated manner so that the user does not even notice what is happening during encryption.
First, the virus drops one or more malicious files onto crucial Windows folders, for example:
After this the UltraLocker malware may begin to inject malicious scripts in key windows services, such as:
In addition to this, the virus may use critical Windows processes to perform activities of it’s own interest, such as:
To establish coms with the C&C(Command servers) belonging to the cyber-crooks.
To execute commands that delete backups, such as the “vssadmin delete shadows” as administrator.
To begin to modify keys and registry subkeys that add values in the Windows Registry Editor. Such may be utilized to lock the screen on the compromised computer or begin encrypting files on system boot.
All of these processes add together for the preparation for the actual damage done by UltraLocker ransomware, which is to encrypt the files of the user PC, using the Advanced Encryption Standard otherwise known as AES encryption algorithm. The files which this virus targets may vary, but they all come down to the following types:
Videos.
Audio files.
Pictures.
Microsoft Office documents.
Adobe .PDF files.
Files associated with often used programs.
Database files and database support files.
After the encryption is complete, the user sees the occasional decryption instructions screen:
What is also typical about the UltraLocker threat is that not only it uses AES and has a lockscreen software-like feature. The ransomware also has other capabilities, as advertised on GitHub. Here are some of those:
It can encrypt remote drives and cloud service databases, like USB drives, OneDrive databases, Dropbox files, etc.
It can encrypt all files, no matter the extension, besides crucial Windows files that will break Windows.
It can avoid heuristic scans by antivirus programs.
It can check the domain of the victim’s computer and if the computer is in an organization, increase the ransom payoff.
How To Get Rid of UltraLocker Virus and Try to Decrypt Encrypted Files
In order to successfully remove UltraLocker, it is strongly advisable to focus on removing all aspects of the virus using the instructions below. They are divided by manual and automatic removal instructions. In case you lack the sufficient experience in manual, removal, then we would recommend what experts often advise – to follow the automatic instructions and download and use an advanced anti-malware program. Such will help remove the UltraLocker ransomware swiftly and completely.
After having removed this threat, you may want to try and use the alternative tools which we have suggested and that can help you recover at least some of your files encrypted by UltraLocker. However, bear in mind that these tools in step “2. Restore files encrypted by UltraLocker” are not tested on your infection specifically and this is why you should also backup the encrypted files.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by UltraLocker 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 UltraLocker. 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 UltraLocker follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove UltraLocker 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 UltraLocker on your PC
Find files created by UltraLocker
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 UltraLocker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for UltraLocker and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove UltraLocker. 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 UltraLocker
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by UltraLocker
Ransomware infections and UltraLocker 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.
A crypto-virus, called CryptoWire has surfaced during Autumn, 2016 and now it has resurfaced with a successor variant, calling itself UltraLocker. The virus most likely uses AES encryption algorithm to render the files of the victims no longer usable and ads a pop-up notification message in the form of a little program that notifies the victim the files are corrupted. Once those files have already been corrupted, the ransomware virus aims to perform several different activities to notify the user and give him instructions to buy 1000$ worth of bitcoins and pay them to decrypt files. In case you have become a victim of UltraLocker CryptoWire variant, we advise you not to contact the [email protected] address for decryption, but to focus on reading this article and learning how to remove UltraLocker virus and try to restore the encrypted 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 UltraLocker and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
