This article will help you remove VHD Locker ransomware completely. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end of the article.
VHD Locker is a ransomware virus that will lock your data if your computer gets infected with it. Your files will be placed and locked in a Virtual Hard Disk (VHD), hence the name VHD Locker. The ransom price that is demanded by the cybercriminals behind this virus is 0.5 Bitcoins. Keep on reading to see how you could try to potentially restore some of your data.
Threat Summary
| Name | VHD Locker |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Short Description | The ransomware will lock your files and demand payment for unlocking them. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will move your files to a Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) and lock it. It displays a ransom note afterward that lists 0.5 Bitcoins as a ransom payment. |
| 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 VHD Locker. |
| 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. |
VHD Locker Ransomware – Infection Spread
VHD Locker ransomware could spread its infection via different methods. The payload file that initiates the malicious script for this ransomware, which in turn infects your computer device, has been seen in the wild by malware researchers.
VHD Locker ransomware might also distribute its payload file on social media sites and file-sharing services. Freeware found on the Web can be presented as helpful but could also hide the malicious script for the virus. Refrain from opening files right after you have downloaded them, especially if they come from suspicious sources like links and e-mails. Instead, you should scan them beforehand with a security tool, while also checking their size and signatures for anything that seems out of ordinary. You should read the ransomware prevention tips topic in our forum.
VHD Locker Ransomware – Technical Overview
VHD Locker is a ransomware virus. The name of the ransomware comes from its feature to lock the files inside a Virtual Hard Disk.
VHD Locker ransomware could make entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence, launch and repress processes in Windows. Some entries are designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with each launch of the Windows Operating System.
The ransom note will appear after your computer system becomes infected with VHD Locker ransomware. The note is written in English and is contained in a file named PLEASE READ.txt. Inside it you will find details about what the crooks behind the virus want you to do regarding payment.
You can see the ransom note right here below:
That ransom note reads the following:
Hello there. You can also use xxxxs://translate.google.com/
I would like to tell you first I’m sorry about that. Your documents, files, database, most are in original places or some moved to your local data. If
you want to regain access to your local data please send 0.5 BTC (Bitcoin) to this address: 1AKjQCDsYBesGE1V7UGdGadbRop41py1ch as fast as
you can and email me at davidblainemagique@gmail.com If you dont know what bitcoin is, please ask me for bitcoin website that you can buy it
fast or search on google for a local Bitcoin shop or ATM and transfer 0.5 BTC to this address: 1AKjQCDsYBesGE1V7UGdGadbRop41py1chIt’s not my fault if you are trying to format disk and lose all, encrypted files are not recoverable without bitlocker passoword. Here are only one
way to get all back and regain access to your local hard disk drive and this way is to send 0.5 Bitcoin to this address:
1AKjQCDsYBesGE1V7UGdGadbRop41py1chIt’s just business not trying to get your money and then to not give your bitlocker password. Only me can give your password to unlock your
Locals Disk so this is the only chance to get all back. Waiting for your reply to my email address (davidblainemagique@gmail.com or to my second
email in case gmail not work davidblaine@mail2world.com) if you wanna get the bitlocker password.If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at anytime.
Thanks for your time!
PS: Your files are here on VIRTUAL HARD DISK the location is here
C:\drivers\s.vhd
See here how to open your drive
xxxxs://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3Pxn23dFuQ
The note of the VHD Locker ransomware states that your data is placed inside a Virtual Hard Disk and locked with a password that only the cybercriminal has in his possession. To get that password, you are required to pay the amount of 0.5 Bitcoins, which equates to 552 US dollars at the time of writing this article. You should NOT under any circumstances pay the ransom sum. Nobody can guarantee that you will get your files back. Moreover, giving money to these criminals will likely motivate them to create more ransomware and do other criminal activities.
For the moment it is unknown exactly which file types the VHD Locker ransomware is after, but files with the following extensions are most likely to get encrypted:
→.jpg, .jpeg, .docx, .doc, .xlsx, .xls, .ppt, .pdf, .png, .odt, .pptx, .msg, .rar, .mdb, .zip
The VHD Locker virus is possible to delete the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows Operating System by using the following command:
→vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet
Keep on reading and see in what ways you could try to potentially restore some of your data.
Remove VHD Locker Ransomware and Restore Your Data
If your computer got infected with the VHD Locker 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 VHD Locker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall VHD Locker 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 VHD Locker 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 VHD Locker 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 VHD Locker
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by VHD Locker.
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 VHD Locker 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.
VHD Locker-FAQ
What is VHD Locker Ransomware?
VHD Locker 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 VHD Locker 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 VHD Locker Infect?
Via several ways.VHD Locker 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 VHD Locker 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 .VHD Locker files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .VHD Locker 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 .VHD Locker files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".VHD Locker" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .VHD Locker 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 VHD Locker 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 VHD Locker ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .VHD Locker 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 VHD Locker 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 VHD Locker Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this VHD Locker 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 VHD Locker 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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