Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
Note! Your computer might be affected by VHD Locker and other threats.
Threats such as VHD Locker 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
Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
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 VHD Locker
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 [email protected] 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: 1AKjQCDsYBesGE1V7UGdGadbRop41py1ch
It’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: 1AKjQCDsYBesGE1V7UGdGadbRop41py1ch
It’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 ([email protected] or to my second email in case gmail not work [email protected]) 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:
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.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by VHD Locker 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 VHD Locker. 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 VHD Locker follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove VHD Locker 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 VHD Locker on your PC
Find files created by VHD Locker
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.
IMPORTANT! Before starting the Automatic Removal below, 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.
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 VHD Locker with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for VHD Locker and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove VHD Locker. 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 VHD Locker
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by VHD Locker
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 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:
Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.
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 VHD Locker and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
