.[XMRLocker] file extension is placed on all of your files? .[XMRLocker] Virus is also known as XMRLocker ransomware which locks files on a computer and demands money to be paid as a ransom for unlocking them.
XMRLocker Ransomware (.[XMRLocker] Virus File)
The .[XMRLocker] Virus is a new ransomware which has been recently identified in an ongoing widespread campaign. At this moment not a lot of samples have been captured, furthermore no code snippets from other famous families have been identified. This means that the hackers have created it from scratch. It exhibits typical features associated with ransomware: the encryption of users data and the extortion of the victims for ransomware payment.
XMRLocker Ransomware Virus
XMRLocker Ransomware will encrypt all types of files such as audio, video, pictures, backups, banking data and other personal user files found on a compromised computer system.
.[XMRLocker] Virus Summary
| Name | .[XMRLocker] Virus |
| File Extension | .[XMRLocker] |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | The XMRLocker ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .[XMRLocker] extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | Shown as a screenlocker |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .[XMRLocker] Virus. |
.[XMRLocker] Virus File – How Did It Infect My PC and What Happened?
The XMRLocker virus which is otherwise known as the .[XMRLocker] ransomware, it is an advanced file encrypting virus which will process user files with a strong cipher and then extort the victims to pay a victim fee. Distribution-wise there are several popular techniques which are usually used for threats like this one. The most common ones are the following:
- Phishing Strategies — The hackers can create fake notifications which can be placed in email messages and web sites. They can be designed to look like companies or services and in order to lure in the victims into interacting with them the criminals can host them on similar sounding domain names and self-signed security certificates.
- Virus-Infected Files — Payload delivery can be done by inserting the virus code in file carriers — they are usually macro-infected documents which are of all popular Office formats: spreadsheets, databases, text documents and presentations. When they are opened the victims will be shown a prompt which will ask them to enable the built-in scripts. This will lead to the virus infection which will be started automatically. The alternative is the creation of malicious setup bundles, they are created by taking the legitimate files from their official sources and adding in the necessary code. The resulting applications will be delivered to the designated victims as completely legitimate packages.
- Virus Files Internet Distribution — All of the virus files and related code can be freely uploaded to popular file-sharing networks (like BitTorrent) where legitimate and pirate data is often spread by the users. Alternatively the hackers can use fake profiles in order to post to social media and various online communities.
- Direct Hacking Attacks — The hackers can use it as an exploit payload during a network attacks or as a secondary virus infection by other viruses.
Whatever method is chosen by the hackers we advise all users to alays run updated security programs and hacker countermeasures in order to protect themselves from possible intrusions. Like other common threats it will probably start its main engine automatically when the infection has been made.
Even though a detailed analysis of the complete behavior sequence is not yet available such virus infections can be used for extended damage on the victim machines. This includes the modification of boot options which will make the virus start when the computer is powered on. In certain circumstances it can also disable access to the recovery boot options thereby making it very difficult to use manual user removal methods. If system configuration values are modified then the users can experience overall system instability including performance issues, the inability to run certain functions and services and even data loss.
The .[XMRLocker] virus can potentially also remove Shadow volume copies and system backups which can have a dangerous impact on the affected computers. Such ransomware are also widely used to install other viruses onto the victim computers, namely Trojan horse infections — they are configured to install a local client. It is programmed to establish a secure connection to a hacker-controlled server and thus allow them to take over control of the machines and steal users files.
We have detected that this particular virus will also modify the Windows Registry in order to hide itself from discovery. Additionally a security bypass will also be instituted — it will detect if there are any installed anti-virus programs or firewalls and disable them.
When everything has finished running the final ransomware component of the XMRLocker virus will start. It will use a strong cipher in order to process users files. The type of data that will be affected will depend on the built-in list. The strong cipher will prevent the users from accessing their files. The data itself will be renamed with a hardcoded extension — in this case it is .[XMRLocker]. The victims will be manipulated into paying the hackers a decryption fee by placing text files in folders called ReadMe(HowToDecrypt).txt. Note that inside it there will be an unique ID quoted — this will be different for every computer.
We recommend that active infections are removed as soon as they have been identified by the victims in order to evade widespread daamge.
Remove .[XMRLocker] Virus File
If your computer got infected with the .[XMRLocker] Virus File, 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 .[XMRLocker] Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .[XMRLocker] Virus 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 .[XMRLocker] Virus 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 .[XMRLocker] Virus 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 .[XMRLocker] Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .[XMRLocker] Virus.
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 .[XMRLocker] Virus 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.
.[XMRLocker] Virus-FAQ
What is .[XMRLocker] Virus Ransomware?
.[XMRLocker] Virus 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 .[XMRLocker] Virus 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 .[XMRLocker] Virus Infect?
Via several ways..[XMRLocker] Virus 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 .[XMRLocker] Virus 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 ..[XMRLocker] Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..[XMRLocker] Virus 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 ..[XMRLocker] Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..[XMRLocker] Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..[XMRLocker] Virus 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 .[XMRLocker] Virus 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 .[XMRLocker] Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..[XMRLocker] Virus 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 .[XMRLocker] Virus 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 .[XMRLocker] Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .[XMRLocker] Virus 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 .[XMRLocker] Virus 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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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