FrozrLock ransomware / virus (Recovery Instructions Included) - Virus Removal Guide

FrozrLock virus Removal Guide

What is FrozrLock ransomware virus?

FrozrLock ransomware virus is being sold on the dark market

FrozrLock is a new Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)[1] type of cyber infection that is currently being sold on the Dark Web for only $200. For this price, users get access to the dashboard that allows monitoring infected devices, a default ransom note, and decryption software. Developers of the ransomware created a professional service. The user-friendly interface might seem convenient and attractive to hacker-wannabes. Meanwhile, malware researchers have been analyzing FrozrLock for a while. The latest research allows making assumptions that it might be written in C# language and designed to encrypt files with AES or RSA ciphers. Talking about technical characteristics, after a successful attack, it deletes the loader automatically. However, encrypted files stay on the system, and a ransom-demanding message informs about a necessity to pay 0.5 Bitcoins in two days. There’s no doubt that some victims of the ransomware will take this risky offer. If they would be lucky, their files will be restored and malware deleted from the device automatically. Indeed, it is designed to terminate itself as soon as the ransom is paid. However, we do not recommend choosing this FrozrLock removal option and risking to lose your money. When dealing with file-encrypting viruses, we highly recommend scanning the computer with FortectIntego and cleaning cyber infection using a credible software.

The image of FrozrLock ransomware virus

FrozrLock has been spotted on April 2017, when it launched few attacks in Russia. Then malware has been spread via Contract_432732593256.js JavaScript file. However, currently, the virus license is being sold on the dark market. Developers of this malicious program are confident about this project and present it as the “great security tool that encrypts most of your files in several minutes.” If evil-minded people, who are interested in taking first steps in cyber crimes, decide to purchase it, they need to access a particular website using Tor browser and create the account. When they log in, they see ransomware control panel. But before starting playing with FrozrLock virus, they need to transfer Bitcoins. Once the payment is made, they get access to the user-friendly dashboard which allows seeing infected devices and decrypting victims’ files. Hackers have the power to use decryption software in three modes: auto, manual, and an alternate manual. Thus, crooks have the power to give victims a mercy or not. After receiving a ransom, they may not recover all your files or demand to transfer more Bitcoins in order to get back all the files. Obviously, paying the ransom is not recommended.

This RaaS package also includes a default ransom note. It’s quite unique ransom-demanding message that allows paying the ransom not only by transferring Bitcoins to the provided Bitcoin Wallet address. Victims can also use a provided QR code. Thus, crooks put paying the ransom to the next level and wanted to simplify the payment. The ransom note informs that the “MasterKey,” which is necessary for recovering files encrypted by FrozrLock costs 0.5 Bitcoins. Victims have 48 hours for transferring the money and hoping for the best. We want to remind that data recovery is only the matter of cyber criminals’ conscience. Thus, you should rely on other data recovery possibilities and use data backups. However, before even thinking about data recovery, you should remove FrozrLock from the device.

The illustraion of FrozrLockFrozrLock ransom note has a QR code that is supposed to simplify the payment.

Ransomware distribution methods

As you already know, hacker-wannabes can buy the FrozrLock ransomware from the dark web. Further distribution techniques and strategies might differ. However, the biggest chances are that malware might be spread via malicious spam emails and their attachments, using exploit kits, malvertising or bogus software downloads or updates. Thus, there are numerous ways how ransomware might get inside the computer. If you want to minimize the risk of the attack,[2] you should be careful with emails and avoid opening unknown attachments, do not browse through high-risk websites, choose reliable sources for software installation, do not update software from ads and install reliable security program.

Removal of the FrozrLock virus

Victims can remove FrozrLock only with the help of professional malware removal program. Thus, you need to install a security software, update it and run a full system scan. Indeed, everything sounds simple; however, you might encounter few problems. First of all, you need to choose a perfect software for you. If you need advice, choose either FortectIntego or Malwarebytes. Secondly, malware may prevent installation of the tool. Thus, you may need to reboot your device to the Safe Mode with Networking as shown in the instructions below. Then, you should be able to install, update and run automatic FrozrLock removal.

Offer
do it now!
Download
Fortect Happiness
Guarantee
Download
Intego Happiness
Guarantee
Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of FrozrLock virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

If you cannot run automatic virus removal, reboot computer to the Safe Mode with Networking first.

Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.

Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking

Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment. 

Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes

Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

Step 4. Delete virus files

Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):

    %AppData%
    %LocalAppData%
    %ProgramData%
    %WinDir%

After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.

Remove FrozrLock using System Restore

System Restore method also helps to disable the virus and run malware removal software.

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of FrozrLock. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that FrozrLock removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove FrozrLock from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files are encrypted by FrozrLock, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro – automatic way to restore files

Data Recovery Pro might help to restore files encrypted by FrozrLock ransomware virus. This tool is designed to restore corrupted, accidentally deleted and some of the encrypted files.

  • Download Data Recovery Pro;
  • Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
  • Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by FrozrLock ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Take advantage of Windows Previous Versions feature

This method is convenient if you only need to restore only few encrypted files. However, you can use this method only if System Restore functions has been enabled before FrozrLock attack.

  • Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
  • Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
  • Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

Employ ShadowExplorer for data recovery

If malware failed to delete Shadow Volume Copies of the targeted files, you could use ShadowExplorer and restore at least some of your files.

  • Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
  • Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
  • Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
  • Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

FrozrLock decryptor

We are sorry, but decryption software is not available yet.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from FrozrLock and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important – recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

About the author
Jake Doevan
Jake Doevan - Computer technology expert

If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.

Contact Jake Doevan
About the company Esolutions

References