Takahiro Locker ransomware / virus (Free Guide)
Takahiro Locker virus Removal Guide
What is Takahiro Locker ransomware virus?
Takahiro Locker virus threatens to delete your files
Among the currently active ransomware, you might spot Takahiro Locker virus or, in fact, it might get to you sooner if you are not careful enough. You should not take the threat too lightly. It is none other than file-encrypting malware. With the help of elaborate encryption methods, the virus encodes the files. The threat does not append any extensions to the corrupted files so for a while users might not suspect that a cyber menace has befallen them. Only when they see a flashing notification window “Running kill me” on the desktop, it is already too late as the virus continues starts encoding the files. If you fell into the victim list as well, remove Takahiro Locker right away. Let FortectIntego quicken the process. If you are used to eliminating browser hijackers and less dangerous viruses manually, this method might not work. Manual Takahiro Locker removal might leave a number of weaknesses and system vulnerabilities which might be exploited for future infiltration.
Users who are interested in the Japanese politics might be familiar with lawyer Takahiro Karasawa. This public figure gained notorious fame due to his abusive statements about online security and nuclear weapons. As a result, his incompetence resonated in public unrest. Soon enough, the hackers used this story to their advantage as well and took some inspirational ideas for their hacking techniques. Therefore, when Takahiro Locker ransomware finishes the encryption process, it opens up the window with the message in the Japanese language. It greets users and presents the following. Furthermore, it accuses victims of transferring illegal files. Consequently, they got attacked by Takahiro Locker malware. The threat demands 30 000¥ (roughly 300 USD) in exchange for the encoded files. The transaction is expected to be made within three days. As usual, the hackers threaten to destroy the data if the ransom is not remitted. In any case, paying the money is not an option to recover your files.
Interestingly, the virus is detected as a trojan. Depending on the security application, it might present the ransomware as Trojan.Win32.Scar.nzln, Trojan.GenericKD.3222895, W32/Scar.NZLN!tr, or Ransom_TAKALOCKER.A. In addition, it might have relations with recently emerged Japan Locker virus. What’s more, though the very first signs of the malware have been already detected in June, the virus is suspected to continue its activity via mentioned file-encrypting malware,e.g. recently appeared Taka ransomware as well. So you should boost up your cyber security by installing a new anti-spyware application or uploading the old one.
The distribution peculiarities of malware
The virus might have exploited the chance to sneak into the computer via infected email attachment. It hid its updated.exe executable in one of the fake emails from the official institution or in the package delivery invoices. Similar officially looking emails are often bait. Users, without being aware, recklessly open the attachment only to find out what menace they released. You can reduce severe damage by being more cautious while reviewing your email inbox. Always keep in mind that viruses tend to disguise under the name of existing and official institution. Check the email’s sender before opening any attachments.
Takahiro Locker removal suggestions
You can eliminate the ransomware quickly and effectively by installing an anti-spyware application, such as FortectIntego or Malwarebytes. With the help of these tools Takahiro Locker virus is terminated at once. Check whether the program is updated and only then run the scan. Otherwise, the outdated software might fail to remove Takahiro Locker due to remaining files. When you eliminate the threat, you can proceed to data recovery instructions. The best way to recover the data would be to use a backup or obtain the decrypter. At the moment there is no free tool released yet, so you should look for alternative methods. If you encounter Takahiro Locker removal problems due to a malfunctioning operating system, use the guidelines provided below.
Getting rid of Takahiro Locker virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
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
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- 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.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
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:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
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:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- 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).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- 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 Takahiro Locker using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Takahiro Locker. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Takahiro Locker 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 Takahiro Locker, you can use several methods to restore them:
Opting for Data Recovery Pro
Due to the recent increase of cyber threats, the developers of this program updated this tool. Now it may be able to decode a bigger quantity of 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 Takahiro Locker ransomware;
- Restore them.
Using Windows Previous Versions feature
When System Restore function is enabled, you might succeed in retrieving the files following these steps.
- 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”.
Does Shadow Explorer help?
Users report that this tool helps to decode the files when it comes to specific file-encrypting malware. Run the application before the virus gets access to shadow volume copies.
- 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.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Takahiro Locker and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
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