How to remove Crypt0L0cker virus

The activity of Crypt0L0cker virus

Crypt0L0cker ransomware is an infamous crypto malware ^[1], which can be found mentioned in various sources as Crypt0L0cker virus. Computer users should be aware of this virus and its distribution methods, because once it infects the computer, it is nearly impossible to repair the damage that it does to it. It is an updated version of TorrentLocker ransomware, and it hides under the name of one of the most dangerous computer viruses in the world – CryptoLocker. The difference is that the virus that we discuss about today has O’s replaced with zeros in its name ^[2]. It spreads as a Trojan horse ^[3] via email: its malicious executive file usually reaches computer users disguised as a secure document, for example, speeding ticket or invoice. The sole purpose of this PC threat is to infiltrate victim’s computer system and encrypt files stored in it. Crypt0L0cker malware scans all system folders and locates relevant data including music files, videos, photos, documents, and other types of files, and then encrypts them using a sophisticated encryption algorithm. Once the files are encrypted, the user cannot access them anymore.

The further activity of the virus

After the encryption process is done, this ransom virus drops DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS file on the computer, in .html and .txt formats. This file informs the user that files were encrypted by a virus and that the only way to get Cryptolocker decryption tool is to pay a ransom to cyber criminals. These crooks demand 2.2 Bitcoin, which is equal to approximately 983.27 USD. Unfortunately, we do not think that cyber criminals provide the key after users pay the ransom since users are looking for Crypt0L0cker file recovery solutions on various forums online. Therefore, we do not suggest paying the ransom, because you might lose a considerable amount of money alongside your files. Although computer experts are doing their best trying to find Crypt0L0cker decryptor, unfortunately, any specific tool hasn’t been discovered yet. We recommend you to remove this virus from your system without a hesitation since there is hardly any hope to recover your files (unless you have a backup). You can remove Crypt0L0cker with FortectIntego anti-spyware software.

New version of Crypt0l0cker released in August 2016. How does it differ from the previous version?

A new variant of this Crypt0L0cker ransom virus has been spotted spreading on the world wide web, and this one seems to be targeting Italian-speaking computer users ^[4]. This version also encrypts victim’s data and demands a ransom; besides, it appends .enc file extension to encrypted record. Hence, a file which is named image.jpg will be renamed to image.jpg.enc. What is more, this new ransomware, unlike other viruses of its kind, leaves a ransom note that is named randomly (the name of the ransom note is individual for each victim). As a result, it might become a little complicated to identify the virus, since TrueCrypter and .CryptoHasYou viruses also append same file extensions to encrypted data. When it comes to this virus’ distribution methods, it is distributed via spam email campaigns. It appears that cybercriminals pretend to be employees of Italian energy organization named Enel, and send letters to victims with such attachment: ENEL_BOLLETA.ZIP. This name translates as Enel bill and includes a JS file Enel_Bolleta.js. If the victim extracts the archive and runs this JavaScript file, the ransomware starts the decryption process immediately. 

What methods are used to distribute this virus?

Victims report that this ransomware spreads via misleading emails that present themselves as notifications from the government. As we have already mentioned, these emails can look like warnings for speeding and similar notifications ^[5]. We suggest you to inspect such letters carefully. If a message is full of typo or grammar mistakes, there is a huge possibility that it is fake. Also, you should always pay attention to the sender and, if you have any concerns and suspicions, do not open or download any files attached to such emails. Also, it is known that viruses like ransomware also spread via fake alerts. If a message has appeared on your computer out of nowhere and is filled with information that is too good to be true (for instance, “You have won an iPad,” or “You are the lucky visitor“), you should ignore it because clicking it can easily lead you to the infiltration of such virus like this one. Of course, it is hard to miss the fact that this threat has infiltrated your computer because it encrypts predetermined files in seconds.

If you have already received the threatening message from this virus stating that your files are encrypted, and if you cannot open your photos, music files or other relevant records and documents, it means that your computer was infected with this virus. We recommend you to initiate an immediate Crypt0L0cker removal without a delay. If you do not know how to do it, look at the guide given below.

The best way to remove Crypt0L0cker malware and decrypt your files:

There is only one anti Crypt0L0cker remedy – data backups. We strongly advise computer users to regularly create copies of important files and export them to an external storage device and keep such device unplugged from the computer. If you keep storing your files on such devices, you will be able to recover them in case a ransomware virus or another malicious computer threat slithers into your computer and damages them. In case you do not have backups, we recommend you to try these file recovery tools: R-Studio or Photorec, or you can give a try to this decryption tool. You can also look for a decryption solutions on this site.

Before you try to recover files that this malware has encrypted, you must exclude the malicious files related to this virus. You can use Crypt0L0cker removal instructions provided below, but we do not suggest trying to uninstall this virus manually unless you are a very experienced computer user. If you have never dealt with similar viruses before, we suggest you to assign this task to a powerful anti-malware software and remove Crypt0L0cker virus and related files automatically.