How to remove CryptoLuck ransomware virus

What are the worst qualities of the CryptoLuck ransomware?

CryptoLuck virus attack or any other ransomware infection is probably the worst thing that can happen to your computer and personal files stored on it. Such viruses lock data on the infected computers using military-grade AES and RSA algorithms. This means that while files are encrypted using the public key, they can only be decrypted with a private one. Like most crypto-ransomware, CryptoLuck keeps this key on a remote server and demands the locked computer owner to pay for the renewed access to his/her data. Frankly, there is no luck in getting your computer compromised by this fraudulent virus. Thus, you must react immediately after you notice some signs indicating the infection and remove CryptoLuck from your computer before it triggers any more damage. Of course, we do not recommend fighting the virus on your own. Instead, we highly suggest obtaining a professional antivirus utility, for instance FortectIntego, and using it to scan the infected system automatically. This powerful anti-malware tool should locate all of the virus components and delete them from your computer.

CryptoLuck (alternatively known simply as Luck) is, in fact, a family of viruses which involves a number of other ransom-based parasites, including the latest Luck virus version, YafunnLocker. Looking at the initial setup of the CryptoLuck ransomware itself you cannot overlook its close resemblance to the already defunct ransomware giant CryptoLocker. The ransom note and the warning that is placed on the desktop are almost identical. Naturally, there are some alterations in the content of the message that the hackers choose to deliver. The title of the ransom note is also different. Now, it is titled as @WARNING_FILES_ARE_ENCRYPTED.[victim_id].txt and features the infected computer’s identification number using which, the encrypted data should supposedly be decrypted. In the note itself, virus developers demand 2.1 bitcoin (1,500 USD) to be paid within 3 days after receiving the ransom note. They also claim that after the given time runs out, the private data decryption key will be destroyed and the data will remain permanently encrypted. The example of this ransom note can be seen below:

A T T E N T I O N !

YOUR PERSONAL FILES ARE ENCRYPTED!
PERSONAL ID: [random_string_of_characters]
Your important files encryption produced on this computer: photos, videos, documents, etc. Encryption was produced using a unique public key RSA-2048 generated for this computer. To decrypt files you need to obtain the private key.
If you see this text but don’t see Decryptor Wizard window – please, disable any Firewalls and antivirus products, and download Decryptor Wizard on this URL:
http://dropmefiles.com/304718
You have 72 hours for payment.
After this time the private key will be destroyed.

For more info and support, please, contact us at this email address:
YAFUNN@YAHOO.COM

What the hackers don’t mention in the note is that the encrypted files on the computer will also be appended with the the .[victim_id]_luck extension. This way, the affected documents, archives, pictures and other files can be easily distinguished from the unaffected ones. By their insisting manner, the hackers also want to conceal the fact that you have other options and not necessarily have to pay for the locked files. In fact, you can carry out CryptoLuck removal and recover some of the encrypted data using alternative data recovery techniques which we introduce just below the article.

Ransomware distribution techniques and prevention

CryptoLuck is malvaretised through the RIG-E exploit kit which is growing in popularity and is adopted by such major players as Locky virus. Usually, the users get hooked on malicious virus-carrying ads that are displayed on some unreputable websites. Such ads allow the malicious payload to be automatically downloaded to the computer. It is especially concerning that CryptoLuck can also infect victims by corrupting the legitimate Google Updates and by hijacking DLL networks. The techniques ransomware developers use to infect our devices will only advance. So, it probably more important to concentrate not on fighting them off, but on securing our personal data. For this purpose, you should keep backups of your important files and renew them regularly.

CryptoLuck ransomware virus removal guide:

If you are still considering whether to pay the hackers or not, do not hesitate any longer. Refuse their vile offer and head straight to the CryptoLuck removal. In order to do that, scan your device with FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. Do not worry if you cannot get your antivirus utility running — it is just a trick CryptoLuck virus uses to remain on your computer longer. This resistance can be curbed with the use of instructions we provide below. After completing these steps, you should be able to remove CryptoLuck successfully.