How to remove Crypt.Locker ransomware virus

Crypt.Locker ransomware makes all your files epic: what to do when such malware hits your PC?

Although Crypt.Locker ransomware name resembles the infamous CryptoLocker virus, these malware variants are entirely different. The author of Crypt.Locker virus is the same one who has developed the infamous JigSaw, CryptoHitman, and Payransom ransomware. However, this time the virus is not Billy the Puppet-themed^[1], but features a picture of a man wearing Anonymous mask. The ransomware corrupts files by applying secure cipher on them. Each affected file gets a .epic extension (that is why this virus has another name – Epic ransomware ^[2]). After encrypting files, the virus displays a window that types out a message for the victim. The virus says:

Very bad news! I am a so-called crypt.locker […]

The virus says that it finished encrypting data, stealing private information such as logins, passwords, email and private conversations, uploading it to a secret server, and now it awaits for victim’s money, otherwise the virus promises to share “every private conversation or email of yours” it could find with victim’s contacts. In addition to that, virus warns not to close it or shut down the compromised PC – otherwise, the culprit would become very angry. In fact, it does – as the virus promises to delete one file every hour of non-payment, it eliminates 1000 at one in case the victim restarts the computer^[3]. Crypt.Locker malware differs from previous JigSaw versions because it asks for a very large sum of money – over $5000. The virus asks to send “at least” 5 grand, which is funny because considering the ransom price, hardly someone would pay it, not to mention larger sums.

Although we recommend you to remove Crypt.Locker virus using anti-malware tools like FortectIntego, we also recommend you to be very careful and deal with Crypt.Locker removal attentively if you do not want to lose a large number of precious files. Therefore, do not reboot your PC without reason, and better do not try to get rid of this virus manually. Please read instructions on how to remove this virus from the system that our experts have prepared – you can find them under the article.

How does the virus slither into the system without showing any notifications?

Viruses, unlike regular programs, do not feel the need to inform the computer user about themselves before completing filthy tasks in the system. This particular virus appears in the form of firefox.exe and drpbx.exe processes that slow down the computer system. However, since they represent Firefox and DropBox, computer users might mistake them for legitimate programs and let them function. However, you must learn how such malicious viruses manage to infiltrate the system without letting the computer user know. Most of the time, ransomware travels attached to fraudulent email messages, but can also be downloaded along unofficial software updates (Java or Adobe). The latest Jigsaw distribution technique is tricky – currently, the virus is being distributed in the form of Electrum Coin Adder, which, instead of stealing Bitcoins from others pilfers victim’s Bitcoins and installs Jigsaw(Crypt.Locker) virus on the computer. This particular version is programmed to activate itself after December 23rd this year to bring “a little present” for Christmas. Be careful!

How to remove Crypt.Locker ransomware?

Crypt.Locker virus is considerably more harmful than other viruses because it can actually get rid of your personal files rather than encrypting them and leaving them in the system. While there is a chance to do something with encrypted data (because malware researchers can create a free decrypter after a while, or, in the case of TeslaCrypt^[4] or Crysis^[5] – decryption keys can be unexpectedly leaked online. To remove Crypt.Locker malware, install anti-malware software and use it only after you reboot your in a Safe Mode (as explained below). Read these Crypt.Locker removal guidelines carefully and make no mistakes if you do not want to loose a thousand of precious files unintentionally.