Cryptolocker3 – another CryptoLocker impersonator?
Cryptolocker3 virus is a fraudulent crypto-ransomware [1] which pretends to be a version of the notorious CryptoLocker virus. Although the primary variant of this cyber infection is long gone [2], this does not stop other parasites from using its name and continuing to infect new computers. Cryptolocker3 malware is one of those fake follow-up versions that has been recently released on the Web. Though initially targeted at English-speaking users, this ransomware is capable of taking over computers anywhere around the world. Luckily, its prevalence is by far rather low [3], so there is still time to take protective measures against its infiltration. To ensure your device is well-secured, you should install reputable antivirus software like FortectIntego. You may also use it for the Cryptolocker3 removal, in case you are infected. Don’t forget to make backup copies of your important files and save them on some external storage drive.
The Cryptolocker3 attack begins with the alteration of the infected computer’s registry in order to set up a lock screen [4] which would appear every time the device is booted. Visually, the lock screen features a similar design as the primary CryptoLocker versions and serves the same purpose as well. It prevents the victim from booting the system properly and serves as a ransom note in which the scammers explain what has happened to the computer and provide instructions that supposedly will help fix it. This group of hackers who call themselves “staffttt” demand 0.5 Bitcoin for the data decryption key which should decrypt the RSA-2048 cipher used to jumble up your files, rendering them unreadable [5]. This military-grade algorithm also appends the affected documents with .cryptolocker extensions this way giving the victims a better chance to evaluate the scale of the attack. Since this ransomware encrypts most of the popular file types, it is not at all surprising that the most users accept the ransom conditions and pay up. Nevertheless, this is the last thing you should do. In fact, you should remove Cryptolocker3 as soon as possible and prevent the criminals from earning from these illegal activities in any way. The practice shows that the data decryption keys the ransomware creators offer are often useless and at the end of the day, the victims remain locked out from their documents and robbed off their money as well.
How can you infect your PC with this ransomware?
Just like its predecessor, Cryptolocker3 attempts to infect computers in a variety of different ways. For instance, you may unknowingly download it disguised as a software update or included inside some repacked software bundle. Nevertheless, most likely CryptoLocker3 developers will use malicious spam campaigns to spread the malware throughout the web. This technique has already been proven as one of the most successful system infiltration techniques by such ransomware giants like Locky virus and CryptoWall. On the part of the ransomware creators it is rather effortless. They simply have to create a convincing email carrying some supposedly important document and wait till some unexpected used takes the bait. We can only warn you to be especially careful when navigating through your inbox and spam catalog!
What are the best CryptoLocker3 removal strategies?
There is not a much choice when it comes to Cryptolocker3 removal approaches. The virus is still rather unexplored, thus remains unpredictable. Tackling it manually can bring more damage than actual benefit to the system. Hence, ransomware viruses are better to be decontaminated automatically, using professional tools designed specifically for this purpose. Nevertheless, in order to remove Cryptolocker3 virus properly, you might also need manual intervention. The guidelines provided below will explain how to decontaminate the infection and ensure its smooth extermination from the system.
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