How to remove VxLock ransomware virus

New VxLock ransomware spotted: how to identify this malicious virus?

VxLock virus is an example of a typical ransomware^[1] virus. If it finds a way to infiltrate victim’s computer, it encrypts all data stored on it, for instance, documents, pictures, videos, music, and other files. Encryption simply changes files on a fundamental level, and then it becomes impossible to open them, edit them, or basically do anything with them. VxLock ransomware was named like this because it adds .VxLock file extension to encrypted files. When the virus encrypts all files, the victim is left with a bunch of useless memory-taking data pieces that cannot be used anymore. They can be restored, but in order to do that, the victim has to obtain a decryption key^[2], which, of course, is stored on cyber criminals’ servers. It goes without saying that criminals are not willing to give up this key for free, so they demand a ransom. 

Therefore, VxLock malware creates a ransom note and saves it on computer’s desktop. You might also find copies of the ransom note in different computer folders (most likely those that contain some encrypted files). The ransom note can be created in .txt, .hta or .html file formats. It contains instructions on how to buy Bitcoins^[3] and transfer them to a provided Bitcoin wallet that belongs to cyber criminals. Typically criminals demand from 0.5 to 1.5 and more Bitcoins. They promise to reveal the decryption key and provide the decryption software if the victim pays the ransom. We highly recommend you not to do so, because criminals might be lying to you. Nothing can stop them from taking your money and making off, and you have no guarantees^[4], so why would you want to pay such a huge ransom? It is better to start from the beginning, take care of the most important thing – computer security, and start creating regular backups. To remove VxLock ransomware, it is highly advisable to rely on tools such as FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. After completing VxLock removal, we suggest you use backups or data recovery steps written below this article.

Dissemination methods

VxLock virus can sneak into your computer with your approval or without it. In the first scenario, you can download it straight to your computer after opening an infectious email attachment. Please remember that nowadays cyber criminals do everything in order to deceive victims and make them believe that the sender is an employee of some big and well-known company. In most cases, frauds pretend to be official representatives of certain Amazon or Paypal services. Be sure that sender’s email is a legitimate one because scammers will design these phishing letters precisely and copy every detail and image to gain your trust. The general advice is to rely on your common sense and never open attachments of an email message that you weren’t expecting to get, that contains an eye-catching title, or that simply urges you to open attached documents. Speaking about different dissemination methods, we must mention that ransomware can be injected to your computer simply by visiting websites that host an exploit kit. Such kit is a tool to scan the system for vulnerable applications that allow executing a code via them. Therefore, to prevent such attacks, you must continuously update the software that you use.

How can I remove VxLock ransomware from the system?

Remove VxLock virus from the system immediately. We do not recommend you to pay a ransom, because that is not the solution to the discussed problem and there are many cases when criminals simply laughed and criminals and never provided the decryption tools^[5] or, in other cases, asked to pay more money to them. If you have been attacked, understand that your system is not protected enough and take actions to fix this situation. Before you do that, complete steps explained in this VxLock removal tutorial: