How to remove 1337Locker ransomware virus

1337-Locker hackers revive the “elite” language

1337Locker virus functions as a file-encrypting threat which refers to an alternative form of alphabet called “leet” (l33t)^[1]. The very name was coined from the word “elite” and became popular in the 1980s, specifically, in hacking. The ransom note instructs that that the malware employes an AES-256 algorithm for encoding files. Its technical specifications link to an open-source My-Little-ransomware (cuteRansomware). Therefore, it sparks speculations that the virus might be decryptable. Furthermore, the ransom message does not indicate the specific amount of ransom. Instead, it instructs affected users to contact them via specific “Contact Me” button. In this article, you will find tips how to prevent ransomware infiltration and 1337-Locker removal suggestions.

Educational ransomware once again served as the means for crafting a file-encrypting threat in contrast to its opposite purpose. MyLittle ransomware, or cuteRansomware, is available as open-source malware on GitHub. Likewise, it gave birth to this variation of “leet” virus. Though the latter seems to be decryptable, there have been already detected variations, which imitate Cerber malware^[2]. 1337-Locker malware tends to infiltrate computers via 20170510_pdf.exe or similar .pdf files. While it starts its execution and data encryption processes, you may notice slower PC performance processes. Interestingly, that the virus does not append any specific file extensions to affected files. In relation to this, the perpetrators warn users not to eliminate “DO NOT DELETE” randomly generated files.” The malware seems to encrypt only files spotted on the desktop. Interestingly, the ransom note warns victims not to “relaunch” the software as it would result in the re-encryption of already encoded files. Such claims are hardly technically biased. What you should do is remove 1337 Locker instead of complying with the demands. FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes serves for that purpose.

Transmission peculiarities of the “leet” malware

As its executable file suggests, it targets the virtual community in the disguise of pdf and .exe files. Since it spreads in the form of a trojan: Trojan/Win32.Poweliks, TR/Ransom.dfark, W32/Ransom.BZHY-7465, it is of key importance to arm up with vigilance as well as cyber security tools. Besides an anti-virus software, you may also use malware removal tool. It comes in handy if anti-virus application fails to block the malware on time. Needless to say, is is crucial to treat any spam or received emails from unknown senders with cautiousness, especially if they contain any supposedly important attachments. In this relation, you might have accidentally enabled 1337 Locker hijack, when extracting such attachment. Note that some versions of malware may also lurk in links, browser extensions and ad-supportive websites: gaming and torrent distribution web pages.

Remove 1337-Locker ransomware permanently

When dealing with ransomware, the first thing you should do is eliminate it. Naturally, the majority of malware developers threaten victims not to launch their anti-virus tools nor delete the virus software. According to them, this would lead to irreversible damage of the encoded files. Nonetheless, even if you follow their requirements, there is no guarantee that the decryption process will go smoothly. Likewise, it would be better to remove 1337Locker as soon as possible. In case, you cannot launch a cyber security tool, you may benefit from below instructions. Note that data decryption may be effective only when 1337 Locker removal is finished.