How to remove CryptolockerEmulator ransomware

CryptolockerEmulator – a test ransomware that might be upgraded any minute

CryptolockerEmulator is a ransomware-type virus that is currently in development mode. The author of the malware – A. Sedunov – created a malicious program that uses RSA cryptography to corrupt files on the affected device. However, at the moment of writing, the virus does not encrypt any files.

Currently, the CryptolockerEmulator ransomware does not spread actively. However, if the virus will be improved, it’s executable might be spread using various methods, such as malicious spam emails or bogus downloads.

The CryptolockerEmulator virus executed from CryptolockerEmulator.exe file. Crypto-malware makes several system changes and might create new Windows Registry entries to start with system startup. When virus starts data encryption procedure. It aims at 72 file extensions that are stored in C:: \ Users Offline \ the User \ Desktop directory:

.3fr, .accdb, .ai, .arw, .bay, .cdr, .cer, .cr2, .crt, .crw, .dbf, .dcr, .der, .dng, .doc, .docm, .docx , .dwg, .dxf, .dxg, .eps , .erf, .indd, .jpe, .jpg, .jpg, .kdc, .mdb, .mdf, .mef, .mrw, .nef, .nrw, .odb, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt, .orf, .p12, .p7b, .p7c, .pdd, .pdf, .pef, .pem, .pfx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .psd, .pst, .ptx, .r3d, .raf, .raw, .rtf, .rw2, .rwl, .sr2, .srf, .srw, .wb2, .wpd, .wps, .x3f , .xlk, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm , .xlsx.

As you can see, CryptolockerEmulator targets the most popular file types in order to cause problems to the computer users. All file-encrypting viruses operate in the same manner because when users lose access to the important data, they are most likely to pay the ransom.

However, a current version of the ransomware does not provide any ransom note. It’s possible that developers are working on the technical side of the program and will include the Bitcoin^[1] demanding message later. Thus, if you accidentally encounter this cyber threat, you should remove CryptolockerEmulator ASAP and do not wait until it is upgraded.

The safest and quickest CryptolockerEmulator removal option is system scan with professional security software, such as FortectIntego. However, if ransomware blocks access to malware removal software, you should check the instructions below and disable the virus by rebooting to Safe Mode with Networking or using System Restore method.

Security tips for ransomware prevention

File-encrypting viruses spread similarly. Most of the time, the payload is attached to spam emails that pretend to be legit letters from banks, government institutions or well-known companies. Social engineering helps crooks to trick people into opening the obfuscated email attachment and download malware to the system.

Therefore, users are advised to be careful with malicious spam emails and open attachments only when you are 100% certain about its credibility and safety. Additionally, security researchers from Los Virus^[2] warn about other methods used by developers of crypto-viruses:

• malicious ads placed on legit and high-risk websites;
• bogus downloads and fake updates;
• exploit kits.

Computer users should not click on ads that seem “too good to be true” or offer to download missing updates. In addition, security alerts or notifications about detected viruses never show up in the form of a pop-up. Thus, never click those entries!

Finally, keep your programs and operating system up-to-date because ransomware can take advantage of vulnerabilities and infiltrate the device. Moreover, you should install an antivirus program and create data backups.^[3]

Deletion of the Cryptolocker Emulator virus

Nevertheless, the virus is still in development mode and hasn’t started active distribution campaign; you can never be sure when the situation might change. Thus, if your device suffered from this ransomware attack, you have to scan the system with FortectIntego, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and another malware elimination program and remove CryptolockerEmulator.

However, before obtaining security software and scanning the system, you should reboot the computer to Safe Mode with Networking (instructions below). It will ensure smooth automatic CryptolockerEmulator removal.