How to remove AutismLocker ransomware

AutismLocker – ransomware that demands nudes for a ransom

AutismLocker is a new ransomware^[1] detection that has been revealed at the beginning of April 2018. Ransomware researchers found its debug version and a payload being distributed as an Autismlocker.exe executable. Once installed, it locks personal files using AES and RAS ciphers to render personal files stored on a target system hostage. The ransomware stands out from the crowd since it does not demand money. The developers of AutismLocker ransomware are perverts demanding for nude to be sent to jewsaintpeople@india.com address. 

From the initial inspection, the AutismLocker ransomware might seem familiar to Hitler ransomware. However, these two has nothing in common except the name of the Furrer mentioned.

Listen to me you big juicy nut.
Your computer has been locked.
There are 2 ways to unlock it. To get the special code, you must record yourself gunning down innocent children or send me 15 of your nudes.
Send the recording or the nudes to jewsaintpeople@india.com, and we will make sure that you kill more than 17 people in the recording or make sure the nudes belong to you, and then you will get the code.
Once I get the recording/pics, I will put them on /b/.
Remember, Hitler did nothing wrong

It's not yet clear whether AutismLocker virus is circulating in the wild, but it's not a typical ransomware whatsoever. The information on the virus provided on the ransom note can seriously intimidate less-experienced PC users.

We hope that AutismLocker is a lame joke and the authors are not planning to exploit the program for the scandalous activities. Since there's not much information about AutismLocker malware revealed yet, we'll list the signs indicating that your PC may be infected:

• Autismlocker.exe file running on Task Manager. CPU usage reaches up to 100%;
• Most of the personal files locked. Feature unknown file extension, such as .autismlocker or .locked;
• A text file (ransom note) created on the desktop;
• Desktop background picture changed to “Your computer has been locked;”
• The system runs slowly, restarts randomly;
• The antivirus program cannot be launched.

These are the main signs indicating the presence of the ransomware. In this case, do not fall into panic. Boot the system into Safe Mode with Networking as explained below and launch a scan with your antivirus program to remove AutismLocker completely.

Note that manual AutismLocker removal is hardly possible. You can damage important system's components while leaving virus-related components intact. To get rid of this sick ransomware virus, run a full system scan with FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Of course, you can use any other professional anti-virus, but make sure to update its definitions.

At the moment of writing, AutismLocker crypto-malware managed to evade detection. According to VirusTotal,^[2] only 4 out of 66 AV engines are capable of detecting and eliminating it.

Criminals are unpredictable: ransomware can be spread in many ways

Ransomware infections are disseminated in many ways. To maximize the number of victim's, they often render diverse social engineering strategies and exploit kits at the same time.

One of the most widely used distribution technique is malspam. Crooks send spam with obfuscated email attachments via spambots. The attachment, be it a DOC or PDF file disguises ransomware payload. The most evident sign that the attachment is infected is the requirement to enable Macros to view it.

PC users should also be careful with suspicious software downloads, links, advertisements, and other content provided on illegal or dangerous websites, especially pornographic or gambling sites.

Cybersecurity experts from faravirus.ro^[3] claim that the only way to bypass ransomware trap is to be extremely careful when browsing the net. Stick to the secure websites, download software from reliable sources, and restrain from clicking suspicious content. Finally, keep your anti-virus updated and make sure to enable real-time protection.

AutismLocker ransomware removal options

AutismLocker removal is impossible with the help of a powerful anti-virus program. In general, ransomware viruses tend to root deeply into the operating system and initiate modifications, including corruption of Registry entries and boot order.

Thus, to remove AutismLocker virus, you have to launch a security tool kin safe environment. After that, try to recover files encrypted by AutismLocker using backups or alternative methods. We'll provide a couple of data recovery solutions at the end of this article.