How to remove Desktop Ransomware

Desktop Ransomware is a cryptovirus that uses AES encryption algorithm and marks files with the .Lock extension at the beginning of the filename

Desktop Ransomware — a cyber threat that encodes personal users' data and marks those files with Lock. prefix. Typically,  encrypted data gets the extension at the end of the file name, but this virus drops the extension at the beginning of its name. Hackers behind the virus have been targeting English-speaking users, but there is a great danger to get infected in every world's country. When data gets encoded, the virus locks your Desktop screen and displays the window which contains a ransom demanding message. The HTML window displays the note that suggests to “Get PIN” and activate decryption. However, pressing buttons, writing hackers or keeping contact in any other way may lead to permanent data or even money loss if hackers demand you to pay.^[1]

Desktop ransomware virus attacks various users all over the world and, in most cases, targets Windows operating system supporting devices. The infiltration starts when DesktopRansomware.exe gets on the device and starts altering system folders files or even Windows Registry keys. 

All these changes are made to make Desktop ransomware persistent and running on the system even before the encryption process. Then the file-locking process^[2] begins with a system scan that shows what personal data is suitable for the file encoding. 

Typical ransomware marks files at the end of the name with file extensions, but this Desktop Ransomware marks data using the prefix. Every file gets this marker, and this way victim knows why records became useless. For example, you cannot open your photo, and you see Lock.MyPhoto.jpg file. 

When Desktop Ransomware encryption is done, the virus displays the ransom message which is placed on the screen as an HTML file or lock screen on the Desktop. The message asks to follow the instructions and reads the following:

Welcome in
Desktop Ransomware

Oooooops All your files on the desktop
are encrypted To decrypt files enter PIN
see you soon

Enter PIN

PIN =
Deccryption

Get PIN

Various anti-malware programs can detect Desktop ransomware virus, but the detection rate shows that this is persistent malware. The particular name that is shown on the screen after a full system scan using the program depends on the database in particular. Detection results may differ:

• Trojan.Generic.D26C1FDB;
• TR/Kryptik.spuvb;
• Trojan.GenericKD.40640475;
• PUA.MSIL.Confuser;
• Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Encoder.alm;
• Mal/Generic-S;
• Win32/Trojan.Ransom.d23;
• etc.^[3]

You need to remove Desktop ransomware using one of the programs that can detect the virus. Anti-malware programs can clean the system from malware, other cyber threats, unwanted programs, and corrupted files. The full system scan significantly improves the performance of your device because it deletes useless programs and files.

Perform Desktop Ransomware removal with Fortect and clean the system afterward. You can use any PC repair tool for this. Make sure to get your software from the official website, provider or at least reputable sources, as various experts^[4] recommend. 

Email spam distributes malicious script via safe-looking attachments 

The main technique used to distribute cyber infections is spam email campaigns because this method allows distributing malicious script on the internet. Due to this method, malicious payload or direct malware can get o your system without permission.

Spam emails often may look legitimate and safe because malicious actors misuse various names of well-known companies or services. If you get an email from PayPal or eBay, don't fall for the trick and don't rush to opening the attacked file immediately. Anything labeled as receipts, order information or invoices shouldn't get on your email box if you are not using the service. 

Clean your email box more frequently and avoid clicking on any hyperlink provided on email. You can check the purpose of those shortened links and files attached to the email before downloading or clicking on them online. 

Terminate Desktop Ransomware using reputable tools 

Make sure to remove Desktop Ransomware from the system and employ reliable anti-malware tools for the job. Choose the program and scan the system fully, then follow the suggested procedure and get rid of the virus. However, remember that this cryptovirus makes a few changes behind your back. We can recommend FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes for system cleaning afterward. 

Eliminate all virus related files and perform additional scan after Desktop ransomware removal to fix virus damage. You may need to reboot the device in Safe Mode with Networking before the system scan to make sure that your program is working correctly. 

When it comes to Desktop ransomware virus encrypted files, there are a few solutions. Unfortunately, since we have no information about the official decryption tool, we can only offer you data recovery solutions. You can find a few suggestions for file recovery software down below.