How to remove Unlocker ransomware

Unlocker ransomware blackmails victims into paying a ransom in return for a decryption key

Unlocker ransomware is one of the most recent data-locking malware versions. Ransomware is very damaging because it locks all of the personal files on the victims' computers and makes them impossible to open. These types of malicious programs have spiked in popularity in recent years because of their nature.

Once the virus enters the system, it begins the encryption^[1] process which appends personal files, like photos, videos, and documents with the .lock extension, victim ID, and the cybercriminals' email address. So if a file was previously named picture.jpg after the encryption process is complete, the name would be changed to picture.jpg.[unlocker@onionmail.org].[victim_ID].lock. The appearance of the files also gets altered. Users can no longer see the thumbnails, only white pages.

After the encryption is complete, a ransom note README_WARNING.TXT is generated on the victim's device. A ransom note explains what happened to the users' files, and what actions cybercriminals want them to take. Usually, threat actors ask for payment in cryptocurrencies^[2] in return for a decryption key.

The ransom note

Hey!
Can I recover my files? Sure. We guarantee that you can recover all your files easily and safely! But you have to be fast!. How quickly you pay, how quickly all your data will be returned, as before encryption.
To contact write to the mail: unlocker@onionmail.org
Reserved email: unlockersuport@msgsafe.io

Telegram: @unlockersuport

ATTENTION !!!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software – this may result in permanent data loss.
We are always ready to cooperate and find the best way to solve your problem.
The sooner you write, the better the conditions will be for you.
Our company values ​​its reputation. We give all guarantees of decryption of your files.

Your personal ID: –

Victims are next asked to contact the criminals via email nlocker@onionmail.org. We do not recommend doing this because ransomware developers cannot be trusted. Threat actors usually choose cryptocurrencies as a form of payment because they cannot be refunded. By paying the money, you risk getting scammed too.

Previous ransomware victims often share their devastating experiences. Many of them never heard back from the cyber criminals after they paid them to get a decryption key or software. By paying the ransom you are also encouraging this criminal activity.

Distribution methods

• Email attachments – Criminals use clever social engineering tactics to persuade people to download the infected attachments. Sometimes they do extensive research on their targets to make the email seem as legitimate as possible. It is best not to open random email attachments. If it is sent from a person you know, double-check with them through a different platform to see if it was really them who sent it. The file can be delivered in a variety of formats, including a ZIP file, PDF, Word document, Excel spreadsheet, and more.

• Torrent sites – Pirated software is an easy way for ransomware to enter the system. We urge you not to use peer-to-peer file-sharing platforms^[3] as they are full of malicious programs. You might think that you are lucky you found software for free that normally costs money but you can never know if that program is safe to install.

• Drive-by downloads – A drive-by download occurs without your knowledge. Unlike many other attack routes, drive-by downloads do not require any action from the user. You do not have to click, open or install anything. Visiting an infected website is all it takes to become a ransomware victim. When users visit the infected website, the malicious content looks for specific vulnerabilities^[4] in your device and automatically executes the ransomware in the background.

Use professional security tools to eliminate malicious files

The thing that you have to do immediately is to disconnect the affected machine from the local network. Disconnecting the ethernet cable or disabling the Wi-Fi should do the job for home users. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have separate instructions for you at the bottom of this post.

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. Malware can also encrypt your files the second time if it is not eliminated first. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have excellent IT skills.

Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. In some cases, malware can prevent you from using antivirus software, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing the F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find the Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Fix system errors to prevent Windows reinstallation

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a complete Windows reinstall is required, are expected after malware infection. These types of viruses can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other functions, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software will not able to repair it.

This is why FortectIntego was developed. This powerful software can fix a lot of the damage caused by Unlocker ransomware. Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

File recovery options

Many people think that they can fix their files with anti-malware tools, but that is not what they are designed for. All the security tools can do is detect suspicious processes in your system and eliminate them. The truth is, the files can be restored only with a decryption key or software that only the cybercriminals have.

If you did not back up your data previously, it might be possible that you will never get them back. You can try using data recovery software, but we have to note that third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the Unlocker ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are essential while dealing with this situation:

• Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
• Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.