8lock8 ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
How can you escape 8lock8 virus?
8lock8 virus happens to be one of those virtual threats which are highly despised for their capabilities. In other words, it is ransomware which aims to invade your computer and encrypt personal files. The hackers demand an astounding amount of money in exchange for the files. Certainly, we discourage you from doing so because it does not ensure the data return. The wisest thing what you should do is to remove 8lock8 virus before it causes more serious problems. You can employ Reimage for that purpose.
Some IT professionals have discovered that this virus is created on the basis of HiddenTear virus which was spotted last year. 8lock8 ransomware uses an AES-256 algorithm to encode the files. It seems that the wave of viruses which use anonymous Tor browser has passed since the cyber criminals tend to communicate with victims directly via email addresses: d1d81238(@)tuta.io and d1d81238(@)india.com. The latter email address has often been spotted used by recent viruses. Thus, one might suspect that 8lock8 malware might be just another wrongdoing of the same group of hackers or a cyber criminal.
Questions about 8lock8 ransomware virus
Furthermore, when the virus succeeds encrypting the files, it adds the extension of .8lock8 to the corrupted files. At least, it is not difficult to distinguish corrupted files. Later on, it drops READ_IT.txt file with the instructions how to recover the files. There you are offered an opportunity to try their HiddenTear Bruteforcer decryptor which will let you decrypt a couple of .png files. Speaking of the data recovery, you might try PhotoRec or R-studio. Unfortunately, there are no guarantees whether these applications will decrypt all files. Needless to say, that we recommend neither contacting the hackers which might result in a more infected system nor downloading their decryptor which has no importance to the users. What we suggest doing is to initiate 8lock8 removal. Before that let us tell you how this virus spreads so that you can protect your computer in the future.
The distribution of the ransomware
There are mainly two ways how you can get infected with this virus. It may either settle on a computer after a user recklessly opens an infected email. Hackers have developed persuasive ways to convince users into opening such email. Once it is opened, the virus extracts itself from a .rar folder or merely a .doc file. Afterward, the virus starts its misdeed. Additionally, 8lock8 virus might use the services of a trojan or another exploit kit. This method of transmission is more dangerous since this type of infection is capable of disguising itself. Thus, a user might not control the traffic of incoming files into the system. Consequently, you need to have a powerful anti-spyware program which will protect the OS from such threats.
8lock8 removal steps
The most effective way of dealing with 8lock8 virus is to install an anti-spyware program. It is able to detect the source files of this ransomware infection and terminate them completely. Additionally, you need to have the newest version of the virus in order to deal with this malware because outdated versions might not track it despite how powerful anti-spyware program is. The security program will remove 8lock8 in a blink of an eye. You should also know that malware removal tool will not help you to decrypt the files unless you backed them up. After the virus is completely eliminated, find alternatives to protect your data. You may store it in USB stick or keep the back-up copies on a DVD.
To remove 8lock8 virus, follow these steps:
Remove 8lock8 using Safe Mode with Networking
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove 8lock8
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete 8lock8 removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove 8lock8 using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of 8lock8. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from 8lock8 and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Malwarebytes Malwarebytes or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareNorton Internet Security
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