How to remove BRLock ransomware virus

Important information about the BRLock ransomware virus:

If you have not been following the infosec news lately, we have to inform you that a new and dangerous BRLock virus has been released, and it is spreading rapidly throughout the web. This infection was initially oriented to infect computers located in the Russian-speaking countries, but the line between geo-targeted and worldwide infections is really thin. Thus, as long as you are online – you risk being infected. The virus analysts compare BRLock to the notorious Police ransomware because both of these viruses work under the name of the government authorities pretending to carry out a supposed Internet protection program. In particular, BRLock sends its victim a fake notice informing that Russian Federation’s Ministry of Internal Affairs have noticed some illegal activities on the given computer, and now the computer owner has to pay a fine in order to prevent further prosecution and regain access to the computer. Of course, this notice is fake and simply one of the social engineering techniques used by the scammers to extort money from the unsuspecting victims. It is interesting though that the “fine” reaches only $15, compared to thousands of dollars demanded by other ransomware viruses. This might suggest that either this virus is a test version of some more serious ransomware project or that the hackers use this relatively small sum to trick the user into paying and steal more money later, using the victim’s banking credentials submitted when transferring the “fine.” Either way, paying up can end up badly, because even if your bank account stays untouched, the criminals may not grant you access to the computer. It is more recommended to remove BRLock and, hopefully, demotivate the hackers from creating similar programs in the future. You can use FortectIntego anti-malware for this purpose.

At the moment of writing it is not clear how exactly does this virus encrypt data on its victims’ computers. It can be presumed though that AES or similar algorithms can be used in the process. The virus analysts also found that BRLock ransomware belongs to the category of lockscreen viruses which means that this virus alter’s computer’s settings in a way which does not allow the system to boot properly and loads to a screen displaying the intended message. In this message, the criminals also provide a telephone number which should work as tech supports service but is most likely non-functional. All the needed information about the payment is provided in the written form. Though we do not recommend paying and encourage to proceed with a BRLock removal instead. Do not allow hackers take control of your computer and better look for some safer recovery alternatives.

BRLock ransomware and its distribution:

BRLock virus is a typical ransomware infection though some of its characteristics may differ from other programs belonging to this category. So, this infection will most likely spread in ways typical for the ransomware viruses. It may be embedded in malicious web links, downloaded as a Trojan together with other potentially unwanted programs, or even access your computer through social networking sites. In most of the cases, the victim him/herself is to blame for letting the virus infect the computer. Although the virus is malicious, it still needs permission to enter the system, so, perhaps inadvertently, the users let it in. To have more control over what you are allowing to install on your computer, obtain some assistant tools, such as professional anti-malware utilities to warn you about the dangerous installs.

BRLock removal and solutions for the data recovery:

Even if you have no previous experience with the virus removal, do not waste your time hesitating whether you should take up the BRLock removal and take action immediately. Perhaps you will manage to save some of your personal files. Remember that ransomware viruses are connected to the Command/Control servers through the network so the first thing you should do after noticing the suspicious lockscreen is disconnected your computer from the Internet. Reboot your computer in Safe Mode and run a scan with a professional tool for virus elimination. This way you will be able to decontaminate the infection and remove BRLock without damaging your computer.