ChernoLocker ransomware (Improved Instructions) - Virus Removal Guide

What is ChernoLocker ransomware?

ChernoLocker ransomware – a file-locking malware string that is decryptable with an official key

ChernoLocker ransomware is malware that creates reliable-looking processes and adds them to the Task Manager

ChernoLocker ransomware is a recent malware that has been first spotted by a cybersecurity researcher named S!Ri on Twitter.^[1] The ransomware is programmed in Python programming language and it employs the AES-256 encryption key^[2] for locking files and adding the .CHERNOLOCKER appendix next to each filename. Short after this, ChernoLocker ransomware aims to load a pop-up window that holds the landing-screenshot-img-9-786.jpg file. This particular document is placed on the PC's desktop and then launches a website that includes the exact same file. The image states that the victim's files have been encrypted and the only way to restore them is by purchasing the decryption key from the cybercriminals. Continuously, the crooks add the filelocker@protonmail.ch email address for communicating. However, none of these ransom demands have to be met as Emsisoft specialists have already released a decryption key that can unlock files and documents that have been encrypted by ChernoLocker ransomware.

When ChernoLocker ransomware appears on your Windows machine by manipulating your computer's security, it adds bogus processes to the Task Manager section one of which is named Adobe Acrobat Activation Patch.exe. As you can see, the ransomware virus tries to camouflage itself as a reliable product so that the users would not understand that it is a malicious process that they are viewing. However, you can find other types of suspicious content placed in various directories, including the User_folders, desktop, and random folders.

ChernoLocker ransomware is a malicious threat that targets English-based users as the entire ransom note is written in the English language. This way the bad actors can target a wide specter of people. Be aware that the criminals will try to provoke you to purchase the decryption tool faster by stating that your files will be permanently lost if you do not follow their demands and similar things:

YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED

All Your Files have now been encrypted with the strongest encryption
You need to purchase the encryption key otherwise
you won't recover your files
Read the Browser tab on ways to recover your files
Make Sure you dont loose this Email as you it will be loosing it will be
fatal
Write it in a noptepad and keep it safe
Email: filelocker@protonmail.ch

ChernoLocker ransomware does not provide any particular details about the ransom price so we can only speculate what types of demands will be required after contacting the crooks. However, usually, malicious actors urge for some type of cryptocurrency transfer, e.g. Bitcoin. These types of payments do not require any personally-identifiable information, so criminals can keep their anonymity and stay untracked.

Continuously, you might be provided with monetary demands anywhere between $50 and $2000. As we have already mentioned, there is no reason to pay these people as ChernoLocker ransomware is a decryptable virus. Besides, there is a high risk of getting scammed while meeting the conditions required by the crooks. These people are likely to run off with your money and give you nothing in return.

ChernoLocker ransomware - a dangerous malware form that uses the AES-256 cipher and locks files with the .CHERNOLOCKER appendix

ChernoLocker ransomware can also alter the Windows Registry on your computer. Here, the ransomware virus can add malicious entries that allow it to execute multiple harmful and rogue processes. This cyber threat injects commands that enable the malicious code within every computer boot process. It might also try to evade antimalware detection to properly place itself on the targeted machine. However, according to VirusTotal information,^[3] 43 out of the total 70 of AV engines find ChernoLocker ransomware by different detection names. Some of them include:

• Trojan.GenericKD.32833226;
• Win32:Malware-gen;
• Ransom.ChernoLocker;
• Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Gen.ueu;
• Ransom:Win32/Genasom;
• Ransom_Gen.R032C0WLN19.

Nevertheless, the ransomware can include a module that scans the entire system for encryptable components once in a while. You might not be able to decrypt your data before you remove ChernoLocker ransomware from your Windows computer. So, you should employ reliable security software and opt for the elimination process of the ransomware virus as soon as possible. Also, you can try using FortectIntego for fixing found damage.

Furthermore, ChernoLocker ransomware might aim to delete the Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted data by executing specific PowerShell commands. This way the malware decreases the chances to recover locked files by employing some types of third-party software. However, this is not all that the ransomware virus might be capable of doing.

ChernoLocker ransomware can also damage the Windows hosts file to prevent users from visiting security-related websites and receiving valuable information towards the decryption process and virus removal. This way the criminals try to decrease the possibility of restoring files and removing the parasite. However, you can definitely perform the ChernoLocker ransomware removal by employing automatical software. Additionally, do not forget to delete the hosts file, otherwise, the access to security websites can remain blocked.

Keep in mind that ChernoLocker virus is a nasty parasite to be dealing with. This malicious threat makes unwanted changes to your computer, locks various files that are found on your computer system, and provides ransom demands. Besides that, the malware might bring other malicious products to your machine. So, hurry up and eliminate the threat before various trojans and spyware are placed on your PC.

ChernoLocker ransomware - malware that can get distributed through email spam, software cracks, and vulnerable RDP

The main distribution techniques of ransomware viruses

Cybersecurity specialists from NoVirus.uk^[4] state that ransomware infections are distributed by using multiple deceptive techniques. However, the criminals are most likely to place the malware in phishing email messages. These people pretend to be from reliable shipping organizations such as FedEx/DHL or from reputable banking, healthcare companies and tend to deliver malicious attachments or hyperlinks that are encouraged to be opened.

You should always be careful with emails that fall under the Spam category or come from an unrecognizable sender. Continuously, never open any attached documents without scanning them with reliable antimalware software. If you receive any type of message that gives you a concerning feeling and was not expected to be received, you should not risk getting infected by it and delete it right away.

Furthermore, ransomware viruses can get distributed through cracked software that is placed on multiple piracy^[5] networks. Sources such as The Pirate Bay, BitTorrent, eMule, and others come filled with third-party content that is not legitimately placed there. You should avoid downloading software, services, videos, and movies from such sources as you might easily end up with malware after completing such downloads.

Also, ransomware gets delivered through RDP. Hackers are able to remotely hack various RDPs that do not include any protection or hold weak passwords. Afterward, the crooks can plant their malware on your Windows computer successfully. Regarding this fact, you should always generate strong, secure, and complex passwords that include multiple letters, numbers, and symbols.

Removal guidelines for ChernoLocker ransomware

We recommend performing the ChernoLocker ransomware removal as soon as you encounter encrypted files, the ransom message, and rogue processes running in your Windows Task Manager. You should employ automatical software for completing such task. Choose tools that are truly capable of eliminating advanced cyber threats as this ransomware virus. Do not try to perform the removal on your own as you can cause even more damage.

When you remove ChernoLocker ransomware, you can start recovering your files by employing Emsisoft's decryption key or by trying some methods that are provided for your below. Additionally, you should search your computer system for possible damage by employing software such as Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. If the tools find any corrupted components, you can try repairing them with another program such as FortectIntego.