DarkLocker ransomware / virus (Removal Guide) - Decryption Methods Included

DarkLocker virus Removal Guide

What is DarkLocker ransomware virus?

DarkLocker ransomware might make you blush and cover your computer screen

DarkLocker virus is a variant of Monument Jigsaw ransomware, which now uses a different screenlocker[1]. The screenlocker says “Stop watching porn! Your files are encrypted! Read the instructions.” DarkLocker ransomware[2] provides instructions in two different languages – English and Spanish, and they instruct the victim to buy 0.15 Bitcoin and transfer them to criminals’ Bitcoin[3] wallet within 24 hours or pay 0.20 Bitcoin after 24 hours. The virus provides two full days to pay the ransom, otherwise, according to the ransom note, it will delete all files and the operating system. Besides, DarkLocker, just like Jigsaw ransomware[4], threatens the victim to delete 1-5 files every hour until one pays the required amount of money. The virus also says that the virus should spot the transaction and unlock victim’s files automatically, but the victim can click the unlock button to accelerate the process. The ransomware then shares some tips on where to get Bitcoins.
DarkLocker ransomware virusDarkLocker ransomware locks the screen and prevents access to the system.

This screen-locking virus places an NSFW (not safe for work) picture on the screen, making the victim feel ashamed and urging him/her to do everything to remove that from the screen as soon as possible. We do not recommend paying the ransom – just install a proper anti-spyware or anti-malware tool like FortectIntego while in Safe Mode with Networking and remove DarkLocker ransomware automatically. Then reboot your PC again and see if the virus actually corrupted your files. If it hasn’t, create a copy of your data and export it to a portable hard disk or another removable data storage device to create a data backup. If the files are corrupted, use instructions given below DarkLocker removal guidelines and try to restore some files.

How can I protect my PC and files stored on it from ransomware attacks?

Ransomware is not a Trojan horse[5], but it spreads like one. Typically, cybercriminals distribute malicious programs via email spam or even step up their malware distribution game and distribute malware using exploit kits, malvertising, and other means. Therefore, it is highly advisable to think twice before clicking on suspicious links, ads, and buttons while browsing the world wide web. Remember that there are hundreds of people who would like to deceive you and swindle money from you, so rely on your common sense and avoid visiting shady-looking websites and opening emails sent by strangers. However, sometimes being careful is not enough, especially if we think about sophisticated malware distribution methods employed by criminal actors. Therefore, to add an extra layer of protection, install anti-malware program to ward off malicious programs away.

What’s the right way to remove DarkLocker ransomware virus?

Ransomware viruses are powerful illegal programs that can corrupt all your files in the blink of an eye. They are no regular programs, and they do not add their uninstallers when entering a computer system. Therefore, we highly recommend you to remove DarkLocker virus using automatic malware removal programs. If your antivirus fails to complete DarkLocker removal, try to update it before performing the system scan, and if the problem persists, consider installing a powerful malware remover (you can find some recommendations below the article).

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What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of DarkLocker virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Firstly, reboot your computer using these guidelines. Then remove DarkLocker ransomware with an updated anti-malware program (download it while in Safe Mode with Networking if you do not have one yet).

Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.

Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking

Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment. 

Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing 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 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes

Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

Step 4. Delete virus files

Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):

    %AppData%
    %LocalAppData%
    %ProgramData%
    %WinDir%

After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.

Remove DarkLocker using System Restore

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of DarkLocker. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that DarkLocker removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove DarkLocker from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If your files were corrupted and you cannot open them, use one of the provided tools to restore them.

If your files are encrypted by DarkLocker, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data recovery method 1

Data Recovery Pro is a useful tool that can help you restore a decent amount of files. Download and run it to check which files can be recovered.

  • Download Data Recovery Pro;
  • Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
  • Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by DarkLocker ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Data recovery method 2

Run a system scan with ShadowExplorer to find out whether Volume Shadow Copies are still on the system or not. If they’re here, you can use them to restore your files!

  • Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
  • Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
  • Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
  • Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from DarkLocker and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool

Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.

 

Lost your files? Use data recovery software

While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.

To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.

About the author
Linas Kiguolis
Linas Kiguolis - Expert in social media

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