How to remove Easy2lock ransomware

Easy2lock ransomware – a dangerous computer virus that might permanently render your files useless

Easy2lock ransomware is a file locking virus that first showed up in early November 2020. Upon entering a Windows computer or a network, it performs various changes in order to run a successful data locking process, executed with a strong, military-grade encryption algorithm. After this process, all pictures, videos, music, documents, databases, and other files receive the .easy2lock extension and can no longer be accessed. Data is essentially not destroyed and needs a uniquely-generated key that is in the possession of the attackers.

After the Easy2lock virus finishes the encryption process, it also delivers several ransom notes. To be precise, each of the files receives an individual text file, the title of which is based on the file's name, e.g., “picture.jpg.easy2lock” file will incorporate a “picture.jpg.easy2lock_read_me” text file. Despite this, the contents remain the same – hackers inform that all files, along with backups, were encrypted and that victims need to email them at leroy3564@protonmail.com, donovan4039@airmail.cc, or darryl8227@msgsafe.io if they want to recover their files.

Some ransomware tends to delete themselves as soon as the file encryption is over. The virus instead runs an active background process called “Bin,” although its name might vary for every victim. This process guarantees that each of the incoming files would also be encrypted immediately, hence doing so is not advised until Easy2lock ransomware removal is performed. We recommend using SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes for the process.

Easy2lock ransomware does not seem to belong to any previously-known malware family. Nonetheless, judging by the delivered ransom note, it looks like cybercriminals are targeting corporations and businesses instead of regular computer users. It does not mean that the latter can not be infected, however.

While distribution techniques for the Easy2lock virus are still unknown, it is highly likely that the attackers break into the network via Remote Desktop connections that are open to the internet. Alternatively, corporate-targeting malware is also spread via targeted phishing emails.

Before locking files, Easy2lock ransomware first prepares a Windows machine for the process, otherwise, it would be unsuccessful (Windows has an automated backup system called Shadow Copies, although it is usually deleted as soon as the infection penetrates the system). These changes can be crucial to some operating systems, for example, some system files might be damaged. If you noticed significant issues post-infection, we recommend scanning the machine with FortectIntego for an automatic fix.

With the encryption complete, the Easy2lock file virus drops several ransom notes, although the message is the same in all of them – it reads:

Your network has been penetrated.

All files on each host in the network have been encrypted with a strong algorythm.

Backups were either encrypted or deleted.

Do not rename or move the encrypted files.

To get the files back contact us at:
leroy3564@protonmail.com
donovan4039@airmail.cc
darryl8227@msgsafe.io

Store the encryption key:

Paying criminals is discouraged by security experts, as the attackers might be very unreliable, and trusting them is very risky. If you pay the ransom, they might take your money and never return the required key. Keep in mind that, even if you remove Easy2lock ransomware, your files will remain locked, so the only working solution would be restoring data from backups.

Protect yourself from ransomware attacks

Cybercriminals are most certainly are keen on using different distribution techniques in order to infect as many victims are possible. However, some actors tend to stick to one delivery method and reach great success; for example, Djvu ransomware variants such as Jdyi or Vpsh are spread exclusively via software cracks. Here are some of the methods that could be used by the attackers:

• Malicious spam email attachments or embedded hyperlinks;
• Malicious links and drive-by downloads;
• Repacked installers;
• Software cracks and pirated programs;
• Software vulnerabilities and exploits, etc.

One of the most important defense mechanisms against all the malware attacks is security software. It must be running at all times and must be updated to the latest version. Keep in mind that anti-malware should also employ real-time protection feature to be effective.

Of course, acting responsible online is just as important – you should keep your software updated, not allow email attachments to run macros, not click on suspicious links, protect your accounts with strong passwords and never leave RDP connections open to the internet.

Delete Easy2lock ransomware and only then attempt file recovery

As mentioned above, the Easy2lock files virus runs a background process that encrypts all the incoming files. Malware-related processes are dangerous due to other reasons as well, as they could initiate network connections to remote servers and download other modules or payloads. As a result, malicious actors could be spying on everything you do while using your computer and could steal your banking information or login credentials. Hence, Easy2lock ransomware removal is extremely important.

If you have no backups, do not remove Easy2lock ransomware immediately and make copies of the most important files. Otherwise, you might lose them forever, and even a working decryptor would not help you. To perform malware elimination, employ SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, or another reliable security application. If required, access Safe Mode with Networking as well – we provide the instructions on how to do that below. After that, use FortectIntego to repair damaged system files.

Finally, restore your data from backups or attempt the process by using alternative methods that might help in some cases. You can find all the details in the recovery section below.