EdgeLocker ransomware / virus (Removal Guide) - Tutorial
EdgeLocker virus Removal Guide
What is EdgeLocker ransomware virus?
EdgeLocker virus joins ransomware family
Unfortunately, EdgeLocker virus is another crypto-malware which ran wild in the virtual world. It belongs to the same category of Locker viruses. Most likely, it has been generated by the same felons who create threats named after notorious CryptoLocker. Some of the examples, such as AdamLocker and ZyklonLocker, have roamed on the web quite for a while. Though the authors release similar threats once a while, neither of the versions is able to maintain its position in the ransomware market [1]. However, the activity of these threats surely alarm users that there is no safe place on the Web and one should be careful while surfing the vast spaces of the Internet. However, even if you are cautious, there is no guarantee that you will not run into this ransomware. More information about EdgeLocker removal and distribution peculiarities is given in the article. While you are reading it, you may let FortectIntego to eliminate the virus [2].
The original version of CryptoLocker has been terrorizing the virtual world since 2013 [3]. Usually, it sneaked into the system via a trojan. In fact, the latter threat is quite an exquisite threat since it is able to evade the detection of security application by passing itself as a legitimate file [4]. Thus, outdated anti-virus may fail to detect it. In this relation, it is likely that EdgeLocker malware might also exploit this infection as a temporary disguise to assault victims. If it succeeds in infiltrating the device, firstly, it will run several tasks in the background of Task Manager. In order to avoid the detection by individual users, the task processes might be entitled as the related processes of WinRAR or another legitimate the application not to cause any suspicion.
When the preparation actions are finished, Edge Locker targets files in local drives. Thus, a broad range of music, image, excel files and documents might be encoded with the AES-256 algorithm. Consequently, they now are labeled with .edge file extensions. The hackers want you to think that there is no other choice of retrieving the encoded files except by transferring the money. Even if companies or users might do whatever it takes to get personal files back, we suggest looking for alternative solutions. Remove EdgeLocker and then proceed to the decryption instructions.
The transmission peculiarities of the ransomware
All the mock versions of CryptoLocker virus supposedly spread via spam messages. There have been several techniques released to fool netizens into opening the specific email disguised as an invoice or another important document [5]. After opening the attachment, a full content of Pandora box is released – a cyber menace, in this case, EdgeLocker hijack, gets activated. Afterward, it is nearly impossible to prevent the infection from execution. Some ransomware is known for distributing via exploit kits. Improving your general security of the operating system is of key importance. Install an anti-spyware tool to remove EdgeLocker from the computer.
Is there a way to completely get rid of EdgeLocker?
Ransomware is surely bad news for a user. Despite how desperate the situation might look like, there is a solution. Entrust EdgeLocker removal to FortectIntego or Malwarebytes. Either of these programs will help you eradicate all components of the threat. After the process is finished, you can think about data recovery procedure. Take a look at our bonus recovery instructions. If your computer becomes non-responding and due to certain malfunctioning functions you cannot remove EdgeLocker virus, regain the access by using these instructions.
Getting rid of EdgeLocker virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
If you cannot download security software, you might do so after entering the Safe Mode.
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
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- 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.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
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:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
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:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- 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).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- 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 EdgeLocker using System Restore
The latter method is an alternative solution to terminate EdgeLocker ransomware permanently.
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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.
-
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 EdgeLocker. 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.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove EdgeLocker from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by EdgeLocker, you can use several methods to restore them:
Modus operandi of Data Recovery Pro
If you did not backup your files, you might succeed in recovering the files using this program.
- 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 EdgeLocker ransomware;
- Restore them.
What is Windows Previous Versions function?
Though this method might be less convenient, there is a chance that you will retrieve the files using this option.
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
The usefulness of ShadowExplorer
Shadow Volume Copies are the patterns of your files created by the operating system. This software acquires them and recreates the files according to them. Likewise, you do not have to pay the ransom.
- 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 EdgeLocker and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
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- ^ Yogesh Gupta. The 'endpoint plus network' strategy is CSO's armor: Kris Hagerman. CSO provides news, analysis and research on security and risk management.
- ^ Justin Luna . Ransomware: what it is, and what you can do about it. Neowin reaches a deep community of IT professionals, extreme tech enthusiasts and a hardcore gaming community.
- ^ Ransom.Cryptolocker. Symantec Cyber Security News and Products.
- ^ Trojan horse. Computer Hope. Free computer help and information.
- ^ Tom Spring. New Wave of Hailstorm Spam Pelts Inboxes. ThreadPost. The first stop for security news.