How to remove LockeR ransomware virus

LockeR ransomware virus asks for 10.000 dollars for the decryptor

LockeR ransomware is a recently emerged file-encrypting virus that uses a combination of RSA-2048 and AES-256 cipher to corrupt files on the affected device. Then malware creates a ransom note called “[How_To_Decrypt_Files].txt” where cybercriminals provide the instructions how to pay the ransom.

In the text file, authors of the LockeR virus briefly tell about data encryption and inform that victims have to get a special program to decrypt files and the private key. In order to obtain these entries, people are asked to visit one of the four lockerwhuaf2jix.onion websites that can be accessed only via Tor web browser.^[1]

The LockeR payment website informs that victims are asked to pay $10.000 in Bitcoins (1.78910400 BTC) within four days. The site has a timer that shows how much time left. Once the timer turns to zero, the size of the ransom will double. However, following greedy hackers’ demands is not recommended. You might only lose the money and do not get a possibility to use decryption software.^[2]

However, creators of the LockeR ransomware offers to restore one encrypted (smaller than 10 MB) for free to convince people that they actually have working decryptor. Additionally, the payment site has a support line. Victims can send a message to criminals if they have any problems with transferring Bitcoins to the provided Bitcoin wallet address.

After the infiltration, LockeR malware also drops a .KEY file on the targeted device. Victims who are willing to take hackers’ offer (not recommended) has to send it to the criminals. However, in the payment website developers inform that if this file was not downloaded to the infected computer, it means that it is already synchronized.

Thus, it’s extremely important to remove LockeR from the computer. Having malicious program installed means that your machine is vulnerable and you cannot use it safely. We understand that data is essential to you, but having business with evil-minded developers is most likely to increase your loss.

If you lost access to your files (it’s not reported that ransomware appends a specific file extension to the targeted files) and found this threatening .txt document on the desktop, you should take care of your computer’s safety. Obtain FortectIntego or another reputable anti-malware tool and perform automatic LockeR removal to protect the PC from other cyber threats and your privacy.

Distribution strategies and how to avoid ransomware

According to the latest analysis, the LockeR virus mostly attacks Sweden^[3] computer users. Thus, users from this country should be cautious and pay attention to cyber security tips. Crypto-malware might spread using different methods. However, malicious spam emails remain the No 1 strategy.

To protect your files from the attack, you should:

• never open spam emails;
• stay away from links, buttons, and attachments that are sent from unknown senders;
• double-check information provided in the email before opening any content included in it;
• keep away from suspicious ads especially on high-risk sites;
• do not download illegal content or programs;
  install software updates only from legit sources;
• keep all the programs up-to-date;
• install reputable antivirus and keep it updated.

Termination instructions of the LockeR malware

The only safe way to remove LockeR ransomware from the device is to employ professional malware removal tool. There’re plenty of powerful programs that can help you. However, we recommend our readers to choose FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. These programs are strong enough to wipe out all recent cyber threats without any problems.

However, before installing the program and scanning the system, you should start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. It will assure that LockeR removal will be smooth. Sometimes malware is designed to disable or block antivirus or anti-malware tools. Thus, Safe Mode helps to disable the virus and run automatic elimination.