Locker virus is a serious infection that encrypts files and demands to pay for the decryption key
Locker virus (can also be found as Locker v1.7, Locker V2.16, Locker v2.60, Locker v3.5.3, Locker v.3.49, and Locker V5.52) is a seriously dangerous cyber threat that acts just like it is suggested by its name. Once it infiltrates its target computer, it checks the system for predetermined files and “locks” them down.
In addition, when trying to open any of these files, it shows a warning message that asks to make a payment in exchange for the specific decryption key. Typically, it is needed when trying to unblock these compromised files and get the ability to use them again.
Locker virus belongs to the 'ransomware' or 'crypto-ransomware' category, which means that it tries to push people into paying a ransom. In fact, it's not very hard to do that because, before asking to pay a ransom of 0.1 BTC (bitcoins), Locker encrypts each of these popular files:
3fr, .accdb, .ai, .arw, .bay, .cdr, .cer, .cr2, .crt, .crw, .dbf, .dcr, .der, .dng, .doc, .docm, .docx, .dwg, .dxf, .dxg, .eps, .erf, .indd, .jpe, .jpg, .kdc, .mdb, .mdf, .mef, .mrw, .nef, .nrw, .odb, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt, .orf, .p12, .p7b, .p7c, .pdd, .pef, .pem, .pfx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .psd, .pst, .ptx, .r3d, .raf, .raw, .rtf, .rw2, .rwl, .srf, .srw, .wb2, .wpd, .wps, .xlk, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx
As you can see, this threat can easily lead you to the loss of each of your photos, music files, art files, and other documents. In order to get the ability to decrypt these files, you will need to make a required payment within 72 hours. If the victim fails to pay a random, Locker ransomware raises it to 1.0 BTC.

What can be done when dealing with such an issue? First of all, you should remove Locker virus from the system before it manages to encrypt more of your files. In addition, you should look for extra copies of your blocked files. If you still don't know how can you make backups of your important files, you should check this post: Why do I need backup and what options do I have for that? If you don't have backups, you can also try using these tools: R-Studio, Photorec. Unfortunately, but if these programs failed to work for you, it means that your files are doomed.
For the removal of Locker virus we highly recommend SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, because these programs have been showing great results when dealing with this ransomware or other infections.
Ways how ransomware can infect your computer
There are lots of similar ransomware that are spreading around at the moment of writing, including the famous one Cryptolocker, CTB locker, Cryptobot, Cryptographic Locker, and similar ones. They all rely on similar distribution techniques that have been used by lots of other viruses, such as rogue anti-spyware, trojans, and other threats.
If you want to avoid each of them, the main thing that you have to remember is that they have been actively promoted with a help of spam. Spam is undesired email messages that are either filled with infected attachments or malicious links. When seeking to trick people into clicking these links or downloading these malicious attachments to their computers, they report about tricky things, such as missing payments, warnings from governmental authorities, and similar invented things that people are usually scared about. Please, do NOT fall for such messages and always check the sender and the body of the message. If it is filled with typos or grammar mistakes, there is a huge possibility that it is fake.
In addition, the Locker virus can also infiltrate your PC after clicking on a misleading pop-up ad that may interrupt you during your browsing. Please, stay away from each ad that reports about missing updates, including Java, Flash Player, and similar ones.
Rely on a reliable antivirus program to remove Locker virus
If you are one of Locker ransomware victims, you should waste no time and remove it from your computer. For that, you can use the guidelines that are given below.
Besides, we highly recommend thinking about the prevention of such infections as Locker virus. For that, you can use such reliable programs as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Besides, don't forget to think about the immunity of your files and backup. For that, you can use:
- USB external hard drives,
- CDs,
- DVDs,
- or simply rely on online backups, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Flickr and other solutions.
More information about backups can be found in this post: Why do I need backup and what options do I have for that? Moreover, even if you have backups, remember to fix all system files after Locker virus removal. We recommend using FortectIntego or any other official fixing tool.
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1 comment
Justin
Thanks for the step-by-step instructions on how to remove the virus. Comes very handy. In your method 2, in where you list system restore, I would also add alternatives (deep freeze, reboot restore rx) as well. These are very easy to install, and in the case of the later, Reboot Restore Rx, dont require an investment to use it. It also is more robust because it works independently from Windows.