MMLocker ransomware / virus (Free Guide)
MMLocker virus Removal Guide
What is MMLocker ransomware virus?
MMLocker ransomware virus. How does it act?
MMLocker virus is a malicious Trojan horse that meets characteristics of ransomware virus. It combines two encryption algorithms – RSA and AES to encrypt victim’s files and protect them from being decrypted. It can corrupt files that are stored not only on the computer system, but also on external drives (plugged-in hard disks, USB sticks, CDs, DVDs, and so on). Encrypted data becomes inaccessible, which means that user loses access to his/hers precious files, including family photos, documents, videos, music, and other types of data. MM Locker malware appends .locked file extension to corrupted files without removing the original file extension. This virus can be easily mistaken with Raa virus or Uyari ransomware because they also add this file extension to locked data. The virus, just like other ransomware-type threats changes desktop wallpaper with a threatening message and urges the victim to open a ransom note, which is created and stored on the desktop. The ransom note by MMLocker is called READ_IT.TXT and starts with such words:
Uh oh. It looks like your data has been the victim of the encryption thief. Your files have been encrypted with AES.
The indicated virus aggressively commands the victim to pay 200$ in Bitcoins (approximately 0.501049 BTC). The cyber criminal also tells the victim that the ransom payment must be made within 72 hours; otherwise, he/she deletes the decryption key.
What is also interesting is that the crook gets personal in the message, and leaves a message convincing the victim to pay up as soon as possible. According to the message, the criminal has been running “ransomware” business for five years in a row and that nobody could find him/her yet. He/she tells that the situation “could have been worse” and that the ransom price could have been higher. At the end of the message, the cyber criminal even leaves a short guide telling the victim how to protect the PC from ransomware attacks. This is an exceptional piece of ransomware, and it leaves quite a long note for the victim. Unfortunately, the cyber criminal is right – data cannot be recovered, and you do need stronger computer protection. We would like to encourage you not to fulfill this cybercriminal’s wishes and not to pay the ransom. Instead, remove MMLocker ransomware using malware removal program like FortectIntego. Files can be decrypted using backups, but if you do not have them, you should learn how to create and save them. We also want to say that sometimes IT experts manage to create free decryptors for victims of ransomware. However, before any attempt to decrypt the .locked data, MMLocker removal should be completed first.
How does this virus spread?
MMLocker crypto-ransomware is distributed via spam emails, fake software updates, and malvertising. To put it simply, you can infect your PC with this Trojan after opening a file from unknown source. Such infectious file can look entirely safe; for example, the virus can be injected into Word or JS file, and the idea that such files can be malicious would probably never come to your mind. Sadly, cybercriminals educate themselves, too, and find new ways to spread malware. To protect your computer, avoid opening suspicious email attachment or links because these can immediately inject malware into the system.
How to remove MMLocker?
MMLocker virus is a severe computer infection, and it should be taken seriously. If you are not an advanced computer user, we do NOT recommend you to play around with this threat and try to delete it manually. It is not that simple! This sophisticated malware consists of various components and executive file, which are hidden deeply in the computer system. Luckily, these can be successfully discovered quickly with a help of malware detection software. Use one of the following tools to carry out MMLocker removal, and in case the virus attempts to stop you from doing so, follow steps that are provided below.
Getting rid of MMLocker virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using 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 MMLocker using System Restore
-
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.
- Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
- Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
- Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
- When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of MMLocker. After doing that, click Next.
- Now click Yes to start system restore.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from MMLocker and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.