MotoxLocker ransomware / virus (Free Guide)
MotoxLocker virus Removal Guide
What is MotoxLocker ransomware virus?
MotoxLocker virus is yet another member of DetoxCrypto family
MotoxLocker virus is another crypto-ransomware parasite that is based on DetoxCrypto code. This version encrypts all files on the computer with AES encryption and does not alter names of files in any way – unlike other ransomware viruses, it does not even add specific file extensions to them. Judging from the language of the ransom note that MotoxLocker ransomware leaves on the infected system, it seems that it has been developed by Croatian hackers. The virus wants the victim to buy a decryption tool which can unlock encrypted data, aka pay the ransom. Therefore, in the ransom note, it explains that files have been encrypted with an impossible-to-crack encryption method and that the only way to restore corrupted data is to pay the ransom It also commands the victim to send a letter to motox2016@protonmail.com email for further instructions.
Criminals ask victims to buy 50 Euros in Bitcoin currency and transfer them to unique Bitcoin wallet. However, you should not rush to take your bank card and buy Bitcoins. Malware researchers have already managed to defeat this virus and code a free MotoxLocker decryption tool. It appears that authors of this ransomware made a quite foolish mistake and failed to remove the decryption key from the system. Instructions how to download and use the decrypter are given below this post, but in order to keep your files safe, you must remove MotoxLocker malware first. There is only one MotoxLocker removal method that we recommend – delete it automatically. FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner software can eliminate it without making any mistakes; meanwhile, you (if you are not an IT expert) can accidentally delete wrong files and damage the computer system or other programs unintentionally. 
NOTE. It appears that there is another version of this malware, and it presents motox2016@mail2tor.com email to the victims. It seems that it is an upgraded version of this malware, and unfortunately, the aforementioned decrypter cannot unlock files encrypted with this version of MotoxLocker virus.
How can one download such malware to the computer?
It is not a secret that computer viruses conceal themselves to look like reliable programs or files. In other words, they act like Trojan horses. The malicious executable can be downloaded to the system after opening a malicious email attachment or downloading a bogus software update; in some cases, crypto-ransomware viruses can enter the target computer with the help of exploit kits, which take advantage of security holes in victim’s computer system. It goes without saying that the best ransomware prevention method is to install a good anti-malware software on the system; however, you can also take extra precautions and avoid opening suspicious-looking emails, clicking on pushy ads, and update all programs installed one the system. If you can, enable automatic software updates. Updates typically fix security vulnerabilities in the program and prevent hackers from exploiting them.
How to remove MotoxLocker ransomware?
Ransomware viruses are no regular computer programs – they must be removed professionally. There is no MotoxLocker uninstaller included, so you have to use an anti-malware program to eliminate this threat from the system. You should start your computer in Safe Mode first to ensure a successful MotoxLocker removal. Detailed instructions on how to do it and then remove MotoxLocker virus using anti-malware software are provided below:
Getting rid of MotoxLocker 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 MotoxLocker using System Restore
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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.
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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 MotoxLocker. 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 MotoxLocker from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.Do not pay the ransom because a free decryption software is available already. Scroll down to download it.
If your files are encrypted by MotoxLocker, you can use several methods to restore them:
Recover your files using MotoxLocker decrypter
Download the MotoxLocker decryption tool and use it to restore your files. Please keep in mind that the computer MUST be clean and contain no viruses before using this tool.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from MotoxLocker and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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