PainLocker ransomware. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
PainLocker virus is a ransomware that demands payment in cryptocurrency for file decryption
PainLocker is the newest version of Everbe cryptovirus. It appends [pain@cock.lu].pain file extension to the targeted audio, video, image, documents, and other important files. Then it downloads a data recovery instructions in !=How_recovery_files=!.txt. Authors of the ransomware[1] follow the same manner – victims are asked to contact them and pay a set amount of money.
| Summary | |
|---|---|
| Name | PainLocker |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | Everbe ransomware |
| Extension | [pain@cock.lu].pain |
| Contact email address | pain@cock.lu |
| Ransom note | !=How_recovery_files=!.txt |
| Decryption | Free decryption tool is not created yet |
| Symptoms | Suspicious file extension added to files, computer errors, sluggish performance, appearance of unknown programs or files |
| To uninstall PainLocker, install Reimage and run a full system scan | |
After the infiltration, the PainLocker virus examines stored files and encrypts all the most used and important ones placing specific extension. These files can be anything and everything from text files, documents to photos and videos. Encryption makes data useless, and these files can be recovered only with individual key r replaced from an external backup.
If you haven’t backed up your files, you might be interested in obtaining a specific decryption key. Cyber criminals, who own it, explain how victims can get it in the ransom-demanding message written in “!=How_recovery_files=!.txt’’ file PainLocker ransomware demands payment in cryptocurrency and contacting them via email ( pain@cock.lu or pain@airmail.cc).
Hello, dear friend!
All your files have been ENCRYPTED
Do you really want to restore your files?
Write to our email – pain@coc.lu or pain@airmail.cc
and tell us your unique ID – [redacted]
Malware researchers from LosVirus.es[2] report that contacting crooks and paying a ransom should be avoided. They can ignore you and disappear after the payment is made. No matter how much you value your files, you should remove PainLocker as soon as you find it on the computer.
PainLocker removal requires using anti-malware software. We recommend using Reimage which not only deletes malicious components but can fix all the damage caused by ransomware. This cyber threat makes various system changes that can cause computer-related problems in the future too.
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
Malicious spam emails are the main ransomware distribution method
Spam emails can be the ones containing advertisement, deals, offers and sales from never before seen companies, often from unknown addresses in other languages. Spam email box often is filled with newsletters and commercial information. Clean that box more often without opening any letters to avoid encountering ransomware.
You should never open any spam email from suspicious addresses, especially attachments. Those attachments may contain trojans or other viruses with suspicious activity. You should also keep your tools and software up-to-date and anti-spyware programs running correctly.
However, some of these letters can seem legitimate and send from the popular organizations, such as FedEx or Amazon. Therefore, it might be tricky to recognize phishing email.[3] However, if you do not use the services or you are not supposed to get a parcel, ignore those shady emails.
Eliminate PainLocker ransomware from Windows OS
PainLocker removal is crucial and has to be done properly. It means that you have to obtain a reputable security software and run a full system scan. We suggest using tools like Reimage, Malwarebytes Malwarebytes or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareNorton Internet Security. Only after the cleaning and double-checking that your system is safe again, you can restore those files from a backup.
However, if you do not have your files stored on external or cloud drive, you can try using third-party data recovery options. We have explained them below. However, you have to remove PainLocker first!
To remove PainLocker virus, follow these steps:
Remove PainLocker using Safe Mode with Networking
If you cannot open or run security software for PainLocker ransomware removal, follow this guide:
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
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 Safe Mode with Networking 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 Networking in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Remove PainLocker
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete PainLocker removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove PainLocker 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 PainLocker. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
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 PainLocker 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 PainLocker, you can use several methods to restore them:
Use Data Recovery Pro
This program can help to recover some of the corrupted files.
- Download Data Recovery Pro (https://www.2-spyware.com/download/data-recovery-pro-setup.exe);
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by PainLocker ransomware;
- Restore them.
Use Windows Previous Versions feature
This method allows copying versions of the files saved before ransomware attack. Note that System Restore option has to be enabled before the attack.
- 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”.
Try ShadowExplorer
If PainLocker did not delete Shadow Volume Copies, this tool can help you to recover your files:
- 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.
PainLocker ransomware is not decryptable yet.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from PainLocker and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Malwarebytes Malwarebytes or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareNorton Internet Security
About the author
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References
- ^ Margaret Rouse. Ransomware. TechTarget. The network of technology-related websites.
- ^ Los virus. Los virus. Spanish cyber security news.
- ^ Phishing scams and fake emails. University of Bath. Official website.