How to remove PainLocker ransomware

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.

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 FortectIntego 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.

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 FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. 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!