PClock virus (Decryption Steps Included) - Free Instructions

PClock virus Removal Guide

What is PClock virus?

PClock is the threat considered to be a ransomware-type

PClock virus is one of the most aggressive cyber threats that are spread around the world quickly. If you know what Cryptolocker is, then you will have no problem understanding what the PClock virus is. For those who are not familiar with this threat, we will say that it is capable of infiltrating computers without being noticed, encrypting almost every file that can be found on the system (*.xls, *.docx, *.doc, *.text, *.jpg, *.jpeg, *.ppt, *.pdf, *.pps, *.wps, *.pptm, *.pptx, *.pst, *.zip, *.tar, *.rar, etc.) and then asking to pay a ransom in exchange for unblocking affected files.

Name PClock Virus
Type Ransomware
Issues The system gets infiltrated and locked in minutes. Then the computer cannot be used until the payment is transferred to criminals
Ransom note Your files are locked !!!!.txt
Contact info suppcop@yandex.ru, sysgop01@india.com, and sysgop02@india.com
Distribution Malicious files and spam email campaigns get used to spreading malware around
Removal You need anti-malware tools to remove this virus
Elimination of damage Get rid of the damage caused by the infection with FortectIntego

PClock virus relies on XOR encryption routine when trying to block target system files, so there is no surprise that there is the only method that can be used for the decryption of these files and this method is to pay a ransom and get the key. You can hardly miss the fact that your computer was affected by this ransomware because as soon as it finishes encrypting your files, it shows a huge warning message asking to pay a ransom.

The ransom message that PClock displays:

Support e-mail: suppteam01@india.com suppteam01@yandex.ru
Your personal files encryption produced on this computer: photos, videos, documents, etc.
Encryption was produced using a unique public key RSA-2048 generated for this computer.
To decrypt files you need to obtain the private key.
The single copy of the private key, which will allow to decrypt the files,
located on a secret server on the Internet; the server will destroy the key after 120 hours.
After that nobody and never will be able to restore files.
To obtain the private key for this computer, you need pay 1.2 Bitcoin (~761 USD)
—————————————————————————————————
Your Bitcoin address:
14DuLWSHUQt2CKTsWCjpos4RYBFzvgxrLW
You must send 1.2 Bitcoin to the specified address and report it to e-mail customer support.
In the letter must specify your Bitcoin address to which the payment was made.
—————————————————————————————————
The most convenient tool for buying Bitcoins in our opinion is the site:
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/
There you can buy Bitcoins in your country in any way you like, including electronic payment systems,
credit and debit cards, money orders, and others.
Instructions for purchasing Bitcoins on account localbitcoins.com read here:
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/guides/how-to-buy-bitcoins
Video tutorial detailing on buying Bitcoins using the site localbitcoins.com here:
hxxp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hroPcR-0zSI
How to withdraw Bitcoins from account localbitcoins.com to our bitcoin wallet:
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/faq#howto_buy
Also you can use to buy Bitcoins these sites:
hxxps://www.bitstamp.net/ – Big BTC exchanger
hxxps://www.coinbase.com/ – Other big BTC exchanger
hxxps://www.moneypakforbitcoins.us/ – Buy BTC via Green Dot MoneyPak
hxxps://btcdirect.eu/ – Best for Europe
hxxps://coincafe.com/ – Recommended for fast, many payment methods
hxxps://bittylicious.com/ – Good service for Europe and World
hxxps://www.247exchange.com/ – Other exchanger

This payment should be made in bitcoins and within 72 hours. Please, do NOT make this payment because it might be that it won't help you to recover the connection to your files. For that, you should install SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes and run a full system scan with it. In order to recover your affected files, you can try to use the alternatives listed below.

PClockThe virus shows a message as a program window with a clear ransm note.

Ways computers get infected

PClock is spread using well-known techniques that should be kept in mind forever. One of the mostly-used methods relies on fake notifications that report about such things as missing updates, possible infections, or even discounts. Once any of such ads is clicked, the computer is infected by a trojan horse, which is additionally used for making predetermined system changes and also encrypting required files.

If you want to stay safe, you should ignore all these ads that claim that you should update your Java, Flash Player, FLV Player, etc. In addition, stay away from those ads that 'recommend' contacting some kind of customer service and similar assistants because they can also lead you to the infiltration of the virus. Finally, you should avoid illegal websites and also stay away from suspicious emails.

If the message looks very suspicious and claims that should download the attachment, you should never do that because this can easily lead you to the infiltration of this ransomware. Once this threat enters the computer, it does what it was set for and then shows such fake warning message:

CryptoLocker

Your important files encryption produced on this computer: photos, videos, documents, etc.
If you see this text, but do not see the “CryptoLocker” window, then your antivirus deleted “CryptoLocker” from computer.
If you need your files, you have to recover “CryptoLocker” from the antivirus quarantine, or find a copy of “CryptoLocker” in the Internet and start it again.
You can download “CryptoLocker from the link given below.
hxxp://invisioncorp.com/au/XXXXXXXXXX
Approximate destruction time of your proviate key:

If the time is finished you are unable to recover files anymore! Simply remove this wallpaper from your desktop.

Removing the virus with the guide

If the PClock virus has just shown up on your PC's desktop, you should ignore its requirement to pay a fine because you can be left without your files and your money. Instead of making a payment and supporting hackers, we recommend using a guide below.

In the end, we highly recommend thinking about the prevention of such infections. For that, you should always have reputable anti-spyware installed on your computer. You can rely on SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes or different anti-malware. Besides, don't forget to think about the immunity of your files and backup. If you have been making backups, you should be capable of recovering your files. You can also use file recovery software or system tools like FortectIntego.

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Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of PClock virus. Follow these steps

Scan your system with anti-malware

If you are a victim of ransomware, you should employ anti-malware software for its removal. Some ransomware can self-destruct after the file encryption process is finished. Even in such cases, malware might leave various data-stealing modules or could operate in conjunction with other malicious programs on your device. 

SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes can detect and eliminate all ransomware-related files, additional modules, along with other viruses that could be hiding on your system. The security software is really easy to use and does not require any prior IT knowledge to succeed in the malware removal process.

Repair damaged system components

Once a computer is infected with malware, its system is changed to operate differently. For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is. Consequently, users might experience performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required.

Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of FortectIntego repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.

  • Download the application by clicking on the link above
  • Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
    Reimage download
  • If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
  • Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process Reimage installation
  • The analysis of your machine will begin immediately Reimage scan
  • Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
  • You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
  • If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically. Reimage results

By employing FortectIntego, you would not have to worry about future computer issues, as most of them could be fixed quickly by performing a full system scan at any time. Most importantly, you could avoid the tedious process of Windows reinstallation in case things go very wrong due to one reason or another.

Restore files using data recovery software

Since many users do not prepare proper data backups prior to being attacked by ransomware, they might often lose access to their files permanently. Paying criminals is also very risky, as they might not fulfill the promises and never send back the required decryption tool.

While this might sound terrible, not all is lost – data recovery software might be able to help you in some situations (it highly depends on the encryption algorithm used, whether ransomware managed to complete the programmed tasks, etc.). Since there are thousands of different ransomware strains, it is immediately impossible to tell whether third-party software will work for you.

Therefore, we suggest trying regardless of which ransomware attacked your computer. Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:

  • Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
  • Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

  1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
  2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
    Launch installer
  3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software. Install program
  4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
  5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from. Select what to recover
  6. Press Next.
  7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned. Select Deep scan
  8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete. Scan
  9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
  10. Press Recover to retrieve your files. Recover files

Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future

One of the many countermeasures for home users against ransomware is data backups. Even if your Windows get corrupted, you can reinstall everything from scratch and retrieve files from backups with minimal losses overall. Most importantly, you would not have to pay cybercriminals and risk your money as well.

Therefore, if you have already dealt with a ransomware attack, we strongly advise you to prepare backups for future use. There are two options available to you:

  • Backup on a physical external drive, such as a USB flash drive or external HDD.
  • Use cloud storage services.

The first method is not that convenient, however, as backups need to constantly be updated manually – although it is very reliable. Therefore, we highly advise choosing cloud storage instead – it is easy to set up and efficient to sustain. The problem with it is that storage space is limited unless you want to pay for the subscription.

Using Microsoft OneDrive

OneDrive is a built-in tool that comes with every modern Windows version. By default, you get 5 GB of storage that you can use for free. You can increase that storage space, but for a price. Here's how to setup backups for OneDrive:

  1. Click on the OneDrive icon within your system tray.
  2. Select Help & Settings > Settings.
    Go to OneDrive settings
  3. If you don't see your email under the Account tab, you should click Add an account and proceed with the on-screen instructions to set yourself up.
    Add OneDrive account
  4. Once done, move to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
    Manage backup
  5. Select Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, or a combination of whichever folders you want to backup.
  6. Press Start backup.
    Pick which folders to sync

After this, all the files that are imported into the above-mentioned folders will be automatically backed for you. If you want to add other folders or files, you have to do that manually. For that, open File Explorer by pressing Win + E on your keyboard, and then click on the OneDrive icon. You should drag and drop folders you want to backup (or you can use Copy/Paste as well).

Using Google Drive

Google Drive is another great solution for free backups. The good news is that you get as much as 15GB for free by choosing this storage. There are also paid versions available, with significantly more storage to choose from.

You can access Google Drive via the web browser or use a desktop app you can download on the official website. If you want your files to be synced automatically, you will have to download the app, however.

  1. Download the Google Drive app installer and click on it.
    Install Google Drive app
  2. Wait a few seconds for it to be installed. Complete installation
  3. Now click the arrow within your system tray – you should see Google Drive icon there, click it once.
    Google Drive Sign in
  4. Click Get Started. Backup and sync
  5. Enter all the required information – your email/phone, and password. Enter email/phone
  6. Now pick what you want to sync and backup. You can click on Choose Folder to add additional folders to the list.
  7. Once done, pick Next. Choose what to sync
  8. Now you can select to sync items to be visible on your computer.
  9. Finally, press Start and wait till the sync is complete. Your files are now being backed up.

Report the incident to your local authorities

Ransomware is a huge business that is highly illegal, and authorities are very involved in catching malware operators. To have increased chances of identifying the culprits, the agencies need information. Therefore, by reporting the crime, you could help with stopping the cybercriminal activities and catching the threat actors. Make sure you include all the possible details, including how did you notice the attack, when it happened, etc. Additionally, providing documents such as ransom notes, examples of encrypted files, or malware executables would also be beneficial.

Law enforcement agencies typically deal with online fraud and cybercrime, although it depends on where you live. Here is the list of local authority groups that handle incidents like ransomware attacks, sorted by country:

Internet Crime Complaint Center IC3

If your country is not listed above, you should contact the local police department or communications center.

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
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. 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.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

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:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

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:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. 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).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. 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.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from PClock and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting malware

Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are

There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.

Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.

Data backups are important – recover your lost files

Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.

While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.

About the author
Linas Kiguolis
Linas Kiguolis - Expert in social media

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