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  • Active
  • Severity: High
  • Ransomware
  • Windows
  • Verified · Feb 2019

How to remove SEED LOCKER ransomware

A step-by-step removal guide for affected devices. Follow the verified procedure below — most readers complete it in under 10 minutes.

Julie Splinters · Anti-malware specialist

SEED LOCKER ransomware is the cryptovirus that delivers a ! #_ How_to_decrypt_files _ # !.txt ransom note

 SEED LOCKER ransomware

SEED LOCKER ransomware – cryptovirus that marks data with file extension .seed and encourages victims to contact developers via seed@firemail.cc or backupseed@tuta.io. These contact emails get delivered in the ransom note file named as previous versions in Everbe ransomware family – ! #_ How_to_decrypt_files _ # !.txt SEED LOCKER is the first line of this message, hence the name of the SEED LOCKER ransomware virus. Although, the ransom note starts with “Hello, dear friend” cybercriminals behind this threat shouldn't be trusted because the primary goal of attackers is to get money from victims by demanding the payment for encrypted files. 

Name SEED LOCKER ransomware
Type Cryptovirus
File extension .seed
Ransomware family Everbe ransomware
Virus family is known since March 2018
Ransom note ! #_ How_to_decrypt_files _ # !.txt
Contact emails seed@firemail.cc and backupseed@tuta.io
Distribution Spam email attachments infected with macros[1]
Elimination Use the anti-malware tool for SEED LOCKER ransomware removal. Make sure to clean virus damage using FortectIntego

Since SEED LOCKER ransomware is the cryptovirus, it focuses on file-locking and ransom demanding. Once the virus gets on your device, it starts with encryption and when your data gets locked .seed file marker appends all of your photos, documents, databases, archives or audio files.

SEED LOCKER ransomware encryption ends with ransom note file creation. In the text file named ! #_ How_to_decrypt_files _ # !.txt virus developers ask victims to contact them via email and offers the test decryption. Unfortunately, attackers offer this test decryption only to create more trust. We don't recommend contacting these people. Recent discoveries show that ransom paying doesn't guarantee file recovery.[2]

The ransom message delivered by SEED LOCKER ransomware shows the following:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SEED LOCKER <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Hello, dear friend!

1. [ALL YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED!]
Your files are NOT damaged! Your files are modified only. This modification is reversible. The only 1 way to decrypt your files is to receive the decryption program. 

2. [HOW TO RECOVERY FILES?]
To receive the decryption program write in our e-mail: seed@firemail.cc or backupseed@tuta.io And in subject write your ID: –

3. [FREE DECRYPTION!]
Free decryption as guarantee.
We guarantee the receipt of the decryption program after payment. To believe, you can give us up to 3 files that we decrypt for free. Files should not be important to you! (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.)

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SEED LOCKER <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

The message from SEED LOCKER ransomware developers is not giving many details on the whole encryption process,[3] and this is an almost identical message as other versions of Everbe 2.0. Similarities with this virus family were discovered by malware researchers on the initial Twitter

SEED file extension virus is not demanding for the specific amount, at first, but when the victim contacts attackers the specific demand is provided. As the category of cryptovirus indicates the preferred currency is crypto, and the amount may differ from hundreds to even thousands of dollars. 

However, possible money or data loss is not the only issue with SEED LOCKER ransomware. Additionally, to data encryption, this virus also makes changes to the system of your device by adding corrupted or malicious files, changing registry entries or even installing programs and disabling functions.

Since this virus can disable security functions of your device, you need to remove SEED LOCKER ransomware as soon as possible and possibly enter the Safe Mode before performing a full system scan. This way all antivirus programs can work.

For the SEED LOCKER ransomware removal, we recommend using anti-malware tools like FortectIntego and cleaning the computer entirely. Experts[4] advise this automatic malware termination method so that all related files can be deleted at the same time. 

SEED LOCKER ransomware virus

Maliciously infected files get distributed via email

When you receive an email from the unsuspected sender, you should pay more attention to details like the subject line or file attachment formats. Nowadays, emails come to your regular box, not the spam email section and include various legitimate names like PayPal,eBay or Amazon. 

Unfortunately, these names get used to disguise the malicious purpose of the email itself. Avoid opening emails with subject lines that state about financial information or order details, receipts, invoices. These emails always have files attached to them, and when you open the document or PDF file, malicious macros get triggered and malware script loaded on the system.

Ransomware payload can be dropped directly on the device, or other types of malware can be set to deliver cryptovirus further. This process is unnoticeable, so you only get the ransom note when the initial infiltration is already done. Try to delete suspicious emails without opening or write back before opening the attached file. Automatically generated malicious emails, in most cases, cannot get answers. 

Delete SEED LOCKER ransomware from your device as soon as possible

For the best SEED LOCKER ransomware removal results, you should use professional help from anti-malware tools like FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. These programs scan your device thoroughly and improve general performance while eliminating corrupted or malicious files.

Remember that SEED LOCKER ransomware virus can alter the system files or functions, so entering the safe mode before employing an antivirus program and scanning the machine can help significantly. This way you can see all possibly malicious programs and eliminate them from the computer altogether.

Although some of the previous versions in the same family can be decrypted with official tools, SEED LOCKER ransomware virus has no decryption tool developed yet. You need to eliminate the main malware and then use file backups for data recovery or employ data restoring software listed down below.

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