TorrentLocker virus (Bonus: Decryption Steps) - updated Feb 2017

TorrentLocker virus Removal Guide

What is TorrentLocker virus?

Latest information about TorrentLocker virus:

TorrentLocker ransomware virus has been spotted on the September 2014 and has been updated several times since then. The virus code has been cracked on 2015 and victims could decrypt their files. However, the virus has been updated on 2016 again, and the recent version is still undecryptable. According to the malware researchers, the virus is a clone of infamous CryptoLocker [1]. The threat insidiously sneaks into a device, locates personal files and encodes them using a mathematically complex algorithm, RSA-2048 [2]. What is more, it has been revealed that the virus has been employing a new technique to broaden its infection scale. TorrentLocker virus has been mostly aimed at Australian computer users. However, later it shifted its attention towards Swedish users. For the distribution and infiltration, the cyber criminals use the name of a trusted telecommunication company, Telia, which has a wide range of customers in Europe and Asia, to convince users into entering specific web page [3]. The ransomware gets compressed into the explorer.exe file. Thus, locating the file on the system might become a tricky task. If you have become one of the victims, get acquainted with TorrentLocker removal possibilities. For that purpose, FortectIntego is a useful tool.

The example of TorrentLocker virusDevelopers of the TorrentLocker ransomware demands to pay 500 USD in order to recover encrypted files.

The malware encrypts victim’s files (photos, videos, audio files) and, then, displays a message requiring people to pay a ransom for retrieving them. The virus leaves DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS.html file which contains the message instructing to proceed with the payment. It alarms users into paying the ransom within the specified amount of time. Such technique of using psychological terror is common among hackers. Otherwise, the data will be lost. In the note, the victim is demanded to enter a certain Australian Bitcoin website and purchase bitcoins from it. The ransom equals to 550 USD and should be sent to the indicated address. We discourage you from making the transaction because it does not guarantee the retrieval of the locked data. Therefore, it’s better to remove TorrentLocker from the computer than pay the ransom to the cyber criminals.

Regarding the TorrentLocker decrypt probabilities, IT experts have managed to come up with several decoding techniques. They have been trying to catch up with hackers by working out possible decoding strategies. In 2015, TorrentLocker decryption tool was created. Nonetheless, cyber criminals seem to be one step ahead. Torrent Locker employs Tor network as an additional backup channel for Command & Control server [4]. Due to the fact, that this virus is continually improved, there is no decryption key for the current version of the ransomware yet. Recently, the new version of the malware has emerged. It appends 6-alphabetic character file extension to the encoded files. All the demands are presented in How_to_Restore_Files.html and How_to_Restore_Files.txt. Specialists named it Crypt0l0cker ransomware. Luckily, there might be hope. TorrentLocker cannot start encrypting files if it does not connect to its command server. Thus, it may create a chance for IT professionals to come up with the solution faster. If you are already infected, you should remove TorrentLocker instantly. Rely on a reputable antivirus software.

Update March 2017: Increased activity of an improved TorrentLocker version spreads panic in Denmark

Update March 2017: Increased activity of an improved TorrentLocker version spreads panic in Denmark
TorrentLocker is growing ever more dangerous as it now seems to be targeting specific countries [5]. In the five last days of February 2017, Denmark has been under siege by a malicious spam campaign that distributes TorrentLocker around. Apart from picking a target country the virus creators have also added some new adjustments to the program itself. One of these additions includes ransomware’s ability to spread from one computer to another via shared files. This is obviously an attempt to increase the volume of the infected computers and, naturally, ensure a greater profit. The hackers have also equipped the malicious program with phishing functionalities, enabling it to steal passwords and usernames that it manages to extract from the infected computer. So, it is possible that ransomware attack may end up in identity theft and other privacy infringements, let alone encrypted files.

If you live in Denmark, you should be especially careful when opening emails you receive in your inbox. Nevertheless, the users in other parts of the world should not let down they guard either. You can never know who’s next on the ransomware’s target list. If you open an email that asks you to “Enable Editing” or “Enable Macros” don’t do it. TorrentLocker needs you to enable macro settings to activate the malicious code and start the encryption of your files. Delete the file immediately, disconnect your computer from the network and scan your system with an antivirus tool.

Methods of distribution

Just like the majority of ransomware, the Torrent Locker virus is distributed through spam emails. As we already mentioned, the victims receive perfectly localized emails which seem like to be sent from Telia. The subject of the email is entitled as “Invoice from Telia” including the name of the recipient. Thus, it contains a single link which redirects to the website which looks like an official website of the mentioned Tele company. Thus, when users get to the website, it asks him or her to type the provided Captcha code to identify whether the user is not a robot. Without suspecting anything wrong, you enter the code, and TorrentLocker malware is downloaded to the computer. Note that the ransomware gets downloaded, after indicating that the victim is from Sweden. After that, the victim is connected to manybigtoys.com server which registers the infected PC. Thus, it is likely that the data might be used for future infiltrations.

In order to protect your PC, avoid opening emails, even if they are seemingly sent from tax or telecommunication companies. Concerning the spam email of Telia, the official website will not require you to enter any code upon entering the website. Though the first versions targeted mainly Swedish users, the malware impersonates such companies as British Gas (Uk), Endesa (Spain), New Zealand Post (NZ, etc. [6]. Moreover, you should always look for typos or grammar mistakes, check the sender’s mail and compare it to the company’s email. If it looks suspicious, you should always contact the company directly. Lastly, some versions might be dispersed with the help of exploit kits, so improve your security by updating anti-spyware and anti-virus programs.

How to remove TorrentLocker ransomware from the system entirely?

If TorrentLocker virus has infected a computer, start a system scan using the anti-spyware program (FortectIntego or Malwarebytes). Keep in mind that you need to have the newest version in order for the software to root out the virus completely. You should know that the security application does not decrypt the locked files. Thus, you need to look for other programs which will help you recover the files. The easiest and most secure way to do that is to restore the data from the back-up. If you struggle with TorrentLocker removal because you can’t run the security programs, then, take a look at the instructions below.

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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 TorrentLocker virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Malware can prevent you from installing antivirus or anti-malware software. In this case, you have to reboot your PC to the Safe Mode in order to perform automatic TorrentLocker removal

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.

Remove TorrentLocker using System Restore

If Safe Mode did not work, please try System Restore method by following these steps:

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of TorrentLocker. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that TorrentLocker removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove TorrentLocker 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 TorrentLocker, you can use several methods to restore them:

Does Data Recovery Pro tool help to restore files encrypted by TorrentLocker ransomware?

Data Recovery Pro tools comes in handy tracking missing and damaged files. The software is also capable of restoring encrypted files. We cannot assure that all files will be rescued; however, you should give it a try:

  • Download Data Recovery Pro;
  • Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
  • Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by TorrentLocker ransomware;
  • Restore them.

The benefits of ShadowExplorer when restoring files encrypted by TorrentLocker ransomware

The main advantage of this program is that it retrieves volume shadow copies on Windows OS. These copies are created by the system automatically. In case of a system trash or ransomware assault, the program helps recreate the files by using the patterns of these copies.

  • 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.

TorrentLocker ransomware decryption software hasn’t been released yet

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

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Do not let government spy on you

The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet. 

You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.

Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.

Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack

Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.

When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.

About the author
Ugnius Kiguolis
Ugnius Kiguolis - The mastermind

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References
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