How to remove Trident File Locker ransomware virus

Open-source Trident Builder allows criminals create their own customized Trident File Locker ransomware versions

Trident File Locker virus is a malicious ransomware-type virus developed by a programmer that goes by the nickname of madD3SIR3. Well, it seems that the cyber criminal has a bad desire to create nasty programs and help other wannabe cybercriminals attack random computer users and extort money^[1] from them. It appears that the program is actually a ransomware builder, which works for x64 systems and allows the attacker to create a password (simply – data recovery key), customize the list of target file extensions, the name of the ransom note and text that will be put into it. Once the attacker creates a convincing ransom-demanding message and inputs all target extensions, he has to click “Build!” button, which creates the malicious program, a.k.a. ransomware. The malicious program, which comes in the form of a .exe file, then can be distributed using whatever methods the attacker seeks to use. Once executed, Trident File Locker ransomware puts all victim’s files into individual password-protected WinRAR archives, which will have almost identical filenames as original data did – the virus simply adds “ locked” extension to the initial name. 

At the same time, the malicious program creates .txt file with the information that the criminal decided to provide. Here, attackers are likely to provide addresses of their Bitcoin wallets^[2], their email addresses, and other information about the virus and possible data recovery methods. The worst part about this virus is that its source code is published online, and it is presented as an “educational ransomware,” which is so wrong. There are numerous examples of how educational ransomware projects were exploited for the creation of real cyber extortion tools^[3], and it only proves that an appearance of a new educational ransomware simply gives wannabe cybercriminals^[4] a chance to get their hands on an already ready-to-use malicious program. Therefore, it is likely that this open-source virus will soon be customized and used for aggressive attacks against computer users. If your files were locked by a similar virus and if you were asked to pay a ransom, don’t. Malware researchers might be able to provide a free decrypter for versions of this ransomware soon – until then, remove Trident File Locker ransomware using anti-malware tools such as FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner.

How ransomware viruses are distributed and how can I protect my PC against them?

Usually, novice cybercriminals are not able to exploit advantages of sophisticated malware distribution tricks, such as malvertising^[5] or exploit kits. Therefore, we believe that spin-offs of Trident File Locker malware are going to be distributed via spam, in other words, via email. Users should be careful and not open emails sent by strangers or someone who claims to be working at a certain well-known company. Scammers tend to hide real file extensions, so if someone sent you a file called invoice.pdf.exe, it is actually not a PDF file. Such malicious attachments can be recognized rather easily; however, some attackers might be able to apply more advanced tricks and craft a malicious Word file for victims, which contains a code that simply needs Macros function to be enabled in order to be executed. This way, the ransomware will be downloaded from a remote server and executed immediately. Clearly, you can prevent ransomware attacks with a powerful anti-malware software, but we also advise you to create a data backup and keep it in a safe place away from your PC. If for some reason your anti-malware or antivirus software fails to protect the system from a virus, the data backup will come in handy.

How can I remove Trident File Locker ransomware?

If your system was infected with a Trident File Locker virus, you should immediately run a scan with an up-to-date anti-malware software to remove it. We do not advise victims to try and remove Trident FileLocker ransomware manually because you can easily miss some of its files and leave your system vulnerable to further malware attacks. Please do not take the risk of infecting your PC with something similar again and complete Trident File Locker removal professionally using anti-malware tools that will continue to guard your PC even after deleting this virus. Below, you can find a tutorial on how to begin removing the virus properly.