UserFilesLocker ransomware / virus (Free Instructions) - Removal Guide
UserFilesLocker virus Removal Guide
What is UserFilesLocker ransomware virus?
How destructive is UserFilesLocker ransomware?
UserFilesLocker virus, alternatively known as FileLocker, presents itself as a file-encrypting ransomware[1] targeting Czech and Slovak users. Interestingly, that supposedly Czech cyber villains are on the move since it is already a third virus introduced in this language. Do not underestimate this malware, but instead focus on UserFilesLocker removal. It is known that the malware encrypts the files with AES-256 and RSA-2048 key and then appends .ENCR file extension. This technique results in the complex encrypting key[2]. The most viable ways to decrypt it is to obtain the official decryptor or use backup copies. If you do not own either of them, take a look at the data recovery recommendations displayed below the article. Keep in mind that data recovery is effective only when you remove UserFilesLocker fully. In this regard, let FortectIntego deal with the infection.
Looking from a technical perspective, UserFilesLocker ransomware does not differ much from other crypto-malware. In the beginning of the ransom message, it scares users with the fact that their data has been encoded with a complex, military-level encryption algorithm. It ensures that there is no other way to recover the files other than complying with their demands and paying the ransom. In exchange for the key, they ask 0,8 bitcoin (955,18 USD)[3].
Interestingly, that it offers another variation of the payment – 2,1 BTC. However, no specific information is provided about the conditions of paying their amount of money. Moving on, the cyber villains of User Files Locker seem to sympathize with the creators of Spora ransomware which delivers sophisticated customer service[4]. Likewise, the creators of FileLocker also present a step-by-step payment program for receiving the payment. They ensure fast data decryption to please their “customers”, i.e, victims. It also provides the email address – vlastnou.hlavou@mailfence.com – in case the victims encounter any payment trouble. Needless to say, that such mocking manner of speech should not encourage you paying the money. The key reason of booming ransomware business is victims’ hope to retrieve the files. Nonetheless, there are few data retrieval cases. Instead, remove UserFilesLocker right away.
The transmission tendencies of the malware
Unlike other prominent file-encrypting threats, UserFilesLocker hijack occurs upon visiting the corrupted Czech and Slovak sites. Specifically, exploit kits serve as temporal carriers for this threat. EITest malicious code may as well contribute to the attack. Upon visiting them, the malware connects to the following web pages: uradvlady.eu, financnasprava.digital, and www.simplecoin.cz. The felons may as well target the victims via spam messages. They try to scare with fake notifications from the Supreme Court or the FBI. The binaries of UserFilesLocker malware may hide in the invoice attachments or .zip folder which contains the following elements: prehled_hotely.exe, installer.exe, elektronicka-komunikacia-instalacia.exe, and encrypt.pinfo. The latter file contains encryption information[5]. It is of crucial importance to keep your system applications updated to reduce the general number of vulnerabilities on your system.
Is there a way to eradicate UserFilesLocker?
The most efficient UserFilesLocker removal is considered to be automatic elimination. Manual termination is a hardly effective solution when dealing with crypto-malware. Finding and removing all related files are crucial factors to ensure the complete eradication. If the virus blocked your screen and due to this occurrence you cannot remove UserFilesLocker virus, use the below suggested guide. It will explain to you how to unlock your device with the help of Safe mode and System Restore functions.
Getting rid of UserFilesLocker virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Enter Safe Mode with Networking to regain full access to your device.
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
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- 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.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
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:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
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:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- 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).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- 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 UserFilesLocker using System Restore
If the virus causes removal troubles, you may need to opt for System Restore. Note that due to this option, you may lose some of the files which have been created during the time from the last autocopy of your system image and the present point.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of UserFilesLocker. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove UserFilesLocker 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 UserFilesLocker, you can use several methods to restore them:
Choose Data Recover Pro to recover the files encrypted by UserFilesLocker virus
If you do not have any backup copies of your files, you may opt for this tool. It even helps to retrieve deleted emails.
- 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 UserFilesLocker ransomware;
- Restore them.
How useful is ShadowExplorer?
The key advantage of this app is the recreation of the files based on shadow volume copies. Though FileLocker virus surely is a serious crypto-malware, IT experts doubt that it deletes the copies. In short, you may have another chance to recover the data.
- 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.
Where can I download UserFilesLocker Decrypter?
No official decryption software is created for this threat yet.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from UserFilesLocker and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ My Say . Ransomware Is A Repeat Offender: How To Protect Your Business. Forbes. Lifestyle, Business, Entertainment, Security.
- ^ Rick Correa. How Fast Does Ransomware Encrypt Files? Faster than You Think. Barkly Endpoint Protection.
- ^ Bitcoin Calculator. CoinDesk. Bitcoin News, Prices, Charts and Analysis.
- ^ Robert Abel. Spora ransomware may offer better customer service than your cable provider. SC Media. The cybersecurity source.
- ^ UserFilesLocker Ransomware. ID Ransomware Blogspot.