How to remove $usyLocker ransomware virus

$usyLocker ransomware locks victim's files for good, leaving no hope to recover them

$usyLocker ransomware is a HiddenTear-based^[1] computer virus. It was built using open-source ransomware code, and it seems that the developer of it wasn’t really experienced.

The main executable of the ransomware is called VapeHacksLoader.exe. After infecting the computer, this ransomware encrypts files stored in the system and adds .WINDOWS file extension to each of them. Then it outputs some text into a ransom note READ_IT.txt which the virus saves on the desktop.

This virus aims to extort the victim as it asks 0.16 BTC in exchange for a decryption key. However, instead of paying, you should remove $usyLocker from your PC using tutorial provided below the article.

Ransomware can be identified easily

The ransom note (READIT.txt) contains just a few lines of text, saying “Your files have been encrypted. Read the Program for more information.”

$usyLocker also launches a black window with some red text on it: “Your computer is locked. Please do not close this window as that will result in serious computer damage. Click next for more information and payment on how to get your files back.” After clicking the “Next” button, the victim receives the following message:

Your files are locked. They are locked because you downloaded something with this file in it. This is Ransomware. It locks your files until you pay for them. Before you ask, Yes we will give you your files back once you pay and our server confrim that you pay.

Clicking the “Next” button once again takes the victim to a page that provides the price of data recovery (0.16 BTC) and the Bitcoin wallet address. Clicking the “I paid, Now give me back my files” button triggers a pop-up message that says “Checking Payment……Please Wait.” Then the virus displays another error message, saying that the payment has failed and the funds have been sent back to victim’s wallet. The virus urges the victim to transfer the cash again.

If this ransomware infected your computer, we highly suggest you begin $usyLocker removal procedure right away. We must inform you that this poorly programmed piece of malware doesn’t save the decryption key, therefore after the data encryption it becomes impossible to recover lost files.

The virus also doesn’t have a function that checks if the payment was transferred or not. For this reason, we urge you to remove $usyLocker ransomware using anti-malware tools like FortectIntego according to instructions provided below the article.

Distribution of the ransom-demanding viruses

Ransomware developers tend to distribute malicious viruses via malicious spam – all that it takes is to attach a malicious file to an email and send a copy of it to thousands of victims. After receiving such file, some people decide to open it, and that is the biggest mistake they can make.

Remember – you should never open files sent by strangers because they typically are malicious. Unfortunately, scammers find ways to bypass email spam filters and make the deceptive messages appear in victims’ Inbox folders.

Some ransomware developers choose to distribute these malicious programs using other means, for example, malvertising, phishing, social engineering, exploit kits^[2] or trojan horses. The best way to protect yourself from a ransomware attack is to keep your software up-to-date, have a good anti-malware program as well as data backup.

Remove $usyLocker without a delay

Users who want to remove $usyLocker virus typically are unsure what is the right way to do it. For this reason, we have added an easy-to-follow removal tutorial at the end of this post. Please follow the provided $usyLocker removal instructions attentively. We want to inform you in advance that we do not recommend removing such programs manually, so you have to decide what anti-spyware or anti-malware program you are going to use.