$usyLocker ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
$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.
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
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 Reimage 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.
To remove $usyLocker virus, follow these steps:
Remove $usyLocker using Safe Mode with Networking
To delete the malware from your system and remove all of $usyLocker ransomware remains, please complete the given instructions.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
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 Safe Mode with Networking 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 Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove $usyLocker
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete $usyLocker removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove $usyLocker using System Restore
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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 $usyLocker. 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 $usyLocker from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.Sadly, once the virus encrypts the data stored on the computer, it becomes impossible to recover them. Although you can try the methods given below, only a data backup can help you to recover some files.
If your files are encrypted by $usyLocker, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro trick
Sometimes, Data Recovery Pro succeeds to recover some files encrypted by ransomware. You can try this tool in case the $usyLocker ransomware attacked your PC.
- 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 $usyLocker ransomware;
- Restore them.
$usyLocker decrypter doesn't exist
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from $usyLocker and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Malwarebytes MalwarebytesCombo Cleaner or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareMalwarebytes Malwarebytes
About the author
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References
- ^ Jornt van der Wiel. Hidden tear and its spin offs. Securelist. Information about Viruses, Hackers and Spam.
- ^ Ed Cabrera. Exploits as a Service: How the Exploit Kit + Ransomware Tandem Affects a Company’s Bottom Line. Trend Micro Blogs. Simply Security News, Views and Opinions.