How to remove VHDLocker ransomware virus

The main features of VHDLocker ransomware virus

VHDLocker ransomware is quite a strange example of a file-encrypting virus. One the affected computer it locks targeted files and stores them in a Virtual Hard Disk (VHD)^[1]. The virus does not target the wide range of files; however, it makes sure that all popular file types won’t survive the attack. After infiltration, it scans the system and looks for various audio, video, music, image files, MS Word documents, PDFs, ZIP archives, databases, etc. Following data encryption, VHDLocker virus (also known as PleaseRead Ransomware) leaves a ransom note called PLEASE READ.txt where informs victims about the attack and gives instructions for data recovery. The developer of the ransomware starts with an apology for causing problems for the victim and informs that it’s just a business. If a victim wants to get back access to the files, he or she has to transfer 0,5 Bitcoins to the provided Bitcoin wallet address^[2]. Once the transaction is made, a victim should contact the cyber criminal via one of these email addresses davidblainemagique@gmail.com or davidblaine@mail2world.com to get a necessary password to unlock the files. Though, if you got infected with ransomware, we want to discourage you from following hacker’s orders^[3]. It’s better to remove VHDLocker than risk losing your money. No one can guarantee you that the hacker provides you a password after you pay the money, or the password will actually work. What is more, you may get infected with another money and asked to transfer more money.

After infiltration VHDLocker virus might make entries in the Windows Registry in order to launch itself every time victims turns on the computer and starts Windows. What is more, the virus might be capable of deleting Shadow Volume Copies^[4] of the targeted files by using vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet command. If it succeeds, data recovery might be a complicated task for those who do not have data backups. However, the fear of losing your personal files should not encourage you to pay the ransom. As we already mentioned, it’s a risky business, and we believe that you do not want to be a sponsor for further cyber crimes. Therefore, after the attack, start VHDLocker removal immediately. To complete this task successfully, you will need to employ professional malware removal program such as FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner.

Distribution techniques and methods

VHDLocker malware hasn’t started spreading widely yet. However, it seems that the most common way to distribute the virus is spam emails campaigns. The developers of the virus attach obfuscated ransomware executable in a misleading email and express the urge to open it. The dangerous email might pretend to be a notification from PayPal, Facebook, Instagram or other well-known organization, shop or business enterprise. Therefore, the attached document might look like ordinary PDF, DOCX or XLSX file; however, it might include a Trojan. Hence, if you want to protect your data from the ransomware, you should be careful with emails. Open attached documents or click on provided links only if you are 100% sure that you can trust the sender^[5]. What is more, you should also strengthen your computer’s security by installing an antivirus program and keeping all your software updated. Staying away from high-risk websites and avoid clicking on online ads reduce the risk of malware attack as well.

Guidelines for VHDLocker removal

Ransomware removal should be taken seriously; hence, you should not try to do it manually. To remove VHDLocker manually might end up with causing even bigger damage to your computer. File-encrypting viruses are capable of hiding under safe-looking filenames, and you may accidentally delete crucial system file. We highly recommend to employ a reputable malware removal tool such as FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes and initiate automatic VHDLocker removal. However, we want to point out athat you may need to reboot your computer to the Safe Mode in order to install, update or launch malware removal program. Below you will instructions how to do it.