What Is CryptoLocker Ransomware ?

CryptoLocker is a ransomware that can lock your computer, and demand you to pay a ransom to decrypt your important files. The virus first occurred in 2013, which infected Windows computer with the help of . It was a cyberattack created by cybercriminals. The virus uses the CryptoLocker ransomware to corrupt and encrypt data on computers. The malware also looks for the files you have stored on the USB network sticks, shared network drives, and folders on the Cloud storage. Now, CryptoLocker doesn't target Mac devices and infects only Windows computers.

Cryptolocker Ransomware Attack

CryptoLocker mainly targets all versions of the Windows operating system. Keep your operating system and installed applications up-to-date to prevent the attack of the CryptoLocker . This ransomware usually enters through infected email attachments or links. If you are targeted, the malware automatically installs a malicious software on your computer and keeps you under hostage. Once CrptoLocker infects your computer, all your files and data will become encrypted. You will be demanded to pay a certain ransom amount to get back your files. However, there is no guarantee the infected files will be decrypted.

Cryptolocker Virus Removal

You can back up your files regularly and run a routine scan on your computer to prevent the CryptoLocker virus from performing actions. If you already have a backup of the encrypted files, you can remove the CryptoLocker virus easily. Continue with the procedure given below to remove the CryptoLocker virus from your computer.

Restart your computer and press the F8 key on your keyboard repeatedly until the Boot screen appears.

On the Boot screen, select the Safe Mode with Networking option using the navigation keys on the keyboard. Then, press the Enter key.

Install the best Antivirus software on your computer, which can remove malware from your computer.

When prompted for User Account Control, click Yes.

Install the software on your computer and stop running the malicious running process by running a full system scan.

Clean all the malicious files and ransomware registry entries from your computer.

This process will wipe out all the data from your computer.

Restart your computer once the malicious contents are removed.

Go to Control Panel from the Start menu, and select the Small icons option from the Category list.

Select Folder Options and click the View tab.

Now, select the Show hidden files, folders, and drives option. Then, click Apply.

Delete all the CrytoLocker hidden files from all folders and drives.

You can now restore your files using any third-party software which is trustable.

Cryptolocker Virus Symptoms

If CryptoLocker Virus is installed on your computer, it will create a random folder in the name %AppData% or %LocalAppData%.
This ransomware will start infecting all your files and encrypt all the files and folders on your computer.
The CryptoLocker ransomware changes the name of all the files as ".CryptoLocker" and encrypts them.
Once the ransomware infects your computer, you will not be able to open your documents or programs.
Your wallpaper will be changed, displaying a ransom note.
When you open your browser, it will display an HTML ransom note.
The CryptoLocker virus will display "Your files are locked" text files in each folder.