{"id":718,"date":"2023-04-14T06:47:53","date_gmt":"2023-04-14T06:47:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/?p=718"},"modified":"2023-06-19T12:59:09","modified_gmt":"2023-06-19T12:59:09","slug":"cryptolocker-virus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dataprot.net\/articles\/cryptolocker-virus\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is the CryptoLocker Virus?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In recent years, cybersecurity has become a hot topic of conversation. With the increase in frequency and <\/strong>sophistication of cyberattacks<\/strong><\/a>, it\u2019s more important than ever to be aware of the potential threats to your computer and how to protect yourself against them. One such threat is the CryptoLocker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve never heard of the CryptoLocker virus, consider yourself lucky. This particularly nasty malware is known to encrypt users\u2019 files and demand a ransom for the decryption key. In this blog post, we\u2019ll discuss CryptoLocker, how it works, and how to remove it <\/strong>if you\u2019re unfortunate enough to infect your device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Origin of the CryptoLocker Ransomware<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The CryptoLocker is a type of ransomware used to extort money from victims by encrypting their files and demanding a ransom<\/strong> for the decryption code. Files are encrypted using an algorithm that only the attacker can access. It is difficult to break, making it nearly impossible for victims to decrypt all the files without paying the ransom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once your files have been encrypted, you will receive a message from the attacker demanding a ransom (typically in Bitcoin) in exchange for the decryption key. The ransom amount varies depending on the attacker, but it generally is around $100<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CryptoLocker malware first appeared at the end of 2013 and started gaining popularity during the first half of 2014. The malicious parties used a Trojan virus to target and infect computers running on Windows OS<\/strong>. Email attachments were another attack vector used by CryptoLocker, and were distributed by the Gameover ZeuS botnet<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phishing Emails<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Phishing is a type of cyber attack that relies on social engineering to trick users into infecting their computers with malware<\/a>. Despite being one of the oldest and most well-known types of cyber attacks, it remains a severe threat and the primary method of distributing CryptoLocker.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

These attacks are constantly evolving. For example, attackers often impersonate a trusted brand or organization to increase their chances of fooling victims.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

They may also use sophisticated methods to infect victims\u2019 computers, such as creating fake websites that look identical to the real thing. As long as users remain vulnerable to these scams, there will be a method to distribute this kind of ransomware<\/a> and malicious executable files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does It Work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nowadays, you can typically get the CryptoLocker virus through malicious attachments in your email or by following unsolicited web links<\/strong>. Once it has infected a computer, the virus will scan the hard drive for certain documents (such as DOC, XLS, PDF, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the scan is complete, it encrypts files using a robust encryption algorithm.<\/strong> It uses RSA public-key cryptography<\/a> and stores private keys on servers operated by malware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the files have been encrypted, the victim will receive a ransom message for the private key that can decrypt files on your PC. CryptoLocker will inform you that you may lose encrypted files permanently if you don\u2019t pay until the deadline passes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Removing CryptoLocker Virus<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, there is no fail-safe way to remove CryptoLocker\u2019s encryption from an infected computer. There are some steps, however, that you can take to remove the virus and at least try to decrypt your files on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start by running a trusted malware removal program like Malwarebytes<\/a> or Astra<\/a>. Some tried-and-true anti-malware programs may eliminate the malware, but they won\u2019t get your files back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Decrypt Files Encrypted by CryptoLocker Virus<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can use a tool such as Emsisoft Decryptor, a suite of free ransomware decryption tools<\/strong> that can restore your files for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since CryptoLocker was first found in 2013, you\u2019ll likely be able to find a way to get rid of the particular strain you\u2019re dealing with. However, it\u2019s possible that if you were infected by one of many clones of the virus with encryption that hasn\u2019t been cracked yet<\/strong>, you wouldn\u2019t be able to restore the affected files.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that you shouldn’t delete files if you can\u2019t restore file<\/strong>s due to an infection caused by a ransomware virus, such as CryptoLocker. Most cybersecurity researchers make their results public, and users can recover encrypted data as new decryption keys are discovered<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, paying the ransom is a good idea if all else fails. However, we do not recommend this as there is no guarantee that you will receive the decryption code even if you pay<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Protect Myself Against It?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several things you can do to prevent CryptoLocker and other types of malware from ruining your day:<\/p>\n\n\n\n