What is CoinLocker?
CoinLocker is a ransomware infection that has been created to encrypt your files and then blackmail you into paying the ransom fee. It goes without saying that paying CoinLocker is not an option as there is no guarantee that this infection would decrypt your files. It would also be rather complicated to remove CoinLocker because there is nothing to delete in the first place. Our security researchers say that this ransomware infection deletes itself automatically, leaving only the payload and all the encrypted files. Thus, it is far more important to do everything you can in order to avoid this infection.
Where does CoinLocker come from?
CoinLocker comes amidst the increase of ransomware infections that make use of various distribution methods to enter target systems. As far as the origins of this infection are concerned, CoinLocker was first created for Android devices. Nevertheless, after a while the infection transcended the limits of one operating system, and it can now infect computers that run on Windows as well.
Previously, CoinLocker also had a different name, and it was known as Torlocker. Almost all ransomware applications of the similar kind are primarily distributed via spam email messages. If you are constantly flooded with random emails that have various attachments and you have no idea who sends you these, you should never open any of the attachments because then you would most certainly get infected with CoinLocker.
You should also stay away from commercial websites that are full of flashing download buttons and random pop-ups. These commercial ads might also be part of the CoinLocker distribution system. On top of that, third-party installers may set up some other unwanted applications on your computer, and you will have to scramble to remove them as well.
What does CoinLocker do?
When the installation file is run, CoinLocker drops the payload on your computer and then automatically deletes itself. This ransomware infection uses Windows app cipher to encrypt almost all of your files. Since users need to access the Internet to pay the ransom fee, CoinLocker may leave out some Windows directory files and .dll files, but most of the files that you use on a daily basis will be affected.
Once the infection deletes itself, CoinLocker will leave a Coin.Locker.txt file and an extra entry in the Windows registry that will allow the ransomware message window to auto-start whenever you turn on your computer. The message that pops up onto your screen claims that your computer has been infected with CoinLocker malware, and you need to access a particular website if you want to decrypt your files.
As mentioned above, CoinLocker requires you to pay a particular sum of money in order to get the decryption software. However, it might be yet another scam devised to swindle you out of your money, and once you pay, you may never get your money back.
How do I avoid CoinLocker?
Since CoinLocker deletes itself automatically, you should be more concerned about protecting your files from similar infections. There are tools that can decrypt some of the encrypted files, but you should refer to computer security experts for that.
As far as protecting your system from similar infection is concerned, you should create a system restore point, and keep a backup of your files in a virtual drive or an external hard drive. This way you will be able to ensure that your files are more or less safe. Finally, do not hesitate to invest in a legitimate computer security application that would keep watch 24/7.
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