What is PyLock Ransomware?
When PyLock Ransomware encrypts your personal files, the “.locked” extension is added to their names to make sure that you can identify the corrupted ones right away. The attackers behind the malicious threat do not want to hide what they have done because they hope that the damage is big enough to convince you that you need their help. Nearly 200 different types of files can be corrupted by this malicious infection, and that includes images, documents, videos, and other files that you might have no way of replacing. The threat does not corrupt system files because it needs the system to run smoothly so that the attackers could make their demands clear and that the victims would understand what is expected of them. If the system was crashing, the victims would not be able to do what the attackers want. Unfortunately, if your files cannot be replaced, you might be willing to obey the demands of these attackers. That is a bad decision, and we recommend focusing on the removal of the threat. Do you know how to delete PyLock Ransomware?
How does PyLock Ransomware work?
PyLock Ransomware falls into the same category of malware as Lokas Ransomware, mr.yoba@aol.com Ransomware, Jack Ransomware, and many other threats alike. They all demand ransoms in return for something that the victims might need. In the case of PyLock Ransomware, it is the decryption key, which is introduced to users via a window launched by the infection. The message inside this window informs that files cannot be “unlocked” without this key. So, how do you get it? According to the ransom note, you need to transfer 5 Bitcoins to the attackers’ wallet and then send a message to the attackers at solutionshelp@protonmail.com within 36 hours. That is plenty of time to research the infection, and if you are reading this report, there is a good chance that the clock is ticking for you as well. Well, 5 Bitcoins is over $40,000, and if you do not have that kind of money, paying the ransom is not an option. Despite this, you might decide to send the attackers a message, but that is extremely dangerous because they could expose you to malware and other scams! Therefore, we do not recommend communicating with the creator of the infection at all.
An authentic decryptor that could decipher the encryptor of PyLock Ransomware did not exist at the time of research, and so restoring the files for free was not an option. Paying for the decryptor is risky too because the attackers are unlikely to give you the key in return anyway. Ultimately, it appears that you can restore your files only if backups exist. Do not bother using a system restore point because PyLock Ransomware deletes shadow volume copies using the “vssadmin Delete Shadows /All /Quiet” command. Do you have backups stored on a virtual cloud or on an external drive? If you do, your situation is not so dire. Once you remove the dangerous infection, you can access your backups and, if you want to, use them to replace the corrupted files. If backups do not exist, make a mental note to change your habits in the future. After all, even if you secure your operating system against malware, you could remove your own files by accident, or you could lose them due to theft or technical issues within the machine.
How to delete PyLock Ransomware
Anti-Spyware-101.com research team cannot guarantee that you will successfully remove PyLock Ransomware from your operating system using the guide below. The infection also disables the Task Manager to make the situation even more complicated. If you are able to clear your system yourself, go ahead and take care of it now. If you cannot do it yourself, employ a tool that will take care of things automatically. Of course, we are talking about anti-malware software here. If you install software that is legitimate, efficient, and up-to-date, your system will be cleared within minutes, and you will not need to face new threats again. Of course, you want to take all security precautions, and so backing up files online or externally is wise. You also need to be more cautious about the emails you open, the files you download, or the updates you skip because these are some of the security backdoors that cybercriminals can use to drop malware onto your PC without your notice.
Removal Instructions
- Look for the malicious .exe file that launched the infection (check %TEMP%, %USERPROFILE%\Desktop, and %USERPROFILE%\Downloads directories first).
- If you can identify the malicious file, right-click and Delete it.
- Launch Run (tap Win+E keys) and enter regedit into the box to access Registry Editor
- Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
- Find the value named Crypter and check its value data. If you have not deleted the malicious file represented in the value data box, find and Delete it.
- Go to HKEY_CURREWNT_USER\SOFTWARE\.
- Delete the key named Crypter.
- Empty Recycle Bin and then immediately install a legitimate malware scanner.
- Run a thorough system scan to check for leftover treats. If they exist, delete them ASAP.
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