{"id":39132,"date":"2016-09-20T07:26:54","date_gmt":"2016-09-20T07:26:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/?p=39132"},"modified":"2016-10-18T12:28:00","modified_gmt":"2016-10-18T12:28:00","slug":"remove-crypt0l0cker-virus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/remove-crypt0l0cker-virus\/","title":{"rendered":"Remove Crypt0L0cker ransomware (Files Encrypted Malware)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Crypt0L0cke<\/strong>r is a file-encrypting ransomware, which will encrypt the personal documents found on victim\u2019s computer using RSA-2048 key (AES CBC 256-bit encryption algorithm). Crypt0L0cker then displays a message which offers to decrypt the data if a payment of 2.2330749 BTC (around 499 USD) is made within 96 hours, otherwise the data will be destroyed.<br \/>\nCrypt0L0cker will add the .7z.encrypted extension to all your images, videos and other personal documents.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39133\" title=\"Crypt0L0cker Virus\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Crypt0L0cker-Virus.jpg\" alt=\"Crypt0L0cker virus ransomware\" width=\"1132\" height=\"750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Crypt0L0cker-Virus.jpg 1132w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Crypt0L0cker-Virus-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Crypt0L0cker-Virus-1024x678.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1132px) 100vw, 1132px\" \/><\/p><div id=\"mwtad2958616255\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309684--placement_360520\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3957935887\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f7efa6; color: #6a6641; margin: 5px; padding: 15px;\">\n<p>We cannot help your recover your files, and we\u00a0recommend that you use <strong>ShadowExplorer<\/strong> or <strong>(free) file recovery software<\/strong> to restore your documents. This guide was written to help you remove the infection itself, and if a 100% proven method to recover the encrypted files is found we will update this guide.<\/p>\n<p>At this moment, there is no decryption tool available for the Crypt0L0cker\u00a0ransomware. However, you can try to search these webpages for updates: https:\/\/decrypter.emsisoft.com\/ or https:\/\/id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com\/<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"#how\">1. How did the Crypt0L0cker ransomware get on my computer?<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#whatis\">2. What is Crypt0L0cker Ransomware?<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#infected\">3. Is my computer infected with Crypt0L0cker malware?<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#recovery\">4. Is it possible to decrypt files encrypted by Crypt0L0cker ransomware?<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#removal\">5. How to remove the Crypt0L0cker ransomware (Virus Removal Guide)<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\n<strong> <a href=\"#prevent\">6. How to prevent your computer from becoming infected by Crypt0L0cker ransomware<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mwtad2942892804\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309746-ad_309691-placement_360521\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"4456629336\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 id=\"how\" class=\"mt_title\">1. How did the Crypt0L0cker ransomware get on my computer?<\/h2>\n<p>The Crypt0L0cker ransomware is distributed via spam email containing infected attachments or links to malicious websites. Cyber-criminals spam out an email, with forged header information, tricking you into believing that it is from a shipping company like DHL or FedEx. The email tells you that they tried to deliver a package to you, but failed for some reason. Sometimes the emails claim to be notifications of a shipment you have made. Either way, you can&#8217;t resist being curious as to what the email is referring to &#8211; and open the attached file (or click on a link embedded inside the email). And with that, your computer is infected with the Crypt0L0cker ransomware.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2556660792\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381396-ad_309691-placement_360566\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1471373341\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-49178\" title=\"Crypt0L0cker ransomware email scam\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/ransomware-scam.jpg\" alt=\"Crypt0L0cker email ransomware\" width=\"640\" height=\"292\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/ransomware-scam.jpg 640w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/ransomware-scam-300x137.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"mwtad633540162\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309747-ad_309691-placement_360587\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9589536513\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 id=\"whatis\" class=\"mt_title\">2. What is Crypt0L0cker ransomware?<\/h2>\n<p>Crypt0L0cker is a trojan ransomware program which targets all versions of Windows including Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. This infection is notable due to how it encrypts the user&#8217;s files \u2013 namely, it uses AES-265 and RSA encryption method &#8211; in order to ensure that the affected user has no choice but to purchase the private key.<\/p>\n<p>When Crypt0L0cker ransomware is first installed on your computer it will create a random named executable in the %AppData% or %LocalAppData% folder. This executable will be launched and begin to scan all the drive letters on your computer for data files to encrypt.<br \/>\nCrypt0L0cker searches for files with certain file extensions to encrypt. The files it encrypts include important productivity documents and files such as .doc, .docx, .xls, .pdf, among others. When these files are detected, this infection will append a new <strong>7z.encrypted<\/strong> extension to the file name.<br \/>\nFiles targeted are those commonly found on most PCs today; a list of file extensions for targeted files include:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>.sql, .mp4, .7z, .rar, .m4a, .wma, .avi, .wmv, .csv, .d3dbsp, .zip, .sie, .sum, .ibank, .t13, .t12, .qdf, .gdb, .tax, .pkpass, .bc6, .bc7, .bkp, .qic, .bkf, .sidn, .sidd, .mddata, .itl, .itdb, .icxs, .hvpl, .hplg, .hkdb, .mdbackup, .syncdb, .gho, .cas, .svg, .map, .wmo, .itm, .sb, .fos, .mov, .vdf, .ztmp, .sis, .sid, .ncf, .menu, .layout, .dmp, .blob, .esm, .vcf, .vtf, .dazip, .fpk, .mlx, .kf, .iwd, .vpk, .tor, .psk, .rim, .w3x, .fsh, .ntl, .arch00, .lvl, .snx, .cfr, .ff, .vpp_pc, .lrf, .m2, .mcmeta, .vfs0, .mpqge, .kdb, .db0, .dba, .rofl, .hkx, .bar, .upk, .das, .iwi, .litemod, .asset, .forge, .ltx, .bsa, .apk, .re4, .sav, .lbf, .slm, .bik, .epk, .rgss3a, .pak, .big, wallet, .wotreplay, .xxx, .desc, .py, .m3u, .flv, .js, .css, .rb, .png, .jpeg, .txt, .p7c, .p7b, .p12, .pfx, .pem, .crt, .cer, .der, .x3f, .srw, .pef, .ptx, .r3d, .rw2, .rwl, .raw, .raf, .orf, .nrw, .mrwref, .mef, .erf, .kdc, .dcr, .cr2, .crw, .bay, .sr2, .srf, .arw, .3fr, .dng, .jpe, .jpg, .cdr, .indd, .ai, .eps, .pdf, .pdd, .psd, .dbf, .mdf, .wb2, .rtf, .wpd, .dxg, .xf, .dwg, .pst, .accdb, .mdb, .pptm, .pptx, .ppt, .xlk, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xls, .wps, .docm, .docx, .doc, .odb, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>While encrypting your files, this ransomware also create a <strong>DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS.txt<\/strong> text file ransom note in each folder that a file has been encrypted and on the Windows desktop. The ransomware will also change your Windows desktop wallpaper to <strong>DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS.html<\/strong>.<br \/>\nBoth the wallpaper and the text ransom note will contain the same information on how to access the payment site and get your files back.<br \/>\nWhen you go to the URLs listed in the ransom note you will be taken to a TOR site where you can learn how much your ransom is and how to make the payment.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2297640565\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309686-ad_309691-placement_360569\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6935453015\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p>Crypt0L0cker will also hijack your .EXE extensions so that when you launch an executable it will attempt to delete the Shadow Volume Copies that are on the affected computer. It does this because you can use shadow volume copies to restore your encrypted files. Once the infection has successfully deleted your shadow volume copies, it will restore your exe extensions back to the Windows defaults.<\/p>\n<p>When it has finished encrypting your data files it will then show the Crypt0L0cker screen as shown above and demand a ransom of 2.2330749 BTC (around 499 USD) in order to decrypt your files. It also states that you must pay this ransom within 96 hours or the private encryption key will be destroyed on the developer&#8217;s servers.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"mwtad1731720905\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309748-ad_309691-placement_360588\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3906789406\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 id=\"infected\" class=\"mt_title\">3. Is my computer infected with Crypt0L0cker Ransomware?<\/h2>\n<p>If your computer is infected with the Crypt0L0cker ransomware will display a black <strong>DECRYTP_INSTRUCTIONS.html<\/strong> wallpaper that covers the entire desktop. A <strong>DECRYTP_INSTRUCTIONS.txt<\/strong> text file will be placed on your desktop. Both files contain instruction on how or recover the encrypted files.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39134\" title=\"DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS Crypt0L0cker Ransomware\" src=\"\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS-Virus.jpg\" alt=\"DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS Virus\" width=\"1378\" height=\"612\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS-Virus.jpg 1378w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS-Virus-300x133.jpg 300w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS-Virus-1024x455.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1378px) 100vw, 1378px\" \/><br \/>\nThe messages displayed by this ransomware infection can be localized depending on the user\u2019s location, with text written in the appropriate language.<br \/>\n<div class=\"responsive-tabs\">\n<p class=\"tabtitle\">Crypt0L0cker<\/p><div id=\"mwtad869688\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381401-ad_309691-placement_360573\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5315249587\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tabcontent\">\n\n<p>WARNING we have encrypted your files with Crypt0L0cker virus. Your important files (including those on the network disks, USB, etc): photos, videos, documents, etc. were encrypted with our Crypt0L0cker virus. The only way to get your files back is to pay us. Otherwise, your files will be lost. Caution: Removing of Crypt0L0cker will not restore access to your encrypted files.<\/p>\n<p>===============================================================================<br \/>\n!!! WE HAVE ENCRYPTED YOUR FILES WITH Crypt0L0cker VIRUS !!!<br \/>\n===============================================================================<\/p>\n<p>Your important files (including those on the network disks, USB, etc): photos,<br \/>\nvideos, documents, etc. were encrypted with our Crypt0L0cker virus. The only<br \/>\nway to get your files back is to pay us. Otherwise, your files will be lost.<\/p>\n<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<br \/>\n&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<\/p>\n[=] What happened to my files?<\/p>\n<p>Your important files: photos, videos, documents etc. were encrypted with our<br \/>\nCrypt0L0cker virus. This virus uses very strong encryption<br \/>\nalgorithm &#8211; RSA-2048. Breaking of RSA-2048 encryption algorithm is impossible<br \/>\nwithout special decryption key.<\/p>\n[=] How can I get my files back?<\/p>\n<p>Your files are now unusable and unreadable, you can verify it by trying to<br \/>\nopen them. The only way to restore them to a normal condition is to use our<br \/>\nspecial decryption software. You can buy this decryption software on<br \/>\nour website (http:\/\/[website]).<\/p>\n\n<\/div><p class=\"tabtitle\">DECRYTP_INSTRUCTIONS<\/p>\n<div class=\"tabcontent\">\n\n===============================================================================<br \/>\n!!! WE HAVE ENCRYPTED YOUR FILES WITH Crypt0L0cker VIRUS !!!<br \/>\n===============================================================================<\/p>\n<p>Your important files (including those on the network disks, USB, etc): photos,<br \/>\nvideos, documents, etc. were encrypted with our Crypt0L0cker virus. The only<br \/>\nway to get your files back is to pay us. Otherwise, your files will be lost.<\/p>\n<p>Use this link to pay for files recovery:<\/p>\n<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<br \/>\n&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;-<\/p>\n[=] What happened to my files?<\/p>\n<p>Your important files: photos, videos, documents etc. were encrypted with our<br \/>\nCrypt0L0cker virus. This virus uses very strong encryption<br \/>\nalgorithm &#8211; RSA-2048. Breaking of RSA-2048 encryption algorithm is impossible<br \/>\nwithout special decryption key.<\/p>\n[=] How can I get my files back?<\/p>\n<p>Your files are now unusable and unreadable, you can verify it by trying to<br \/>\nopen them. The only way to restore them to a normal condition is to use our<br \/>\nspecial decryption software. You can buy this decryption software on<\/p>\n\n<\/div><p class=\"tabtitle\">Decryption Service<\/p>\n<div class=\"tabcontent\">\nDecryption Service website:<br \/>\nBuy decryption and get all your files back<\/p>\n<p>Buy decryption for 499 USD before 2015-05-12 \u200e9\u200e:\u200e37\u200e:\u200e05\u200e \u200eAM<\/p>\n<p>OR buy it later with the price of 998 USD<\/p>\n<p>Time left before price increase: 95:18:03<\/p>\n<p>Current price: 2.2330749 BTC (around 499 USD)<\/p><div id=\"mwtad3562903823\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381404-ad_309691-placement_381406\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8735619847\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p>Paid until now: 0 BTC (around 0 USD)<\/p>\n<p>Remaining amount: 2.2330749 BTC (around 499 USD)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"mwtad1108061708\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_318930-ad_309691-placement_360589\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3818335085\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 id=\"recovery\" class=\"mt_title\">4. Is it possible to decrypt files encrypted with the Crypt0L0cker ransomware?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>No<\/strong>, at this time it&#8217;s not possible to recover the files encrypted by the Crypt0L0cker ransomware.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad3202549435\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360582-ad_309691-placement_360581\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9971336976\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<p>Crypt0L0cker ransomware is notable due to how it encrypts the user&#8217;s files \u2013 namely, it uses AES-265 and RSA encryption method &#8211; in order to ensure that the affected user has no choice but to purchase the private key. The RSA public key can only be decrypted with its corresponding private key. Since the AES key is hidden using RSA encryption and the RSA private key is not available, decrypting the files is not feasible as of this writing.<\/p>\n<p>Brute forcing the decryption key is not realistic due to the length of time required to break an AES encryption key. Unfortunately, once the Crypt0L0cker encryption of the data is complete, decryption is not feasible without paying the ransom.<br \/>\nBecause the needed private key to unlock the encrypted file is only available through the cyber criminals, victims may be tempted to purchase it and pay the exorbitant fee. However, doing so may encourage these bad guys to continue and even expand their operations. We strongly suggest that you do not send any money to these cyber criminals, and instead address to the law enforcement agency in your country to report this attack.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"mt_blue\">Restore the files encrypted by Crypt0L0cker ransomware with recovery software<\/h3>\n<p>In some cases, it may be possible to recover previous versions of the encrypted files using System Restore or other recovery software used to obtain \u201cshadow copies\u201d of files.<\/p>\n<h4>Option 1: Restore your files encrypted by Crypt0L0cker ransomware with ShadowExplorer<\/h4>\n<p>Crypt0L0cker will attempt to delete all shadow copies when you first start any executable on your computer after becoming infected. Thankfully, the infection is not always able to remove the shadow copies, so you should continue to try restoring your files using this method.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2991158795\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360567-ad_309691-placement_360771\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6224621518\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<ol>\n<li>You can download <strong>ShadowExplorer<\/strong> from the below link:<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.shadowexplorer.com\/downloads.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <strong>SHADOW EXPLORER DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a> <em>(This link will open a new web page from where you can download &#8220;ShadowExplorer&#8221;)<\/em><\/li>\n<li>Once you have downloaded and installed ShadowExplorer, you can follow the below video guide on how to restore your files while using this program.<br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oaXtQ6rbvxA\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Alternatively, you can use the <a href=\"http:\/\/windows.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows7\/products\/features\/system-restore\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">System Restore<\/a> to try to recover the encrypted documents.<\/p>\n<h4>Option 2: Restore your files encrypted with the Crypt0L0cker ransomware with File Recovery Software<\/h4>\n<p>When the files are encrypted with the Crypt0L0cker, this ransomware first makes a copy of them, encrypts the copy, and then deletes the original. Due to this you can use file recovery software such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.piriform.com\/recuva\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Recuva<\/a><br \/>\nYou can follow the below guide on how to use Recuva:<br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LeEICG0zWqY\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.easeus.com\/datarecoverywizard\/free-data-recovery-software.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.r-studio.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">R-Studio<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"mwtad2746054464\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381388-ad_309691-placement_381390\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3191649120\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 id=\"removal\" class=\"mt_title\">5. How to remove the Crypt0L0cker ransomware (Virus Removal Guide)<\/h2>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f7efa6; color: #6a6641; margin: 5px; padding: 15px;\">\n<p>It&#8217;s important to understand that by starting the removal process you risk losing your files, as we cannot guarantee that you will be able to recover them. Furthermore, your files may be permanently compromised when trying to remove this infection or trying to recover the encrypted documents.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1015479952\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360571-ad_309691-placement_360772\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5867729999\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>This page is a comprehensive guide, which will remove the Crypt0L0cker infection from\u00a0your computer, however we cannot guarantee that your personal files will be recovered. We cannot be held responsible for losing the\u00a0documents\u00a0during this removal process.<br \/>\nMalwarebytes and HitmanPro can detect and remove this infection, but <strong>these programs\u00a0cannot recover your encrypted<\/strong> files due to the nature of asymmetric encryption, which requires a private key to decrypt files encrypted with the public key.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"mt_blue\">STEP 1: Scan your computer with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to remove Crypt0L0cker Ransomware<\/h3>\n<p>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is a powerful on-demand scanner which will remove the Crypt0L0cker ransomware from your machine. It is important to note that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will run alongside antivirus software without conflicts.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>You can download <strong>download Malwarebytes Anti-Malware<\/strong>\u00a0from the below link.<br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-malwarebytes-for-windows\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MALWAREBYTES ANTI-MALWARE DOWNLOAD LINK<\/a> <\/strong><em>(This link will open a new web page from where you can download &#8220;Malwarebytes Anti-Malware&#8221;)<\/em><\/li>\n<li>Once downloaded, close all programs, then double-click on the icon on your desktop named &#8220;<em>mbam-setup&#8221;<\/em> to start the installation of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-53990\" title=\"Double-click on the mbam-setup to install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Icon.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Icon\" width=\"176\" height=\"137\" \/><br \/>\nYou may be presented with a <em>User Account Control<\/em> dialog asking you if you want to run this file. If this happens, you should click \u201c<em>Yes<\/em>\u201d to continue with the installation.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-53996\" title=\"Click Yes to install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-User-Account-Control.jpg\" alt=\"Windows asking permission to install Malwarebytes\" width=\"407\" height=\"297\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-User-Account-Control.jpg 407w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-User-Account-Control-300x219.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 407px) 100vw, 407px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>When the installation begins, you will see the <em>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Setup Wizard<\/em> which will guide you through the installation process.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54000\" title=\"Click on the Next button to install Malwarebytes\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-installing.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Setup Wizard\" width=\"481\" height=\"363\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-installing.jpg 481w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-installing-300x226.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 481px) 100vw, 481px\" \/><br \/>\nTo install Malwarebytes Anti-Malware on your machine, <em>keep following the prompts<\/em> by clicking the &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-53991\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware final setup screen\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Install.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware setup wizard\" width=\"479\" height=\"365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Install.jpg 479w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Install-300x229.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 479px) 100vw, 479px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Once installed, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will automatically start and will update the antivirus database. To start a system scan you can click on the &#8220;<strong>Scan\u00a0Now<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54004\" title=\"Click on the Scan Now button to scan with Malwarebytes\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Scan-Now.jpg\" alt=\"Start a scan with Malwarebytes scan\" width=\"529\" height=\"352\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Scan-Now.jpg 529w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Scan-Now-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 529px) 100vw, 529px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start scanning your computer for the Crypt0L0cker malware. When Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is scanning it will look like the image below.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54005\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware while performing a scan\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Scanning-for-virus.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware scanning for malware\" width=\"534\" height=\"356\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Scanning-for-virus.jpg 534w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Scanning-for-virus-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 534px) 100vw, 534px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>When the scan has completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes Anti-Malware has detected. To remove the malicious programs that Malwarebytes Anti-malware has found, click on the &#8220;<strong>Remove Selected<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54006\" title=\"Click on Remove Selected to remove Crypt0L0cker malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Removing-virus.jpg\" alt=\"To remove malware click on the Remove Selected button\" width=\"530\" height=\"356\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Removing-virus.jpg 530w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Removing-virus-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 530px) 100vw, 530px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now quarantine all the malicious files and registry keys that it has found. When removing the files, <em>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware may require a reboot<\/em> in order to remove some of them. If it displays a message stating that it needs to reboot your computer, please allow it to do so.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54003\" title=\"Malwarebytes Anti-Malware asking to restart computer\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Restart-Computer.jpg\" alt=\"Restart computer to complete the malware removal process\" width=\"532\" height=\"358\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Restart-Computer.jpg 532w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Malwarebytes-Restart-Computer-300x202.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 532px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><br \/>\nAfter your computer will restart, you should open Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and <em>perform another scan<\/em> to verify that there are no remaining threats<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3 class=\"mt_blue\">STEP 2: Double-check for the Crypt0L0cker ransowmare with HitmanPro<\/h3>\n<p>HitmanPro finds and removes malware, adware, bots, and other threats that even the best antivirus suite can oftentimes miss. It&#8217;s designed to run alongside your antivirus suite, firewall, and other security tools.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>You can download <strong>HitmanPro<\/strong> from the below link:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-hitmanpro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> <strong>HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK<\/strong><\/a> <em>(This link will open a new web page from where you can download &#8220;HitmanPro&#8221;)<\/em><\/li>\n<li>Double-click on the file named &#8220;<strong>HitmanPro.exe<\/strong>&#8221; (for 32-bit versions of Windows) or &#8220;<strong>HitmanPro_x64.exe<\/strong>&#8221; (for 64-bit versions of Windows).<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54009\" title=\"'Double-click\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-Icon.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro Icon\" width=\"134\" height=\"124\" \/><br \/>\nClick on the &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; button, to install HitmanPro on your computer.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54010\" title=\"Click Next to install HitmanPro\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-install.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro setup process\" width=\"534\" height=\"421\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-install.jpg 534w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-install-300x237.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 534px) 100vw, 534px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>HitmanPro will now begin to scan your computer for malware.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54012\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro scanning for Crypt0L0cker virus\" width=\"529\" height=\"426\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-Scan.jpg 529w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-Scan-300x242.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 529px) 100vw, 529px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>When it has finished it will display a list of all the malware that the program found as shown in the image below. Click on the &#8220;<strong>Next<\/strong>&#8221; button, to remove malware.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54008\" title=\"HitmanPro scan summary. Click Next to remove malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-detected-malware.jpg\" alt=\"HitmanPro detected malware\" width=\"530\" height=\"426\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-detected-malware.jpg 530w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-detected-malware-300x241.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 530px) 100vw, 530px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>Click on the &#8220;<strong>Activate free license<\/strong>&#8221; button to begin the <em>free 30 days trial<\/em>, and remove all the malicious files from your computer.<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-54011\" title=\"Click on the Activate free license button\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-remove-malware.jpg\" alt=\"Activate HitmanPro to remove malware\" width=\"528\" height=\"420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-remove-malware.jpg 528w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/HitmanPro-remove-malware-300x239.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 528px) 100vw, 528px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>In some cases you may need to <a href=\"http:\/\/windows.microsoft.com\/en-us\/windows\/change-desktop-background-wallpaper#1TC=windows-7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">change your wallpaper<\/a>, and delete the harmless &#8220;Your files are locked !!!!.txt&#8221;.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"mwtad603186369\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381392-ad_309691-placement_381395\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2944237110\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 id=\"prevent\" class=\"mt_title\">How to prevent your computer from becoming infected by Crypt0L0cker ransomware<\/h2>\n<p>To protect your computer from the Crypt0L0cker ransomware, you should always have an antivirus installed on your computer and always have a backup for your personal documents. As an extra protection method, you can use programs called <a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-hitmanpro\/alert\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">HitmanPro.Alert<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.foolishit.com\/cryptoprevent-malware-prevention\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CryptoPrevent<\/a>, which will prevent any file encrypting malware from running.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XrSP-CMjuFk?rel=0\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Your computer should now be free of the Crypt0L0cker ransomware infection.<\/p>\n<p>If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove this rasomware from your machine, please do one of the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Run a system scan with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/downloads-zemana-antimalware\/\" target=\"_blank\">Zemana AntiMalware<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Ask for help in our <strong><a title=\"Malware Removal Assistance\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/forums\/malware-removal-assistance.10\/\" target=\"_blank\">Malware Removal Assistance<\/a><\/strong> forum.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Crypt0L0cker is a file-encrypting ransomware, which will encrypt the personal documents found on victim\u2019s computer using RSA-2048 key (AES CBC 256-bit encryption algorithm). Crypt0L0cker then displays a message which offers to decrypt the data if &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"Remove Crypt0L0cker ransomware (Files Encrypted Malware)\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/remove-crypt0l0cker-virus\/#more-39132\" aria-label=\"Read more about Remove Crypt0L0cker ransomware (Files Encrypted Malware)\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":39133,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ai_generated_summary":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2727],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-39132","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ransomware","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50","resize-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39132","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39132"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39132\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39133"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39132"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39132"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39132"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}