CryLocker Ransomware

CryLocker Ransomware is a terrible infection that can render your files unreadable once it slithers into your Windows operating system. According to our research, the developer of this infection can use various methods for successful distribution. The Rig and Sundown exploit kits were found to distribute this infection, but it appears that it could also be silently downloaded by Trojans. Obviously, if that is the case, you also need to worry about the removal of Trojans. Once the infection is executed, it might take up to 30 minutes to start the encryption of your files. Unfortunately, this infection is silent, and it is unlikely that many users will catch and remove CryLocker Ransomware in time before it causes any damage. Most users will realize that this infection is present only after their files become encrypted and after files informing about the attack are created. Unfortunately, you cannot solve the situation by eliminating the ransomware. In fact, that is the easy part of the operation. The most problematic issue is the decryption of the corrupted files.

According to our research, the malicious CryLocker Ransomware is dropped under %ALLUSERSPROFILE% or %TEMP% directories. The executable of this infection is random, but it should have 8 characters. When you find this file, you might want to scan it to determine whether or not it is malicious. After all, you do not want to remove ransomware-unrelated files, do you? Speaking of ransomware files, it was found that the threat creates folders and files as soon as the encryption is completed. The folder that this ransomware creates is called "old_shortcuts," and all files from your Desktop will be copied to this folder. In some cases, the files within this folder are not encrypted. Additionally, CryLocker Ransomware creates the {8 characters}.html file that is placed under %TEMP%, and it represents the ransom note. The same ransom note, but with a different name (!Recovery_{6 characters}.html), is placed on the Desktop as well. Another file you will find on the Desktop is !Recovery_{6 characters}.txt, and it also represents the ransom note. The most peculiar of the files is {8 characters}.lnk. This suspicious shortcut file is located under %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup, and its main task is to launch the ransom note located in the %TEMP% folder. You should not rush to remove these files until you read the information represented via them.

According to the ransom note represented by CryLocker Ransomware, your personal files were encrypted using a “persistent military-grade crypto algorithm.” It is stated that the decryption of the files is only possible if you have a private key, and to obtain it, you need to visit one of the promoted websites. If you do, a ransomware payment will be demanded from you, and you need to think long and hard if you should get involved. The malicious infection deletes Shadow Volume Copies, which makes the restore point useless. It is also unlikely that legitimate decryptors exist or will be created to decipher the algorithm used. It all means that paying the ransom might be your only way of restoring your personal files, but the problem is that cyber criminals are unpredictable and irresponsible. It would be stupid of us to reassure you that you will get the decryption tool and you will get your files back as soon as you pay the ransom. The reality is that cyber criminals often take the money without fulfilling their promise to decrypt files, and who can guarantee that the developer of CryLocker Ransomware is not just as despicable? Hopefully, the files that have the ".cry" extension attached to them are not really valuable, or you have backups in an external drive or cloud storage. If that is the case, you can go ahead and remove the infection.

The malicious CryLocker Ransomware can record WiFi Access Point information, your geolocation, and even your keyboard layout. If it detects that the language used on your operating system is Belorussian, Kazakh, Russian, Sakha, Ukrainian, or Uzbek, the ransomware will not proceed with the encryption process. Still, the components of this threat might be present on your PC, and you need to delete them ASAP. Hopefully, you will be able to eliminate the ransomware without losing your files as well. If your files get decrypted after you pay the ransom, remember to delete CryLocker Ransomware as well. The manual removal guide below will not be easy to follow for inexperienced users, but they can use automated malware removal software instead. If you have any questions about the process, please leave them in the comments section.

CryLocker Ransomware Removal

1. Tap Win+E to launch Explorer.
2. Enter %allusersprofile% into the address bar.
3. Right-click and Delete the malicious {8 characters}.exe file. If it is not found here, check the %temp% folder.
4. Enter %temp% into the address bar.
5. Delete the malicious {8 characters}.exe file.
6. Delete the {8 characters}.html file.
7. Enter %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup (Windows XP users enter %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Start Menu\Programs\Startup) into the address bar.
8. Delete the {8 characters}.lnk file.
9. Exit the Explorer and move to the Desktop.
10. Delete these files: !Recovery_{6 characters}.html and !Recovery_{6 characters}.txt.
11. Restart the PC and then immediately install a malware scanner to examine it for leftovers.