How to remove 2023lock Ransomware and decrypt .2023lock files

What is 2023lock Ransomware

2023Lock is a ransomware that has recently targeted companies, encrypting their data and demanding payment for decryption. This article aims to provide an informative, preventive, and recovery-focused perspective on this malicious software. Once installed, it encrypts files and appends the .2023lock extension to their names. The ransomware uses sophisticated encryption algorithms, making it difficult to decrypt files without the attackers’ involvement. After encryption, 2023Lock creates two ransom notes, README.html and README.txt, which are dropped into the C drive. These notes inform the victim that their files have been encrypted and sensitive data stolen, urging them to contact the cybercriminals within 24 hours. The ransom note also warns against using third-party decryption tools, as they may render the affected data undecryptable. 2023Lock ransomware is a severe threat that can cause significant damage to your data. To protect yourself, maintain regular backups, keep your security software up-to-date, and exercise caution when handling email attachments or downloading files. If you are infected, do not pay the ransom, as there is no guarantee of file recovery. Instead, focus on removing the ransomware and restoring your data from a backup.

Decryption tools for 2023Lock are not available, and paying the ransom is discouraged, as there is no guarantee that the attackers will provide the decryption key. The only reliable method to recover files is to restore them from a backup created before the infection. If you do not have a backup, recovery options are limited. You may try searching for decryption tools on the No More Ransom Project website, which contains a “Decryption Tools” section. However, most ransomware encryption algorithms are sophisticated, and decryption without the developers’ involvement is usually impossible.

How 2023lock Ransomware infects computers

2023Lock ransomware infects computers through malicious email attachments, torrent websites, and malicious ads. To prevent 2023Lock ransomware infections, maintain up-to-date security software, avoid suspicious downloads, and educate yourself and others about emerging threats. If your computer is already infected, use reputable anti-virus software like Spyhunter for Windows to remove the ransomware. However, this will not restore the encrypted files.

1. Download 2023lock Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .2023lock files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like 2023lock Ransomware

2023lock Ransomware files:


README.html
{randomname}.exe


2023lock Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .2023lock files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .2023lock files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .2023lock files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with 2023lock Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .2023lock files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like 2023lock Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. 2023lock Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro