How to remove Aptlock Ransomware and decrypt .aptlock files

What is Aptlock Ransomware

Aptlock Ransomware emerged as a significant threat in the cyber security landscape, utilizing sophisticated tactics to compromise data integrity. This ransomware operates by encrypting files on the victim’s system, making them inaccessible, and then appending the .aptlock extension to signify that the files have been locked. Example transformations include changing document.docx to document.docx.aptlock. The encryption method used by Aptlock is robust, leveraging high-grade cryptographic algorithms, which effectively renders the files unusable without the corresponding decryption key. Victims typically find out about the attack when they see that their desktop wallpaper has been changed and notice a new file titled read_me_to_access.txt on their desktop. This file serves as the ransom note, notifying victims that their files have been encrypted, detailing the demands of the cybercriminals, and providing instructions on how to pay the ransom in exchange for a decryption tool.

Unsurprisingly, this particular ransomware has no known decryption tools publicly available at the moment, given the complexity and sophistication of the encryption algorithm it employs. This lack of a remedy means victims face a significant challenge, as decryption is impossible without the decryption key held by the attackers. Paying the ransom, which is often demanded in Bitcoin, is highly discouraged by cybersecurity experts, as it does not guarantee the return of control over encrypted data. To mitigate the effects of such ransomware threats, users are advised to maintain regular system backups and use robust security measures to protect their network infrastructure. Those who find themselves affected by Aptlock ransomware should focus on containment, removing the malware from their systems using reputable antivirus solutions, and seek professional help in data recovery from unaffected backups rather than attempting to decrypt files directly.

How Aptlock Ransomware infects computers

Aptlock Ransomware primarily infiltrates computers through deceptive tactics commonly used by cybercriminals. Users often unknowingly download the ransomware via malicious email attachments or links, which are disguised as legitimate communications. Additionally, Aptlock can spread through pirated software, keygens, and cracking tools, which are often rife with malware. Exploiting software vulnerabilities is another method, where outdated systems become easy targets for infection. The ransomware can also propagate via compromised websites and malicious ads, tricking users into executing the malware by clicking on seemingly harmless content. To mitigate the risk, individuals and organizations should maintain updated software, exercise caution with email attachments, and avoid downloading from untrusted sources.

1. Download Aptlock Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .aptlock 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 Aptlock Ransomware

Aptlock Ransomware files:


read_me_to_access.txt
{randomname}.exe


Aptlock Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .aptlock files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .aptlock 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 .aptlock 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 Aptlock 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 .aptlock 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 Aptlock 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. Aptlock 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