How to remove AXLocker Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is AXLocker Ransomware

AXLocker is a ransomware virus that encrypts personal data (documents, photos, databases, etc,) and demands victims to pay money for its decryption. Unlike other ransomware infections that typically rename encrypted data (by adding new extensions), AXLocker leaves files to look in their original appearance. Despite this, victims will not be able to access their data and the virus will then display a pop-up window with decryption-related demands and allocated time to meet them.

The pop-up window informs victims about the committed file encryption. The only way to restore the blocked data, it says, is to purchase a unique decryption key from the attackers. For this, victims are guided to write an e-mail message to anoynmous.axo@proton.me and include the personal ID that can be copied from the pop-up window. Unless victims meet these demands within the specified time, cybercriminals say the private key will be automatically destroyed and victims will not be able to decrypt their data anymore. In addition, there are also warnings against “turning off” the ransomware or the infected system as both of these actions may lead to permanent damage of data. Unfortunately, it is true that cybercriminals are usually the only figures able to provide full decryption of data provided they have the necessary keys to decipher the files. Despite this, paying the ransom may be unaffordable for many victims and there are always risks to be scammed as well. Some extortionists eventually fool their victims and do not send any decryption tools/keys even after receiving the payment. At the moment, the only feasible way to recover data encrypted by AXLocker (and many other ransomware viruses) for free and without the help of cybercriminals is to use an available backup. Making backups of valuable data is very important and should be done frequently. This way, you will be able to recover your data in case of encryption or simply unexpected computer damage. Below, you will also find some general recommendations about reputable third-party decryption/recovery software, however, please note that they are less likely capable of providing damage-free decryption for AXLocker files. Note that ransomware has to be removed from your computer to prevent it from running further malicious activity. Use our article below to do so and establish protection against such threats in the future.

How AXLocker Ransomware infected your computer

Most malware (including ransomware) is often spread via e-mail spam letters, trojans, deceptive third-party downloads, fake software updates/installers, backdoors, keyloggers, botnets, system exploits, and some other distribution channels as well. Most of these channels employ phishing techniques that are designed to fool inexperienced users into opening some malicious content (usually attachments or links). For instance, ransomware or trojans can be disguised as some legitimate file (.DOCX, .XLSX, .PDF, .EXE, .ZIP, .RAR, or .JS extensions) and distributed through e-mail letters that impersonate names of legal companies/entities (e.g., delivery companies, tax authorities, banks, and so forth). In order to trick inexperienced users into executing the attached content, cybercriminals may name files in click-bait ways and claim it is “important” or “urgent”. If the attached content ends up opened according to cybercriminals’ guidelines, the contained infection will be deployed for installation on the targeted system. Avoid interaction with such messages and read our guide below to learn how one can protect himself//herslef against threats like ransomware (or other malware) in the future.

1. Download AXLocker Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for AXLocker 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 AXLocker Ransomware

AXLocker Ransomware files:


{randomname}.exe


AXLocker Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore AXLocker files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt AXLocker 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 AXLocker 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 AXLocker 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 AXLocker files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose 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 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 is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see 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 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 AXLocker 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. AXLocker 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