How to remove Interlock Ransomware and decrypt .interlock files

What is Interlock Ransomware

Interlock Ransomware is a notorious form of malware that wreaks havoc by encrypting the files of its victims, demanding a ransom for their return. This ransomware has been detected on both Windows and Linux systems, marking its broad scope of attack. Upon infecting a machine, it appends the .interlock extension to the end of each affected file. This means that if you have a document named report.docx, it will be altered to report.docx.interlock, rendering it inaccessible. The encryption method used by Interlock is sophisticated, employing advanced cryptographic techniques, which makes the files impossible to decrypt without the decryption key. After the encryption process is complete, the ransomware drops a ransom note titled !__README__!.txt onto the infected system. This note is typically placed in prominent locations, such as the desktop or in directories containing encrypted files, and it details the attack, providing instructions for payment and warning against modifying affected files.

In most cases, ransomware attacks lead victims to stark decision-making moments, but unfortunately, as of now, there are no known public decryption tools for Interlock Ransomware. This increases the risk for victims, as they may mistakenly believe paying the ransom is their only option. However, security experts strongly advise against paying, as there is no guarantee that cybercriminals will provide the decryption key even after payment. Recovery of .interlock files without the attacker’s cooperation is currently unfeasible due to the robust encryption algorithms employed. The best course of action for those affected is to remove the ransomware using a reputable security tool and restore the lost files from a pre-existing backup. Additionally, maintaining regular backups and employing stringent security measures can safeguard against the adverse effects of ransomware attacks in the future, ensuring that crucial data remains secure and accessible.

How Interlock Ransomware infects computers

Interlock Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through deceptive tactics and the exploitation of system vulnerabilities. One of the key methods involves the use of Remote Access Trojans (RATs), which are often distributed under the guise of legitimate software updates, such as a fake Google Chrome browser update. Once the RAT is installed, it executes scripts that can download additional malicious components, including credential-stealing software and keyloggers. This initial breach allows attackers to gain a foothold within the system, enabling them to move laterally across networks using compromised credentials and tools like RDP services, AnyDesk, and PuTTY. The final stage involves executing the ransomware payload, which encrypts files and demands a ransom, often leveraging double extortion by threatening to leak exfiltrated sensitive data. To protect against such attacks, it’s crucial to maintain robust cybersecurity practices, including keeping software up-to-date, being vigilant against phishing attempts, and using reputable security solutions.

1. Download Interlock Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .interlock 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 Interlock Ransomware

Interlock Ransomware files:


!__README__!.txt
{randomname}.exe


Interlock Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .interlock files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .interlock 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 .interlock 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 Interlock 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 .interlock 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 Interlock 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. Interlock 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