How to remove Itlock (MedusaLocker) Ransomware and decrypt .itlock20 files

What is Itlock Ransomware

Itlock Ransomware is part of the MedusaLocker family, a notorious group of ransomware variants known for disrupting personal and organizational workflows by encrypting essential files. This ransomware appends the extension .itlock20 to the filenames of affected files, rendering them inaccessible without a specific decryption key. The number in the extension can vary, but it consistently follows the “itlock” format. The encryption method employed by Itlock ransomware involves a combination of RSA and AES encryption, which ensures that files are securely locked, and only the attackers possess the decryption keys required to restore the files. Once the encryption process is complete, Itlock ransomware generates a ransom note named How_to_back_files.html, which appears on the infected device. This HTML file states that the user’s files are encrypted and safe but modified, emphasizing that only the attackers can resolve the issue. The note warns against using third-party software to restore the files, as this could result in permanent corruption.

Unfortunately, no official decryption tools for Itlock ransomware have been released. Victims are generally advised against paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee that the attackers will provide a functional decryption tool. Currently, decrypting .itlock20 files without the attacker’s key is not feasible, making regular data backups and cybersecurity hygiene critical preventive measures.

How Itlock Ransomware infects computers

Itlock Ransomware, a variant of the MedusaLocker family, infiltrates computers through various deceptive methods, targeting users who inadvertently execute malicious files. Often, these files are disguised as legitimate attachments in phishing emails, or they may be unwittingly downloaded from compromised websites and peer-to-peer networks. Cybercriminals also leverage malicious ads and exploit software vulnerabilities to deliver the ransomware payload. Once executed, Itlock rapidly encrypts the victim’s files, adding a distinct “.itlock” extension, and displays a ransom note demanding payment for decryption. The malware’s sophistication allows it to spread across local networks, affecting connected systems and external storage devices, thus amplifying its destructive impact. It is crucial to maintain updated security software and exercise caution with email attachments and downloads to mitigate the risk of such infections.

1. Download Itlock Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .itlock20 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 Itlock Ransomware

Itlock Ransomware files:


How_to_back_files.html
{randomname}.exe


Itlock Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .itlock20 files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .itlock20 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 .itlock20 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 Itlock 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 .itlock20 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 Itlock 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. Itlock 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