How to remove NailaoLocker Ransomware and decrypt .locked files

What is NailaoLocker Ransomware

NailaoLocker Ransomware is a malicious program that encrypts users’ files to demand a ransom for decryption. Identified in ransomware infections, it uses the .locked file extension to lock up victim files. When a file is encrypted by this ransomware, its name is appended with a .locked extension, signifying it has been compromised. Developed using the C++ programming language, NailaoLocker employs a symmetric encryption algorithm, which is notorious for being complex and secure. The attacker’s goal is to make it virtually impossible for victims to decrypt their files without the corresponding decryption tool that they claim to provide upon payment. This encryption means that reversing the effects requires a specific key stored by the attackers, making unauthorized decryption highly challenging. Victims of this ransomware are greeted with a ransom-note.txt file after their files have been encrypted.

This note delivers a message detailing the ransomware’s impact, asserting that user files will be deleted if the demanded ransom is not paid within a specified period, usually a week. It warns against attempting manual file decryption, threatening further data loss or non-recovery. The payment is requested in Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency known for its anonymity, which complicates tracking the transactions back to the criminals. Unfortunately, no public decryption tools are currently available for NailaoLocker Ransomware, rendering the encrypted files virtually inaccessible without the attackers’ involvement. To decrypt .locked files, victims are advised to explore options like restoring from backups if available, as paying the ransom does not guarantee file recovery and further funds the ransomware perpetrators.

How NailaoLocker Ransomware infects computers

NailaoLocker Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through exploiting vulnerabilities in software, particularly targeting applications like the Check Point VPN app, with one notable vulnerability being “CVE-2024-24919.” Often, it is introduced into systems via malicious payloads deployed by other malware such as the ShadowPad malware or the PlugX Remote Access Trojan (RAT). These infections typically occur through phishing campaigns or social engineering tactics, where unsuspecting users are tricked into downloading malicious attachments or clicking on deceptive links. Additionally, NailaoLocker can spread through drive-by downloads, which occur when users visit compromised websites, or via untrustworthy download channels, including unofficial and free file-hosting sites or peer-to-peer sharing networks. Once on a system, the ransomware encrypts files and demands a ransom for their decryption, making it vital for users to maintain up-to-date software and exercise caution when handling emails and downloads.

1. Download NailaoLocker Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .locked 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 NailaoLocker Ransomware

NailaoLocker Ransomware files:


ransom-note.txt
{randomname}.exe


NailaoLocker Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .locked files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .locked 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 .locked 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 NailaoLocker 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 .locked 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 NailaoLocker 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. NailaoLocker 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