How to remove Unlocker Ransomware and decrypt .lock files

What is Unlocker Ransomware

Unlocker is a ransomware infection capable of encrypting system-stored data. Victims infected with this ransomware variant will also see a visual change in encrypted files according to this pattern .[e-mail of cybercriminals].[personal ID].lock. For instance, a file named 1.pdf will change to something like 1.pdf.[unlocker@onionmail.org].[5MKlY].lock and reset its original icon. Unlocker Ransomware may look similar to another file-encryptor called Unlock, which assigns the .unlock extension instead. Despite this, they are still different ransomware infections and should not be put under the same ceilling. Once file encryption gets to a close, the virus creates a text file named either README_WARNING.TXT or ALL_YOUR_FILES_ARE_ENCRYPTED.TXT. This depends on what version of Unlocker Ransomware penetrated your system. Both ransom notes are almost identical having some minor differences.

In general, cybercriminals encourage victims to reach out to them using e-mail (unlocker@onionmail.org; unlockersuport@msgsafe.io) or Telegram (@unlockersuport) communication and buy a special decryption instrument. The price for such a tool remains secret until victims get in touch with the swindlers. One of the ransom notes also offers to decrypt one file for free as proof of decryption abilities. In addition to this, ransomware developers warn their victims against involving third-party help because it may lead to permanent file corruption. At the moment of writing this article, decryption with the help of third-party tools seems less likely to work. Ransomware developers are generally good at using well-protected ciphers to prevent users from cracking them up. The best way to recover your data for free is to use copies from backup. You can also try some popular decryption software we listed below to decrypt your data even though it is less likely to work. Before recovering data through third-party tools, it is always advised to make a copy of encrypted files to avoid permanent damage. If you want to reaccess your data without the help of cybercriminals, it is then mandatory to remove the virus prior to performing recovery. The guide below will be a perfect instruction to do it correctly and without traces.

How Unlocker Ransomware infected your computer

Many cybercriminals attempt to phish their victims into executing malicious attachments or links through e-mail spam letters. This is a popular method where cybercrooks tend to distribute legitimate-looking messages with click-bait headings to trick users into opening them. Fake Reward Announcements, Marketing ads, Parcel Tracking notifications, and other forged e-mail messages can be used to spread malware. It is important to not click on dubious links nor download files imposed in such letters. The execution of them will most probably lead to inevitable PC infection. Ransomware may also be spread via other channels like trojans, malicious ads, fake software updates/installers, pirated downloads, network vulnerabilities, and other vectors that can be exploited. Beware of them and try to keep your distance away from unofficial content you think is suspicious. Follow our guide below to learn more useful and practical tips on securing yourself against such threats in the future.

1. Download Unlocker Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .lock 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 Unlocker Ransomware

Unlocker Ransomware files:


ALL_YOUR_FILES_ARE_ENCRYPTED.TXT
{randomname}.exe


Unlocker Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .lock files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .lock 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 .lock 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 Unlocker 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 .lock 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 Unlocker 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. Unlocker 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