CryptoLocker encrypts files on the infected computer’s hard drive and then displays a message asking the user to pay a ransom to decrypt the files. The ransom is typically between $100 and $300 and must be paid within 72 hours or the encrypted files will be permanently lost. CryptoLocker has been spreading primarily through email attachments, and once it infects a computer.
When CryptoLocker first emerged, there was no way to decrypt the encrypted files without paying the ransom. However, since then, security researchers have found ways to recover the encryption key from game sites.
What damage did CryptoLocker cause?
CryptoLocker was a particularly virulent strain of ransomware that emerged in 2013. It infected hundreds of thousands of computers and caused untold millions of dollars in damage.
Attackers will send out emails with infected attachments that, when opened, will infect the system with CryptoLocker.
Once a system is infected with CryptoLocker, the malware will scan the hard drive for certain types of files and encrypt them using RSA public-key cryptography. The private key needed to decrypt the files is then only accessible through a command and control server that the attackers operate.
If victims do not pay the ransom within a certain time, usually around 72 hours, the price doubles. The private key is deleted and cannot be recovered, effectively rendering all affected files permanently unreadable. This makes it incredibly important for victims to act quickly if they want any chance of recovering their data.
Spreading process:
There are a few ways that CryptoLocker can spread.
One way is through email attachments. If someone gets an email with an attachment that looks suspicious, they may open it without thinking twice. Once the CryptoLocker malware is on their computer, it will start to encrypt files and demand a ransom.
Once someone downloads the malware, it’s only a matter of time before the encryption process begins.
If you’re ever unsure about a website, take some time to research it before you visit it or enter any personal information. Taking these precautions will help reduce your risk of being infected with CryptoLocker or any other type of malware.
CryptoLocker encryption: types of files
In some cases, it even encrypted entire hard drives. This made it difficult for victims to access their own data, let alone try to decrypt the files. CryptoLocker was particularly devastating because there was no way to decrypt the files without paying the ransom.
Microsoft Office:
CryptoLocker encrypted a wide variety of files, including documents created using Microsoft Office. This made it difficult for victims to access their own data, let alone try to decrypt the files. CryptoLocker was particularly devastating because there was no way to decrypt the files without paying the ransom.
Pictures:
CryptoLocker encrypted a wide variety of files, including pictures. In some cases, it even encrypted entire hard drives. This made it difficult for victims to access their own data, let alone try to decrypt the files. CryptoLocker was particularly devastating because there was no way to decrypt the files without paying the ransom.
Music:
CryptoLocker encrypted a wide variety of files, including music files. In some cases, it even encrypted entire hard drives. This made it difficult for victims to access their own data, let alone try to decrypt the files. CryptoLocker was particularly devastating because there was no way to decrypt the files without paying the ransom.
OpenDocument:
CryptoLocker encrypted a wide variety of files, including documents created using OpenDocument. This made it difficult for victims to access their own data, let alone try to decrypt the files. CryptoLocker was particularly devastating because there was no way to decrypt the files without paying the ransom.
AutoCAD files:
CryptoLocker encrypted a wide variety of files, including AutoCAD files. In some cases, it even encrypted entire hard drives. This made it difficult for victims to access their own data, let alone try to decrypt the files. CryptoLocker was particularly devastating because there was no way to decrypt the files without paying the ransom.
Can CryptoLocker be decrypted?
There are a few different ways to approach decrypting CryptoLocker files.
- One is to pay the ransom, it is not recommended, as there is no guarantee that the key will be sent, or that it will work.
- Another option is to use a tool like Emsisoft Decrypter, which can sometimes decrypt CryptoLocker files for free.
- Additionally, if you have a backup of your data from before it was encrypted, you can restore those files and avoid paying the ransom altogether.
- Finally, take help from experts.
ExterNetworks have a team of security experts who can help you recover files locked by CryptoLocker ransomware and assess the damage and make decisions about how to proceed.
If you’re dealing with a CryptoLocker attack, one of the first things you should do is contact the IT team. They will work with you to determine the best course of action and help you get your data back
