CryptoLocker

CryptoLocker is a screen locker infection else known as ransomware program. It is distributed by Trojan:Win32/Crilock.A Trojan and unlike other ransomware applications known to us, this one does not try to convince you that you have committed serious crime in order to push you into paying the ransom fee. CryptoLocker just states that your computer is locked, your files are encrypted, and to restore your desktop access you need to pay 100 USD or 100 EUR via MoneyPak, Ukash or any other applicable alternative payment system. However, instead of paying the ransom, you should unlock your PC and remove CryptoLocker right now.

Since this infection is distributed by Trojans, it is very likely that your computer has been infected prior to the lock-out. Trojans enter target systems surreptitiously and they do not manifest their presence until it is too late. Therefore, in order to avoid such dangerous infections as CryptoLocker, it is important that you run regular system scans with a reliable antimalware program, and intercept threats in the first stages of infection. Otherwise you may have to deal with annoying consequences such as, in CryptoLocker’s case, locked screen and encrypted files.

Unfortunately, CryptoLocker’s claim that it has encrypted your files is real. According to the research carried out by security specialists, this ransomware application can encrypt almost any file you have on your hard drive, including files with such extensions as *.jpg, *.dng, *.3fr, *.arw, *.srf, *.sr2, *.bay, *.crw, *.cr2, *.dcr, *.kdc, *.erf, *.mef, *.mrw, *.nef, *.nrw, *.orf, *.raf, *.raw, *.rwl, *.rw2 and so on. With your files encrypted you will probably need to restore them from backup. It just shows how important it is to have a backup copy of your files in external hard drive, or a sky drive.

Perhaps the reassuring thing about CryptoLocker is that the ransomware application at least does not try to pose as something it is not, and it demands you to give away your money immediately:

Your personal files are encrypted!
Your important files encryption produced on this computer: photos, videos, documents, etc.
To decrypt files you need to obtain the private key.
To obtain the private key for this computer, <…>, you need to pay 100 USD/100EUR/similar amount in another currency.

However, even if you do transfer the required sum of money via alternative payment system, your computer will not be unlocked. CryptoLocker tries to put you on edge, by giving you just 72 hours to pay up. Nevertheless, you should not succumb to these threats, because nothing good will come of spending your money on CryptoLocker.

Refer to the instructions below instead to unlock your computer and then acquire a reliable computer security application that will help you remove CryptoLocker automatically. Do not hesitate to protect your PC when it is necessary to do so.

How to restore desktop access

Windows 8

1. Press Windows key and click metro Start menu will open.
2. Click Internet Explorer tile and go to http://www.pcthreat.com/download-sph.
3. Click Run on the download dialog box and install SpyHunter.
4. Run a full system scan.

Windows Vista & Windows 7

1. Restart your computer and press F8 to load Advanced Boot Options menu.
2. Use arrow keys to navigate and select Safe Mode with Networking. Press Enter.
3. Access http://www.pcthreat.com/download-sph and download SpyHunter.
4. Install the program and scan your computer.

Windows XP

1. Follow the steps 1 and 2 above.
2. Click Yes on confirmation box.
3. Download SpyHunter.
4. Open Start menu and launch Run.
5. Enter “msconfig” into Open box and click OK.
6. Select Startup tab on System Configuration Utilities.
7. Click Disable all and press OK.
8. Reboot the PC in Normal mode.
9. Install SpyHunter and launch a full system scan.