Crypt0L0cker

Crypt0L0cker is a dangerous computer infection that is classified as ransomware. The program enters your system through spam email attachments or malicious links that are embedded in pop-up advertisements on third-party websites. It is a must to remove Crypt0L0cker from your computer as soon as possible, but the problem is that the damage inflicted by the program might not be that easy to take care of. Therefore, every single computer user out there needs to think of the best methods of prevention when it comes to protecting themselves and their systems from malicious infections.

Since Crypt0L0cker is a ransomware infection, it clearly holds your computer “hostage” trying to push you into paying a particular ransom fee. Crypt0L0cker accepts various payment methods. It says that you can pay in bitcoins, through MoneyPak, Paysafecard, Ukash, or CashU alternative payment systems. Crypt0L0cker also gives you 72 hours to pay up; otherwise it says that you will not be able to regain access to your files. And this is the most disturbing thing about this infection. Crypt0L0cker encrypts almost all of your files, saying that it will issue a decryption key once you transfer the ransom payment. However, there is no way to guarantee that the criminals behind this infection will actually allow you to decrypt your files.

This infection is nothing new. Crypt0L0cker is just another name for the CryptoLocker Virus that has been harassing computer users worldwide for quite some time now. The infection manages to enter your computer through the Trojan:Win32/Crilock.A, and it does not even bother to make an impression that the program is related to local law enforcement authorities (like the Ukash ransomware, for example). Crypt0L0cker simply encrypts files with *.mef, *.mrw, *.nef, *.nrw, *.orf, *.raf, *.raw, *.rwl, *.rw2, *.jpg, *.dng, *.3fr, *.arw, *.srf, *.sr2, *.bay, *.crw, *.cr2, *.dcr, *.kdc, *.erf, and many other extensions. Once the encryption is complete, Crypt0L0cker displays a notification on your screen that says you need to pay 100 USD, 100 EUR or any similar amount in another currency in order to restore your files. However, even if you were to pay the ransom, the malicious Trojan would still remain on your system, and it is only a matter of time until the entire ordeal would repeat itself.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to decrypt your files once they have been affected by Crypt0L0cker. Even if you remove Crypt0L0cker from your computer, your files will remain encrypted. However, you avoid dire consequences by keeping backups of your files on various hardware and cloud drives. What’s more, you will do yourself a favor if you invest in a licensed antispyware tool that would run regular system scans. This way, you will be able to detect potential threats at once before they have managed to lay any damage to your system.

How to Unlock Your Desktop

Windows 8 & Windows 8.1

1. Press the Windows key and the metro Start menu will open.
2. Click the Internet Explorer tile and access http://www.pcthreat.com/download-sph.
3. Press Run on the download dialog box and install SpyHunter.
4. Scan your computer.

Windows Vista & Windows 7

1. Reboot your computer and press F8 once the BIOS screen disappears.
2. Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
3. Go to http://www.pcthreat.com/download-sph and download the program.
4. Install SpyHunter and run a full system scan.

Windows XP

1. Follow the steps 1 and 2 above.
2. Click Yes on the confirmation box and download SpyHunter.
3. Scan your computer.