CYR-Locker Ransomware

The creators of CYR-Locker Ransomware might ask users to pay a ridiculous sum of 10 million. Our researchers say it is probably because they are currently just testing the malicious application and do not expect to receive any payment. Yet, the message displayed by the infection might state that the files located on the victim’s computer are enciphered with a strong cryptosystem, and the only way to decrypt them is to pay the ransom. Luckily, it seems the test version is not yet programmed to do any damage to the user’s files, so despite what the note says the malicious application should not affect your data. Apparently, the threat only locks the screen and displays the ransom note. If you want to access your computer and erase CYR-Locker Ransomware, take a look at the instructions we placed below this article. Those who would like to know other details about the malware, we encourage you to read the rest of the text too.

At the moment, there is still not much information about how CYR-Locker Ransomware could be distributed, but as it does not look much different from other similar threats we have tested over the time, we would say it could be spread with malicious email attachments. After all, most of ransomware creators choose such a method. Since they can make the file look like a text document, picture, and so on, it is quite easy to convince the user to open such an attachment and infect the computer unknowingly.

Therefore, users should be cautious even with those files that look completely harmless. It is always a good idea to scan data received via email with a legitimate antimalware tool. You can be more careless only if you know the received file was supposed to be sent to you and you know who sent it. At times when the user cannot be one hundred percent sure, it would be wise to take a moment and do a quick scan for safety precautions.

Once CYR-Locker Ransomware’s installer is launched the application should lock the screen by covering it with a message from the malware’s creators. The first sentence of it says “Your personal files are encrypted by CYR-Locker.” Then the note may explain how the malicious application enciphered all “documents, photos, databases, and other important files” located on the system. It also claims there is a decryption tool you can purchase for 10 million; the currency is not mentioned, the message only says it has to be converted into Bitcoins.

Since the infection’s creators are probably not expecting to receive any payment yet the note does not even explain how to make the payment. In other words, if you encountered a test version CYR-Locker Ransomware you have neither the means nor a reason to pay the ransom. Of course, even if it was possible to pay the ransom, we doubt anyone would have such a sum to spare to decrypt their possibly irreplaceable data.

You may have been lucky this time, but keep it in mind that in the future you might encounter more dangerous malicious applications. Thus, we advise you to take precautions and do regular data backups to protect valuable files on the computer in case they get ruined by some infection. In the event of ransomware, copies on removable media storages are sometimes the only hope to recover encrypted data, so it is most advisable to find some time and make a backup just to be safe. Additionally, you could acquire a trustworthy antimalware tool that could help you guard the computer against various threats.

Finally, we should explain how to delete CYR-Locker Ransomware, but first of all, you need to know how to remove the message from your screen. It seems the only way to close it is to click the Decrypt Key button; it should be placed below the ransom note. When the pop-up appears, simply click OK and do the same thing with the next pop-up. After that, you should be able to access the Task Manager and use it to unlock the screen. This process is explained more accurately in the instructions placed below. As soon as the message disappears, you should erase the malware immediately. To eliminate it manually continue following the instructions. However, if you are not so experienced, it might be safer and easier to use a reliable antimalware tool instead. With it, you could automatically locate and delete not only the ransomware but also other possible threats.

Eliminate CYR-Locker Ransomware

1. Press the Decryption Key button.
2. Wait for a pop-up to appear and click OK.
3. Tap OK on the next pop-up as well.
4. Access the Start menu and open the Task Manager.
5. Pick Processes and find a suspicious process related to the infection.
6. Select it and click End Task.
7. Close the Task Manager and launch your File Explorer.
8. Navigate to the directory (e.g. Downloads) where you might have saved the malicious file that was launched before the infection showed up.
9. Right-click the suspicious file and select Delete.
10. Close the Explorer.
11. Empty the Recycle bin.