WinLock2 Ransomware

Some ransomware threats only lock the screen, whereas some infections encrypt files and display warnings in program windows. The WinLock2 ransomware, as the name suggests, is a screen locker which is programmed to prevent a victim from accessing the folders located on the desktop. Such ransomware infections were extremely common a several years ago. The WinLock2 ransomware does not affect files but leaves the machine inoperable. If you have the WinLock2 ransomware on your PC, do not panic but continue reading to learn how to remove it from the PC.

The WinLock2 ransomware is a threat that demands a release fee of a victim, which is a shared feature of screen lockers and encryption-based malware. There is no need to spend the money demanded for unlocking the screen because it is possible to do so at no charge, which is explained in more detail further in the report. After unlocking the screen, do not forget to remove the WinLock2 ransomware and shield the system from malware attacks.

The WinLock2 ransomware can be unlocked by typing a 16-character pin code in the box given in the user interface. Security researchers have found that it is enough to use random digits and letters. For example, the code 1234567890123456 should work to unlock your screen. If you should have to find that this variant does not work, try again with a new combinations.

The name of the WinLock2 ransomware is obtained from the description of the malicious file. The product name which is present in the same file description is also WinLock2, hence the official name of the threat.

Interestingly, the WinLock2 ransonware is targeted at computer users based in the Czech Republic, which may imply that the attacker is from the same region. The interface of the infection is designed to look as if it was issued by Czech police, which has nothing to do with the lock-down of PC screens. Law enforcement entities do not use such a practice to provide citizens with allegations that they have been involved in some illegal actions due to which their devices cannot be used as usual. To make the accusations more believable and convincing, cyber crimes use the logos of authoritative institutions, including the logo of Czech police and Europol, the latter of which works to fight against different types of crime on an international scale. No legal institution would ever try to get unauthorized access to a private device, so you should be critical to the requirements displayed by the WinLock2 ransomware.

As a payment method, the paysafecard service is provided in the full-screen ransom warning. We strongly advise you against paying up because there is no need to pay the ransom. You can easily unlock the screen with a 16-character pin code of your own. According to the requirements displayed, a release fee of $1000 has to be paid in two days. However, there is no need for paying up. The flaws of coding allows you to unlock the screen without any expenses, and you should take action to remove WinLock2 as soon as you can.

The WinLock2 ransoware is spread as the shooting game Call of Duty: WWII. If you have recently downloaded this game, which is likely to be a cracked version, remove the file downloaded. To fully get rid of the infection it is necessary to delete its auto-run registry value using the Windows Registry Editor.

Although it is possible to remove the WinLock2 ransomware manually, our team recommends using anti-malware software. A reputable security tool would fight off multiple other threats that are grouped into different categories according to their characteristics. Malware gets on computer surreptitiously or in disguise, which makes the recognition of the threat barely possible. If you want to browse the Internet safely, without being monitored by cyber crooks, do not keep the operating system unprotected but implement a reputable security tool. The WinLock2 ransomware is one of thousands of infections created to harm operating systems of unsuspecting Windows users. So, if you do not want to become a statistic, make sure that your OS is properly protected against malware.

How to remove the WinLock2 ransomware

1. Delete the recently downloaded malicious file.
2. Press Win+R and type in regedit. Click OK.
3. Follow the pathway HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and delete the malicious value of WinLock2.
4. Empty the Recycle bin.