PyLock Ransomware

PyLock Ransomware is one of those horrible applications you might have already heard about that encrypt valuable files and show ransom notes. If you do encounter it, we should warn you that even if hackers promise to send decryption tools after receiving a ransom, there are no guarantees they will hold on to their end of the bargain. Thus, if you do not want to put your money at risk, you may want to look for other ways to get your data back. The easiest way is to replace encrypted files with their backup copies. However, the first thing we recommend is erasing PyLock Ransomware, so it could not affect new data. To remove the malicious application manually, you could follow the instructions located at the end of this article. As for learning more about the malware, we encourage you to read the rest of the text.

One of the first things we ought to mention about PyLock Ransomware is how it could be distributed. It is possible that users could receive this malicious application via emails, chat messages, and so on. Of course, such messages might not seem malicious as hackers could pretend to be working for well-known companies to appear to be trustworthy. For example, they could send a link claiming a user needs to open it immediately to protect his banking account.

Also, PyLock Ransomware’s creators could send their victims malicious documents that might look like invoices, invitations, etc. Nonetheless, if you receive such material out of sudden or the sender’s email address is unknown or seems suspicious, you should take extra precautions. For instance, you could scan suspicious attachments with a reliable antimalware tool. As for links, we recommend investigating their full URL addresses. Never forget that the ending of an URL address is what shows where it leads to. Hackers know that some users do not know this, which is why they often include names of reputable companies at the end of their malicious links to trick users into thinking they are legit.

What happens if you open a file containing PyLock Ransomware? The malicious application might settle in by creating a couple of Registry entries. The first one ought to be located in the HKCU\SOFTWARE path, while the second one could be hiding in the HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run location. These Registry entries might be made to make an infected device load the malicious application upon each restart. Next, the malware ought to stat encrypting pictures, photos, videos, and other types of data could be valuable or impossible to replace. For instance, users who do not back up their files might not be able to restore documents, photos, and files alike. As for programs, they can always be reinstalled, which is probably one of the reasons why the threat should not target application data and files related to the device’s operating system.

Files encrypted by PyLock Ransomware might receive a second extension called .locked, which is often used by other malicious applications alike. Needless to say, when files get encrypted, they can no longer be opened because the computer should be unable to recognize them. Unfortunately, it looks like no cybersecurity experts managed to create free decryption yet, which means, for now, the malware remains to be undecryptable. No doubt, the hackers behind the threat may offer their decryption tools in the ransom note that ought to be displayed by the malware.

As said earlier, the hackers ought to ask for ransom, and since there are no guarantees they will provide the promised decryption tools, it is possible that putting up with their demands could end up hazardously. If getting tricked is something you would like to avoid at all costs, we recommend against paying a ransom. To remove PyLock Ransomware manually, you should follow the instructions available at the end of this paragraph. Also, the malicious application can be deleted with a reliable antimalware tool. Once the threat is gone, and the system is clean, it should be safe to transfer backup copies to replace encrypted files.

Restart the computer in Safe Mode

Windows 8/Windows 10

1. Tap Win+I for Windows 8 or open Start menu for Windows 10.
2. Press the Power button.
3. Click and hold Shift then click Restart.
4. Pick Troubleshoot and choose Advanced Options.
5. Go to Startup Settings and click Restart.
6. Press F5 and restart the PC.

Windows XP/Windows Vista/Windows 7

1. Navigate to Start, select Shutdown options, and pick Restart.
2. Press and hold F8 when the PC starts restarting.
3. Mark Safe Mode with Networking.
4. Select Enter and log on.

Erase PyLock Ransomware

1. Click Win+E.
2. Find these paths:
   %TEMP%
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
3. Locate the malicious application’s launcher (some suspicious file downloaded before the infection appeared).
4. Right-click it and select Delete.
5. Exit File Explorer.
6. Press Win+R.
7. Insert Regedit and click Enter.
8. Find the given directory: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
9. Search for a value name dropped by the threat, e.g., Crypter, right-click it, and select Delete.
10. Go to HKCU\SOFTWARE
11. Look for a key called Crypter, right-click it and select Delete.
12. Exit Registry Editor.
13. Empty Recycle Bin.
14. Restart the computer.