Crypt0L0cker Ransomware Data Recovery

What is Crypt0L0cker Ransomware?

Crypt0L0cker is a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a ransom for the decryption key.

History of Crypt0L0cker Ransomware

Crypt0L0cker first appeared in September 2013 and was distributed through a botnet of infected computers. The ransomware would encrypt a victim’s files and then display a ransom note that demanded $300 in Bitcoins for the decryption key. Crypt0L0cker would also change the desktop background to an image that contained instructions on how to pay the ransom. In November 2013, a new version of Crypt0L0cker appeared that increased the ransom amount to $700. This version of Crypt0L0cker was being distributed through spam emails that contained a malicious attachment. When the attachment was opened, it would infect the computer with Crypt0L0cker.

In December 2013, someone updated again Crypt0L0cker to include a new payment method. This version of Crypt0L0cker accepted payments through the Bitcoin wallet service Coinbase. Crypt0L0cker would generate a unique Bitcoin address for each victim and then display it in the ransom note. The amount of the ransom remained at $700.

In February 2014, someone updated once again Crypt0L0cker to accept payments through the BitPay service. This version of Crypt0L0cker would generate a unique invoice for each victim that could be paid with Bitcoin or a credit card. The ransom amount increased to 1 Bitcoin, which was approximately $600 at the time.

In May 2014, Crypt0L0cker underwent a major update that changed its name to CryptXXX. This version of CryptXXX used a new type of encryption that made it more difficult to decrypt the files. The ransom amount also increased to 3 Bitcoins, which was approximately $1,800 at the time. CryptXXX would also steal victims’ personal information, such as passwords and financial information.

In June 2016, CryptXXX was updated again and renamed Locky. This version of Locky used a new type of encryption that made it even more difficult to decrypt the files. The ransom amount increased to 0.5 Bitcoins, which was approximately $300 at the time. Locky would also spread itself by infecting computers on the same network as an infected computer.

How does Crypt0L0cker spread?

Crypt0L0cker typically spreads through spam emails or malicious websites. The spam emails will usually contain a malicious attachment that, when opened, will infect your computer with Crypt0L0cker. The email may pose as a legitimate email from a company or organization, such as FedEx or the IRS. The email will usually contain a sense of urgency to get you to open the attachment. For example, the email may claim that you need to open the attachment to view an important document.

Malicious websites are websites that have been hacked and infected with Crypt0L0cker. When you visit one of these websites, Crypt0L0cker will download and install itself onto your computer without your knowledge. Crypt0L0cker can also spread through peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing networks. Crypt0L0cker will masquerade as a legitimate file that you may be looking for. For example, Crypt0L0cker may pose as a movie, game, or software program. When you download and open the file, Crypt0L0cker will infect your computer.

Once your computer is infected, the ransomware will scan your hard drive for certain file types and encrypt them.

The types of files that Crypt0L0cker will encrypt include:

– Microsoft Office documents (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

– PDF documents

– Images (JPEG, PNG, GIF, etc.)

– Videos (AVI, MP4, MOV, etc.)

– Audio files (MP3, WAV, etc.)

– Database files (SQL, MDF, ACCDB, etc.)

The encrypted files will then have a .locked extension added to them. For example, “sample.jpg” would become “sample.jpg.locked”. The Crypt0L0cker ransomware will then display a ransom note on your screen with instructions on how to pay the ransom and recover your files. The amount of the ransom varies.

What encryption methods does Crypt0L0cker use?

Crypt0L0cker is a particularly dangerous form of ransomware that uses two types of encryption: symmetric and asymmetric. Symmetric encryption is a type of encryption where the same key is used to encrypt and decrypt the files. Crypt0L0cker uses the AES-256 algorithm for symmetric encryption, which is a very strong type of encryption. Asymmetric encryption is a type of encryption where two different keys are used to encrypt and decrypt the files. Crypt0L0cker uses the RSA-2048 algorithm for asymmetric encryption, which is also a very strong type of encryption.

Protection

There are several things you can do to protect yourself from Crypt0L0cker and other types of ransomware. First, you should always have a backup of your important files. That way, if your computer does get infected with ransomware, you will not lose your files. You should store your backup in a safe place, such as an external hard drive or a cloud-based storage service.

Second, you should install and update an anti-virus program. Anti-virus programs usually catch Crypt0L0cker and other types of ransomware. Be sure to keep your anti-virus program up-to-date so that it can catch the latest threats.

Third, you should be careful when opening email attachments. If you do not know the sender, or if the email seems suspicious, do not open the attachment. You should also avoid downloading files from untrustworthy websites.

Fourth, you should enable popup blockers on your web browser. Crypt0L0cker and other types of ransomware will sometimes display a popup window that contains a ransom note. Popup blockers will prevent these windows from appearing.

Finally, you should keep your operating system and other software up-to-date. Software developers often release updates to fix security vulnerabilities. Crypt0L0cker and other types of ransomware exploit these vulnerabilities to infect computers. By keeping your software up-to-date, you can close these security holes and make it more difficult for ransomware to infect your computer.

If you think it infected your computer with Crypt0L0cker or any other type of ransomware, you should take the following steps:

– Do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that you will get your files back if you do.

– Do not try to remove the ransomware yourself. You could accidentally delete important files that you need to recover your data.

– Run an anti-virus program. Anti-virus programs can usually detect and remove Crypt0l0cker and other types of ransomware.

– Contact a professional. If you cannot remove the ransomware yourself, you may need to contact a professional for help. A professional will be able to safely remove the ransomware and help you recover your files.

Is there a public decryption tool for Crypt0L0cker?

There is no public decryption tool for Crypt0l0cker at this time.

If you cannot decrypt your files, you may be able to recover them from a backup. If you do not have a backup, you may be able to use data recovery software to recover some of your files. Data recovery software can sometimes recover files that ransomware has encrypted.

SalvageData data recovery software is built to help you recover your files under any circumstances.

Contact a data recovery service

Crypt0L0cker and other types of ransomware can be very difficult to remove. Data recovery services specialize in removing ransomware and recovering lost files.

SalvageData is a data recovery service that can help you if it has infected you with Crypt0L0cker or any other type of ransomware. Our team of experts has experience dealing with all types of ransomware, including Crypt0L0cker. We offer a free consultation to assess the damage and determine the best course of action. Contact us today to get started.