It will also show messages telling people they should not contact the FBI if they want to recover their files. If it finds one, it will lock the user out of their machine by displaying a warning screen and demanding money from them. Once installed on a PC, CryptoLocker will scan the victim’s local network looking for vulnerable computers. This makes it challenging to identify the original file type because the filename looks different from any other file.

Finally, it replaces the original attachment with this new one. Next, it creates a new file called “cryptovirus.txt” and adds random characters to each line. Then it searches for common file extensions. It starts by taking screenshots of all running processes, including Microsoft Word and Excel. How does CryptoLocker ransomware work?Ĭryptolocker uses a combination of techniques to encrypt files on computers and then demand a ransom payment to exchange the decryption key. If the user doesn’t pay, they lose access to all their files. It locks users out of their machines by displaying a warning screen and demanding money to unlock them. Once opened, the malware will install itself onto the user’s machine without permission. They are usually distributed through spam emails containing malicious attachments or links. There are many malware variants, but they all share similar characteristics. Cryptolocker has become one of the most common forms of malware used by cyber criminals.

Read on to learn what is CryptoLocker Ransomware attack and How to Protect Against It? What is CryptoLocker ransomware?ĬryptoLocker was first discovered in December 2013 and has since infected millions of computers worldwide. There is no known way to recover encrypted files once this virus has locked them. Once it infects your machine, it will lock down every file on your PC and demand $300 worth of Bitcoin to decrypt them. Lock your files and won’t let you access them until you pay a ransom. It is a new type of malware that encrypts files on your computer and demands payment to unlock them. CryptoLocker ransomware is spreading quickly across the internet.

Download crypto locker