What is Cryptographic Locker?

Cryptographic Locker is ransomware, a form of malware and a computer encryption virus that potentially takes control of a computer system or other device, restricts access to the operating system, and encrypts personal documents and files on computer system  or other device.

The Cryptographic Locker virus displays takes control of a computer system and displays a message that says something similar to “30gb of personal documents and files on this computer or device have just been encrypted. Encrypted mean s you will not be able to access your files anymore, until they are decrypted. Your original files have been deleted, these can be recovered as described below. Click on “View encrypted files” to see a list of files that got encrypted.”

The rest of the message displayed by the Cryptographic Locker ransomware page or window states that “encryption was done with a unique generated encryption key (using AES-128). The only way to decrypt your files, is to obtain your private key and IV.”

This message is designed to get users to purchase a key in order to decrypt their personal files.

• Here is a complete list of files that can be encrypted by Cryptographic ransomware:

.odt, .ods, .odp, .odm, .odc, .odb, .doc, .docx, .docm, .wps, .xls, .xlsx, .xlsm, .xlsb, .xlk, .ppt, .pptx, .pptm, .mdb, .accdb, .pst, .dwg, .dxf, .dxg, .wpd, .rtf, .wb2, .mdf, .dbf, .psd, .pdd, .pdf, .eps, .ai, .indd, .cdr, .dng, .3fr, .arw, .srf, .sr2, .mp3, .bay, .crw, .cr2,.dcr, .kdc, .erf, .mef, .mrw, .nef, .nrw, .orf, .raf, .raw, .rwl, .rw2, .r3d, .ptx, .pef, .srw, .x3f, .lnk, .der, .cer, .crt, .pem, .pfx,.p12, .p7b, .p7c, .jpg, .png, .jfif, .jpeg, .gif, .bmp, .exif, .txt

How does the Cryptographic Locker infect a computer?

Most security experts claim that the Cryptographic Locker virus spreads utilizing common distribution methods, such as malicious spam email messages, malicious advertisements, malicious downloads, and more. This infection can also spread via social media content, including Facebook messages and posts.

1. Cryptographic Locker virus removal software

1. We highly recommend writing down the toll free number below in case you run into any issues or problems while following the instructions. Our techs will kindly assist you with any problems.

2. Install the free or paid version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware software.

Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware

Latest versions: Malwarebytes Anti-Malware PRO, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free
Release date: 2014

3. Once Malwarebytes is installed, open the Anti-Malware program. If you are using the free version of Malwarebytes you will be prompted to update the database, please do so.

4. On the first tab labeled “Scanner” select the Perform full scan option and click the Scan button to perform a full system scan (pictured below).

5. Malwarebytes will automatically detect the malicious Cryptographic Locker files and third-party malware on your computer. Once the scan is complete, Malwarebytes will prompt a message stating malicious objects were detected. Select (check) the malicious objects in the list and click the Remove Selected button to completely remove the Cryptographic Locker malware from your computer (The image below shows a file that is NOT selected for removal – ‘Make sure the box is checked in’).

2. System Restore

A System Restore is an easy solution to restore an infected computer to a date and time before it became infected with the Cryptographic Locker computer virus. To learn more please select a link below:

• Windows System Restore Instructions

• Windows 8 Refresh/Reset Instructions

Cryptographic Locker virus removal tips:

If the Cryptographic Locker virus is difficult to remove there are several steps you can use to troubleshoot the removal process:

User accounts

Ransomware often infects 1 user account on Windows systems at a time. Here are some tips to remove ransomware by using different user accounts.

• Log into an account not affected by malware (with administrative rights) and perform a scan with reputable software to detect and remove malware.

• You can also delete the infected account.

• Other options include creating a new user account to remove malware if only 1 Window’s user account is present on the computer system.

Denying flash

Some variants of ransomware use flash and symptoms of the infection can be halted by denying flash via Macromedia’s real-time options. To learn more and deny flash please visit: http://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/help09.html

Troubleshoot internet/network issues

Safe Mode With Networking can be used to access the Internet for updates, drivers, removal software, or other files if internet and network connectivity is compromised.