What is PyLock Ransomware
PyLock Ransomware (the alternative name is PyCrypter) – it is the next creation of attackers working in the direction of cryptovirus development. At the moment, data on the genealogical relationship of this cryptovirus is not available. PyLock Ransomware encrypts user data of various types and formats, as a rule, these are the most significant files for users. For example, the virus encrypts audio, video, multimedia, archives and other types of files. It is also worth noting that PyLock Ransomware changes the file extension to .locked, which makes the files completely unsuitable for further use.
Cryptovirus penetrates the computers of users around the world, despite the fact that initially it is aimed at English-speaking users. A note with the demands of fraudsters is a pop-up lock screen, the image of which we have indicated below.
The important files on your computer have been encrypted with military grade AES-256 bit encryption. Cannot be unlocked without the decryption key.
* DON’T MODIFY OR RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES, THIS CAUSE DAMAGE YOUR FILES PERMANENTLY!
* DON’T MODIFY ENCRYPTED UNIQUE KEY, THIS CAUSE DAMAGE YOUR FILES PERMANENTLY!
* DON’T USE THIRD-PARTY OR PUBLIC TOOLS/SOFTWARE TO DECRYPT YOUR FILES, THIS CAUSE DAMAGE YOUR FILES PERMANENTLY!
To acquire this key, transfer the Bitcoin Fee to the specified wallet address before the time runs out, for instructions: solutionshelp@protonmail.com
If you fail to take action within this time window, the decryption key will be destroyed and access to your files will be permanently lost.
In this note, the attackers insist on paying a ransom of 5 bitcoins, which at the moment, according to the exchange rate, is more than $50,000. Of course, we do not recommend you pay, as there is no guarantee that your files will actually be decrypted. You can use our recommendations below to delete PyLock Ransomware and decrypt .locked files.
Well, there are 2 options for solving this problem. The first is to use an automatic removal utility that will remove the threat and all instances related to it. Moreover, it will save you time. Or you can use the Manual Removal Guide. But you should know that it might be very difficult to remove PyLock ransomware manually without a specialist’s help.
PyLock Removal Guide
Remember that you need to remove PyLock Ransomware first and foremost to prevent further encryption of your files before the state of your data becomes totally fubar. And only after that, you can start recovering your files. Removal must be performed according to the following steps:
- Download PyLock Removal Tool.
- Remove PyLock from Windows (7, 8, 8.1, Vista, XP, 10) or Mac OS (Run system in Safe Mode).
- Restore .PyLock files
- How to protect PC from future infections.
How to remove PyLock ransomware automatically:
Thor Home may help you to get rid of this virus and clean up your system. In case you need a proper and reliable antivirus, we recommend you to try it.
Alternative solution – Malwarebytes
This program will find malicious files, hijackers, adware, potentially unwanted programs and will neutralize it. Also, Norton will help you clean your system properly.
If you’re Mac user – use this.
Manual PyLock Removal Guide
Here are step-by-step instructions to remove PyLock from Windows and Mac computers. Follow these steps carefully and remove files and folders belonging to PyLock. First of all, you need to run the system in a Safe Mode. Then find and remove needed files and folders.
Uninstall PyLock from Windows or Mac
Here you may find the list of confirmed related to the ransomware files and registry keys. You should delete them in order to remove virus, however it would be easier to do it with our automatic removal tool. The list:
PyLock.dll
_readme.txt
readme.txt
Windows 7/Vista:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to PyLock by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 8/8.1:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to PyLock by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows 10:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to PyLock by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Windows XP:
- Restart the computer;
- Press Settings button;
- Choose Safe Mode;
- Find programs or files potentially related to PyLock by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
Mac OS:
- Restart the computer;
- Press and Hold Shift button, before system will be loaded;
- Release Shift button, when Apple logo appears;
- Find programs or files potentially related to PyLock by using Removal Tool;
- Delete found files;
How to restore encrypted files
You can try to restore your files with special tools. You may find more detailed info on data recovery software in this article – recovery software. These programs may help you to restore files that were infected and encrypted by ransomware.
Restore data with Stellar Data Recovery
Stellar Data Recovery is able to find and restore different types of encrypted files, including removed emails.
- Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
- Choose drives and folders with your data, then press Scan.
- Select all the files in a folder, then click on Restore button.
- Manage export location. That’s it!
Restore encrypted files using Recuva
There is an alternative program, that may help you to recover files – Recuva.
- Run the Recuva;
- Follow instructions and wait until scan process ends;
- Find needed files, mark them and Press Recover button;
How to prevent ransomware infection?
It is always rewarding to prevent ransomware infection because of the consequences it may bring. There are a lot of difficulties in resolving issues with encoders viruses, that’s why it is very vital to keep a proper and reliable anti-ransomware software on your computer. In case you don’t have any, here you may find some of the best offers in order to protect your PC from disastrous viruses.
Malwarebytes
SpyHunter is a reliable antimalware removal tool application, that is able to protect your PC and prevent the infection from the start. The program is designed to be user-friendly and multi-functional.