Exolock Ransomware

The Exolock Ransomware is an encryption ransomware Trojan. The Exolock Ransomware carries out a typical version of the encryption ransomware tactic, encrypting the victim's files. Then the payment of a ransom should be made, or the victims will lose their data. The Exolock Ransomware attack will mark the encrypted files with the file extension '.exolocked,' making it easy to recognize an Exolock Ransomware attack when it happens. The Exolock Ransomware may be delivered to victims through the use of spam email attachments, a highly-favored delivery method, which will often use corrupted macro scripts to download and install the Exolock Ransomware on the victim's computer. Other ways to deliver the Exolock Ransomware include exploit kits on compromised websites and fake downloads. You should ensure that your computer is protected against threats by having a security program that is fully up-to-date installed and knowing how to recognize these tactics to prevent the Exolock Ransomware and other infections.

The Modest Ransom Demanded by the Exolock Ransomware

The Exolock Ransomware is a typical example of this tactic and differs very little from most other encryption ransomware Trojans that are being released currently. PC security researchers first observed the Exolock Ransomware in the third week of September in 2017. The Exolock Ransomware, like most encryption ransomware Trojans, encrypts the victim's files, typically targeting the user-generated files such as videos, audio, images, configuration files, archives and similar documents. The Exolock Ransomware will then demand a ransom amount of approximately USD 40. Currently, the Exolock Ransomware will mark the files encrypted by the attack by adding the file extension '.exolocked' to the affected file's name. The Exolock Ransomware will display a ransom note by changing the victim's desktop image, as well as dropping text files with the ransom note on the infected computer's desktop and other locations on the infected PC. The Exolock Ransomware's ransom note is typically a text note named 'READ_ME' or 'DECRYPT_FILES,' which includes the following text message:

'YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED
All files have been infected
Get decrypt your files in 4 steps
1.Go to "www[.]anyconindirect[.]eu/en/buy/bitcoins"
2.Pay 0.01 bitcoins to the bitcoin Address below
3.Once confirmed your files will be decrypted
4.And you can enjoy your computer
If you try to CLOSE this process or SHUTDOWN the computer,
your files will be DELETED FOREVER!!!
AND CANT BE RECOVERED!!!
Only way to RECOVER your files is to PAY 0.01 BTC
BTC Address: [34 RANDOM CHARACTERS]'

Infected computer users should avoid paying the Exolock Ransomware ransom. It is very unlikely that the people responsible for the Exolock Ransomware will restore the victims' files to normal after an Exolock Ransomware infection. Most importantly, paying these ransoms allows the fraudsters to continue financing and releasing threats like the Exolock Ransomware to the public.

Protecting Your Data from Threats Like the Exolock Ransomware

Since the data that has been encrypted by threats like the Exolock Ransomware is not be recoverable without the decryption key, computer users must take preventive steps to safeguard any data. The best preventive step to avoid losing data to threats like the Exolock Ransomware is to use a reliable backup system. Having file backups on unmapped memory devices or the cloud can allow computer users to recover the data encrypted by the Exolock Ransomware after an attack. Apart from file backups, an updated security program will prevent countless infections. The combination of reliable security software and a good backup method can help to protect the victims' data and ensure that threats like the Exolock Ransomware do not result in a catastrophic situation for computer users. Since the Exolock Ransomware may be delivered to victims through the use of social engineering tactics and spam email messages, knowing how to spot shady online activities and avoiding them is key to limiting the risk and exposure to threats like the Exolock Ransomware.