'SimpleLocker' Ransomware
The 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware is a ransomware infection. Ransomware like the 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware is used to take over a computer, encrypt the victim's files and stipulate the payment of a ransom in exchange for access to the encrypted files. The 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware will change encrypted files' extensions, and drop text files containing instructions on how to pay the 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware ransom. Files that have been encrypted by the 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware cannot be recovered unless computer users have the decryption key. It is why it is essential that computer users always backup their files, which will allow them to restore their encrypted files using it. The payment of the 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware amount is usually carried out using TOR and BitCoins for anonymity.
What Lies behind the 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware
The 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware itself is not particularly sophisticated. These kinds of threats are simple Trojan infections that are distributed using normal threat delivery methods. They are not difficult to implement due to the existence of MaaS (Malware as a Service) providers, which allow third parties to create their custom ransomware threats and even manage these threats for them in exchange for a fee. The main purpose of the 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware is to encrypt the contents of the victim's computer. To do this, the 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware scans the victim's computer in search for pictures, videos, documents and other files. The 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware will encrypt all of these files, changing their names and extensions and dropping ransom notes on the victim's computer. The 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware's decryption keys are sent to an external server and cannot be found on the infected computer or in the threat infection itself. This means that it is currently almost impossible to recover encrypted files unless the victim has access to the decryption key. Prevention by backing up all files is the best way to avoid threats like the 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware. When backing up data becomes common practice, either on the cloud or through automated means, then threats like the 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware will no longer be profitable and cease to exist.
How the 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware Attack Works
The 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware may change the victim's desktop and display pop-up messages alerting that the decryption key will be erased after a certain time. Payment methods for the 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware vary, but they may involve making an anonymous payment using TOR. Some variants of the 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware will try to convince computer users that they are associated with the law enforcement or a government agency. This is done in order to trick inexperienced computer users into believing that they need to pay a police fine and that reporting these kinds of crimes is not necessary.
Dealing with a the 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware Attack
A 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware attack can be devastating. The best way to recover from a 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware infection is to wipe the infected hard drive and then reinstall all applications and restore all files from their backup location. In some rare cases, computer users can recover their files from the Shadow Volume using a utility such as Shadow Explorer. However, most modern ransomware infections will also wipe the Shadow Volume and eliminate System Restore backups and other possible security resources. Before restoring files from a backup, it is paramount to ensure that all traces of the 'SimpleLocker' Ransomware are completely gone. Failure to do this can simply result in further encryption occurring on the infected computer.
Malware analysts strongly advise against paying for the decryption key, unless there is absolutely no other option. When computer users pay for the decryption key, they are financing these illicit activities, allowing them to continue carrying out these attacks on new victims. There is also no guarantee that these people will provide the decryption key in exchange for payment, or that they will not ask for additional payments after the first payment is carried out.
