V8Locker Ransomware

The V8Locker Ransomware is a ransomware Trojan that targets computers using the Windows operating system. The V8Locker Ransomware is especially threatening when it manages to infiltrate a Web server since it can cause substantial monetary losses. The V8Locker Ransomware is capable of affecting the Windows Server versions, as well as home versions of the operating system.

There’s Nothing New on the V8Locker Ransomware’s Modus Operandi

The V8Locker Ransomware attack is a typical version of these threats. The V8Locker Ransomware encrypts the victim's files using a strong encryption method. It then drops a ransom note that demands the victim pays a ransom in exchange for the decryption key. The V8Locker Ransomware's ransom note is contained in a text file named 'recoveryinstruction.txt,' which is dropped in every directory where the V8Locker Ransomware encrypted content. The following is the full text of the V8Locker Ransomware's ransom note:

'What happened to your files ?
All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with RSA-2048. More information about the encryption keys using RSA-2048 can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
What does this mean ?
This means that the structure and data within your files have been irrevocably changed, you will not be able to work with them, read them or see them, it is the same thing as losing them forever, but with our help, you can restore them.
CONTACT US BY EMAIL: recoverynow@india.com'

The files encrypted by the V8Locker Ransomware are easy to identify because the extension '!__recoverynow@india.com__.v8' will be added to the end of each affected file's name. The V8Locker Ransomware is capable of infecting numerous file types and, in some attacks, the V8Locker Ransomware has been capable of encrypting unusual file types associated with accounting software, 3D modeling programs and other specialized software.

How the V8Locker Ransomware Spreads

There are numerous methods in which the V8Locker Ransomware can be distributed. However, the most common method associated with the V8Locker Ransomware distribution is the use of spam email messages. These email campaigns may include a social engineering component designed to trick computer users into opening an attached file, which may be disguised as an invoice, bank statement, social media notification or other tempting file types. Once the file attachment is opened, the V8Locker Ransomware is installed on the victim's computer. Because of this, computer users should take precautions when handling email attachments, never opening unsolicited email attachments, and always use a reputable anti-malware program to scan email and attachments before opening or downloading their content.

Dealing with a V8Locker Ransomware Infection

In some cases, the attackers responsible for threats like the V8Locker Ransomware will decrypt one or two files for free, to demonstrate that they have the decryption key. However, PC security researchers strongly advise computer users not to pay the ransom associated with the V8Locker Ransomware or other encryption ransomware Trojans. Apart from the fact that the attackers cannot be trusted to keep their word, paying the ransom associated with these attacks promotes the creation and distribution of further ransomware Trojans, aiding con artists in spreading these attacks to other computer users. Malware analysts advise computer users to take steps to prevent these attacks. The best step is to have backups of all files. Using the cloud or an external memory device, computer users can create backups of their files for little or no cost quickly. Web administrators should always have an image of the server in the case of attacks like these. Being able to recover files from a backup makes attacks like the V8Locker Ransomware completely ineffective since the con artists no longer have the leverage to ask for a ransom from the victim. Apart from backups, malware researchers advise the use of a reliable security application.