8lock8 Ransomware Removal Guide

8lock8 Ransomware comes from one of the worst and most dangerous category of malware called ransomware, as its name also suggests. However, in the case of this infection it is possible that you will not lose your files after they have been encrypted. Since this malware proved to be based on the well-know Hidden Tear ransomware, there is actually a way to decrypt the files that have been taken hostage in order to extort money from you. This infection does not even block your screen or any system processes. There is no ransom note screen either that would scare the hell out of you when it informs you about the sad and shocking truth of the encryption and the consequences. You are supposed to contact the criminals behind this attack in order to get the details of the money transfer and to learn how you can decrypt your files. As a matter of fact, this time we can advise you not to pay the fee since you can easily remove 8lock8 Ransomware from your system and after that you can find a working tool with instructions to decipher your files. Please continue reading our report to know more about this threat and how you can avoid similar attacks.

The most important thing to learn about ransomware is that they most commonly use Trojans to be dropped onto victims’ computers. If you know how these Trojans can slither onto your machine, you have a chance to actually ward off the next attack. The main method for this ransomware to trick you into installing it is traveling via spam e-mail attachments. Our copy of this infection had a PDF icon to make it look like it is an important document that we should open right away. This is one of the main things about Trojans; they try to deceive you by pretending to be something they are definitely not: Useful and important programs or documents. If your computer has been infected by 8lock8 Ransomware, it is quite likely that you opened a spam mail and downloaded the attached file, which could have been a fake image, video, or PDF file.

As you can see, it could be a serious mistake to open such a mail. You need to make sure that the mails you click on in your inbox are actually meant for you to get. Be prepared and alert because cyber criminals are a tricky lot; they can easily make up fake senders and subject lines that may deceive you. But Trojans can attack on other fronts as well, including freeware bundles and social networking sites. You should be always careful whichever website you are visiting and wherever you click because one single click could cost you the loss of all your files. If you do not remove 8lock8 Ransomware immediately, your computer will not be safe for you to use.

We have found that this malware infection is very similar to GhostCrypt Ransomware. Unlike most ransomware programs, 8lock8 Ransomware seems to “only” target these extensions: .asp, .aspx, .avi, .bmp, .csv, .doc, .docx, .htm, .html, .jpg, .mdb, .odt, .pdf, .php, .png, .ppt, .pptx, .rar, .sln, .sql, .txt, .wav, .xls, .xlsx, .xml, and .zip. So once you run the downloaded malicious file, this infection searches your computer for these and encrypts them with AES-256 algorithm, which is part of the Windows operating system in fact. All encrypted files get a unique ".8lock8" extension. Once the job is done, this ransomware drops a text file called "READ_IT.txt" on your desktop. This file contains the instructions. Unlike most other ransomware threats, this infection does not block your screen or any system processes and it does not display any threatening ransom note either.

From this text file you learn that your files have been encrypted and that you are supposed to contact the criminals via e-mail on the following addresses: d1d81238@tuta.io or d1d81238@india.com. There is also a unique ID like “gSFOLkprOQJBP7Or4Frvk2mj2hQ=AH33” at the end of this note, which could be the identification number for your computer so that the criminals know which decryption key to send. However, there is little chance that you will see this essential key to decrypt your files even if you pay the ransom fee. Speaking of which, the usual amount crooks demand can be anything from 100 USD to 500 USD when private users are targeted. Most often this fee has to be transferred in Bitcoins. It is always up to you how you decide regarding paying the ransom fee. But this time, you really have a good chance that you can recover your files with a specific tool. Nevertheless, before you start to search for it, you should delete 8lock8 Ransomware right now.

If you are not an advanced computer user, we would recommend that you ask one or a professional to help you with the decryption tool even if you find it on the web. You should know that the Internet is full of rogue applications that could make the situation worse on your computer if it is not protected by authentic malware removal software, such as SpyHunter. Fortunately, it is quite simple to manually remove 8lock8 Ransomware even for inexperienced users. All you need to do is locate the downloaded malicious file and delete it. If you need help with this, please use our instructions below. If you have any questions regarding this ransomware infection, please leave us a comment.

How to remove 8lock8 Ransomware from Windows

1. Press Win+E to open Windows File Explorer.
2. Locate the downloaded attachment file.
3. Delete the malicious file.
4. Empty your Recycle Bin.
5. Restart your computer.