Cryptolocker3 Ransomware Removal Guide

Cryptolocker3 Ransomware is yet another ransomware that is distributed through malicious emails and advertising campaigns. It was designed to encrypt your files with the AES encryption algorithm.Once it does that it will demand that you send Bitcoins to the provided Bitcoin wallet. However, you should refrain from complying with the cybercriminals’ demands because they might not keep their end of the bargain. We suggest that you remove this ransomware instead.

We have found that this particular ransomware might be distributed through malicious emails. These emails are most likely sent to random users across the globe. Indeed, this ransomware is widely distributed and can infect your computer and encrypt your files if it is unprotected. The emails we are talking about can pose as invoices or something of the sort. Typically, such emails do not have much text, but they tend to point your attention to the attached file. The featured file may be zipped and inside the Zip archive you might find what may look like a Word file. You may be in for a surprise as the Word file may actually be an executable that will drop this ransomware on your computer. Also, it can get onto your PC if you click on malicious ads, but there is little information about this particular distribution method at this time.

The malicious file inside the email is set to download and drop this ransomware in %USERPROFILE%\appdata\Cryptolocker.exe. The main executable is called Cryptolocker.exe. Once on your PC, the executable will run automatically and create a registry string named cryptolocker at HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. However, instead of setting the autorun from %USERPROFILE%\appdata it sets it to %APPDATA%\Cryptolocker.exe. Therefore, it might not start when you boot up your PC.

At any rate, it only needs to run once to encrypt your files. Testing has shown that Cryptolocker3 Ransomware can encrypt file formats that include .db, .xml, .jpg, .png, .gif, .txt, .log, .log1, .log2, .aspx, .wmv, .html, .sqlite, .sqlite-wal, .sqlite-shm, .aspx, .pem, .doc, .sql, .db, .pem, .crwl, .psd, .zip, .avi, .crt, .rtf. Nevertheless, it may also target other file types. It was designed to encrypt your files with a unique RSA-2048 encryption algorithm, create a private decryption key and then send it to what we think should be a command and control server. After that, this ransomware will launch its User Interface window that features a ransom note demanding that you pay a 0.5 BTC (an approximate 383.97 USD). If you fail to pay within the given time limit, the “Private key will be destroyed”, the note reads.

This ransomware also offers links to certain platforms that exchange dollars to Bitcoins. Payment confirmation takes approximately 30 minutes after which your files should be decrypted. However, we want to warn you that it might not decrypt your files and instead leave you with nothing. You might lose not only your files but a substantial sum of money. Therefore, we recommend that you play it safe. We recommend that you remove Cryptolocker3 Ransomware and wait for a free decryption tool to be released, but there is a possibility that it will not also.

Cryptolocker3 Ransomware is a dangerous application that you should do everything to protect your computer against it. However, if it manages to get on it, then it will be too late because it will start encrypting your files immediately. If that is the case, then the only solution is to try to pay the ransom (which is not recommended because your file can remain encrypted) or delete it from your PC. If you opt for removing it, then you can use our instructions located below.

How to delete Cryptolocker3 Ransomware

1. Press Windows+E keys
2. In the File Explorer’s address box, enter %USERPROFILE%\AppData and hit Enter.
3. Find Cryptolocker.exe and Cryptolocker2.exe
4. Right-click them and click Delete.
5. Close the File Explorer.
6. Press Windows+R keys.
7. Type regedit in the box and click OK.
8. Go to HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
9. Find cryptolocker
10. Right-click it and click Delete.