TorLocker Virus
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is TorLocker?
The TorLocker ransomware virus infiltrates operating systems via infected email messages (spam), exploit kits, botnets (commonly Andromeda), and fake software updates.
After successful infiltration, this malicious program encrypts files (*.3gp, *.avi, *.doc, *.docx, *.jpg, *.mov, *.mp3, *.mp4, *.pdf, *.png, *.psd, *.rar, *.wma, *.zip, etc.) stored on computers and demands payment of a US$300 ransom (using BitCoins, UKash, or PaySafeCard) to decrypt them. Cyber criminals responsible for releasing this rogue program ensure that it executes on all Windows versions (Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8).
The developers of this malware use the Tor network (Tor is free software that prevents people from obtaining your location or browsing habits) to hide their identities. To encourage victims to pay the ransom, TorLocker threatens to delete the private key required to decrypt the files unless the user makes a ransom payment within 72 hours.
PC users should beware that recent security research by Kaspersky resulted in the introduction of a free decrypt tool to regain control of files compromised by this ransomware.
According to Kaspersky Lab, the ScraperDecryptor utility is effective in over 70% of cases (the compromised files can be decrypted, since Cyber criminals made several mistakes during implementation of cryptography algorithms).
Screenshot of TorLocker ransomware targeted at PC users who speak Japanese:
Ransomware infections such as TorLocker (including CryptoWall, CryptoDefense, CryptorBit, and Cryptolocker) present a strong case for users to maintain regular backups of their stored data.
Note that paying the ransom as demanded by this ransomware is equivalent to sending your money to cyber criminals - you will support their malicious business model and there is no guarantee that your files will ever be decrypted.
To avoid computer infection with ransomware infections such as this, express caution when opening email messages, since cyber criminals use various catchy titles to trick PC users into opening infected email attachments (for example, 'UPS Exception Notification').
At time of writing, a file decryption tool was available, however, Cyber criminals are able update this malware at any time, and therefore, this tool may become useless. To protect your computer from file encrypting ransomware infections, use reliable security programs and make regular backups of your stored data.
After successful infiltration, TorLocker ransomware changes victims' desktop wallpaper:
Messages presented by TorLocker ransomware:
TorLocker - Your important files produced in this computer and network shares: photos, videos, documents, pdf, music, auto cad, spreadsheets, etc., were encrypted. If you see this text but do not see the “TorLocker” window, then your antivirus removed “TorLocker” from your computer. If you need your files back, you have to recover “TorLocker” from the antivirus quarantine, or find a copy of “TorLocker” in the Internet and start it again. Please disable any Firewall or Antivirus permanently if the Payment address don’t show to you. You can download “TorLocker: from the link given below, using the tool “Tor Browser Bundle”.
Your personal files are encrypted! Your important files are encrypted produced on this computer: photos, videos, documents, etc. Click to see a complete list of encrypted files, and you can verify this. Encryption was produced using a unique public key RSA-2048 generated for this computer. To decrypt files your need to obtain private key. The single copy of the private key, which will allow you to decrypt the files, is located on a secret server on the Internet, the server will destroy the key after a time specified in this window. After that, nobody will never be able to restore your files… To obtain the private key for this computer, which will automatically decrypt your files, you need to pay 300 USD/ 300 EUR/ 300 CAD / similar to amount in another currency. Any attempt to remove or damage this software will lead to the immediate destruction of the private key by the server.
At time of writing, there was a tool capable of decrypting files encrypted by TorLocker without paying the ransom. By following this removal guide, you will be able to remove TorLocker ransomware from your computer. In addition, this guide will enable you to regain control of your compromised data.
TorLocker ransomware removal:
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Quick menu:
- What is TorLocker?
- STEP 1. TorLocker removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. TorLocker removal using System Restore.
Step 1
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Go to the Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click on Advanced Startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window select Advanced Startup. Click on the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into "Advanced Startup options menu".
Click on the "Troubleshoot" button, then click on "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen click on "Startup settings". Click on the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press "5" to boot in Safe Mode with Networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Step 2
Log in to the account infected with the TorLocker virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.
Video showing how to remove ransomware virus using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":
1. During your computer start process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.
2. When Command Prompt mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.
3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.
4. In the opened window, click "Next".
5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the TorLocker ransomware virus infiltrating your PC).
6. In the opened window, click "Yes".
7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remaining TorLocker files.
If you were not able to decrypt your files using ScraperDecryptor utility developed by Kaspersky Lab, try using Windows Previous Versions and Shadow Explorer:
To restore individual files encrypted by this ransomware, try using the Windows Previous Versions feature. This method is only effective if the System Restore function was enabled on an infected operating system. Note that some variants of TorLocker are known to remove Shadow Volume Copies of the files, so this method may not work on all computers.
To restore a file, right-click on it, go into Properties, and select the Previous Versions tab. If the relevant file has a Restore Point, select it and click the "Restore" button.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk. Some variants of ransomware disable Safe Mode, thus making its removal complicated. For this step, you require access to another computer.
To regain control of the files encrypted by TorLocker you can also try using a program called Shadow Explorer. More information on how to use this program is available here.
To protect your computer from such file encrypting ransomware, you should use reputable antivirus and anti-spyware programs.
Other tools known to remove TorLocker ransomware:
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