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What is Crypt0L0cker?
Crypt0L0cker (or TorrentLocker) is a ransomware infection that infiltrates computers using infected email message attachments (message topics often include: “package tracking”, ”speeding tickets”, “unpaid invoice”, etc.) Note that cyber criminals localise these spam email messages to make them appear legitimate.
For example, computer users located in the United Kingdom receive fake email messages claiming to be package tracking messages from Royal Mail, PC users from Australia receive messages from Australia Post, etc. After successful infiltration, this malware encrypts files on victims' computers and demands ransom payments of 2.2 Bitcoin to decrypt them.
Crypt0l0cker ransomware (some newer variants use the name CryptoLocker) encrypts all files found on victims' computers except the following: .html, .inf, .manifest, .chm, .ini, .tmp, .log, .url, .lnk, .cmd, .bat, .scr, .msi, .sys, .dll, .exe, .avi, .wav, .mp3, .gif, .ico, .png, .bmp, and .txt (files needed for normal Windows operation).
Successfully encrypted files receive .encrypted or .enc prefix in dedicated folders containing encrypted files. Crypt0l0cker provides DECRYTP_INSTRUCTIONS.html and DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS.txt files with instructions on how to pay the ransom. Updated variants of this ransomware use 6 random letters as an extension for encrypted files.
The ransom demanding messages are presented in HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txt and HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.html files. This ransomware is targeted at computer users from Australia, Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Italy, Ireland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Korea, Thailand, New Zealand, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
This is an updated variant of malware previously known as TorrentLocker. Cyber criminals responsible for creating Crypt0l0cker ransomware use TOR network to collect ransom payments from victims. TOR network ensures that criminals' identities and locations remain anonymous.
Ransomware infections such as Crypt0L0cker (including CryptoWall, TeslaCrypt, and CTB-Locker) present a strong case to maintain regular backups of your 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 - cyber criminals use various catchy titles to trick PC users into opening infected email attachments. At time of writing, no tools were available to decrypt files affected by Crypt0locker malware without paying the ransom.
Crypt0l0cker ransomware changes victim's desktop wallpaper:
Screenshot of a folder containing files encrypted by Crypt0l0cker ransomware (files receive .encrypted or .enc extensions):
Updated variant of Crypt0l0cker ransomware appends 6 random characters to extensions of the encrypted files:
Cyber criminals are using various social engineering campaigns that are designed to trick PC users into downloading the executable file of Crypt0l0cker ransomware. Here's one example - a scam page which claims that user's photos have been stolen - to see them they should download a file. This file is a rogue java script file that eventually infect user's PC with Crypt0l0cker ransomware.
Cyber criminals have translated Crypt0l0cker ransomware into various languages to target different countries. Here is an example of this ransomware targeting PC users from Korea:
Screenshots of Crypt0l0cker ransomware targeting PC users from Germany (adds “wie_zum_Wiederherstellen_von_Dateien.html” and “wie_zum_Wiederherstellen_von_Dateien.txt” files):
Screenshot of DECRYTP_INSTRUCTIONS.html file:
Text presented in DECRYTP_INSTRUCTIONS.html file:
WARNING we have encrypted your files with Crypt0L0cker virus. Your important files (including those on the network disks, USB, etc): photos, videos, documents, etc. were encrypted with our Crypt0L0cker virus. The only way to get your files back is to pay us. Otherwise, your files will be lost. Caution: Removing of Crypt0L0cker will not restore access to your encrypted files.
Screenshot of DECRYPT_INSTRUCTIONS.txt file:
Text presented in DECRYTP_INSTRUCTIONS.html file:
!!! WE HAVE ENCRYTPED YOUR FILES WITH Crypt0L0cker VIRUS !!!
What happened to my files? Your important files: photos, videos, document, etc. were encrypted with our Crypt0L0cker virus. This virus uses very strong encryption algorithm - RSA -2048. Breaking of RSA-2048 encryption algorithm is impossible without special decryption key. How can I get my files back? Your files are now unusable and unreadable, you can verify it by trying to open them. The only way to restore them to a normal condition is to use our special decryption software. You can buy this decryption software on our website.
Website (reachable through Tor network) used by Cyber criminals to collect the ransom (2.2 BTC):
Samples of infected email messages used in Crypt0L0cker ransomware distribution:
Samples of rogue websites used in Crypt0L0cker ransomware distribution:
Screenshot of Crypt0l0cker decryption software (received by the victims who pay the ransom):
Note that at time of writing, there were no known tools capable of decrypting files encrypted by Crypt0l0cker without paying the ransom (try restoring your files from Shadow copies). By following this removal guide, you will be able to remove this ransomware from your computer, however, the affected files will remain encrypted. We will update this article as soon as there is more information available regarding decryption of compromised files.
Update 15 June 2016 - Cyber criminals have updated Crypt0l0cker ransomware with a new ransom demanding message. Other updates includes the names of the files where the ransom demanding messages are present. The text version of the ransom demanding message is now stored in HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txt file. The HTML variant of the ransom demanding message is now presented in HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.html file. Files encrypted by this ransomware continue to get the .encrypted extension. Some newer variants add .enc extension to encrypted files.
Screenshot of HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.html file:
HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.html file content:
WARNING
we have encrypted your files with Crypt0L0cker virus
Your important files (including those on the network disks, USB, etc): photos, videos, documents, etc. were encrypted with our Crypt0L0cker virus. The only way to get your files back is to pay us. Otherwise, your files will be lost.
Caution: Removing of Crypt0L0cker will not restore access to your encrypted files.
To recover your files you have to pay.
In order to restore the files open our website - and follow the instructions.
If the website is not available please follow these steps:
1. Download and install TOR-browser from this link: https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html.en
2. After installation run the browser and enter the address: -
3. Follow the instructions on the website.
Screenshot of HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txt file:
HOW_TO_RESTORE_FILES.txt file content:
============================================================
!!! WE HAVE ENCRYPTED YOUR FILES WITH Crypt0L0cker !!!
============================================================Your important files (including those on the network disks, USB, etc): photos,
videos, documents, etc. were encrypted with our Crypt0L0cker. The only way to
get your files back is to pay us. Otherwise, your files will be lost.
You have to pay us if you want to recover your files.
In order to restore the files open our website
-
and follow the instructions.
If the website is not available please follow these steps:
1. Download and run TOR-browser from this link: https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html.en
2. After installation run the browser and enter the address: -
3. Follow the instructions on the website.============================================================
Screenshots of a website used by Cyber criminals to give ransom demand instructions and communicate with their victims:
"Buy decryption" section:
Buy decryption and get all your files back
Buy decryption for 499 USD before 2016-06-20 12:41:31 PM OR buy it later with the price of 998 USD
Time left before price increase: 119:59:24 Your total files encrypted: 8300 Current price: 0.77387415 BTC (around 499 USD) Paid until now: 0 BTC (around 0 USD) Remaining amount: 0.77387415 BTC (around 499 USD) Buy Decryption with
1. Register bitcoin wallet
You should register Bitcoin wallet, see easy instructions or watch video on YouTube.
2. Buy bitcoins
Please see recommended bitcoin sellers in your country:
howtobuybitcoins.info - List of places to buy bitcoins in your country.
localbitcoins.com - Buy bitcoin. Fast, easy and safe. Near you.
www.happycoins.com - European Bitcoin exchange with instant payment methods like Sofort, iDEAL, MisterCash.
dagensia.eu - You can get your first Bitcoin with Sofort Uberweisung, SEPA or Bank wire.
www.coinmama.com - Buy Bitcoins with your credit card, Western Union, MoneyGram, Perfect Money and more!
3. Send Bitcoins for decryption software
Send 0.77387415 BTC (around 499 USD) to our Bitcoin wallet address. It is possible to split total amount into several payments.
Our bitcoin wallet address: 1KqrpapPyyvm38cyT7KZydwFVkj8jrP49w
4. Verify payment and decrypt your files
Press "Verify Payment" button and receive decryption software download link.
"Decrypt single file" section:
Decrypt Single File free
Make sure that decryption is possible, restore one file for free before you buy the decryption
Please select a file to decrypt, website will decrypt only one file
Note: file should not be more than 1 megabyte
"Frequently Asked Questions" section:
How can I decrypt my files after payment ?
Buy and download the decryption software
After your bitcoin transaction is verified (it takes 5-10 minutes after payment is done), you will be given a download link for your unique decryption software. Download and run the software on your encrypted PC, decryption process may take up to 4 hours.
Will the decryption software restore my files on network disk(s) ?
Connect encrypted network drive(s) to PC and then run the software
If you have your files encrypted on any network disk(s), you should run decryption software right after you connect the disk(s) to your PC. Software will decrypt all files on your PC, then will decrypt the files on network disk(s).
My files were encrypted more then a month ago, can I still decrypt them ?
It will be impossible to restore files after 1 month
No, your unique decryption software will be deleted after one month period. When it happens no one, including us, can help you restoring your files. All your data will be lost forever.
Crypt0L0cker ransomware removal:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Removal and file recovery procedure
If your files are encrypted with a new extension and a ransom note has appeared, you've been hit by ransomware. Don't pay. The procedure below works in order: contain the infection, identify the variant, remove the ransomware itself (so anything you restore doesn't get re-encrypted), and try to recover files using free decryption tools, Windows Volume Shadow Copies, or backups. Run a full system scan with Combo Cleaner to remove the infection - then move on to file recovery.
Common ransomware behaviors
VisibleEncrypts your files and renames them
The ransomware reads each file, encrypts the contents with the attacker's public key, and writes the encrypted bytes back to disk. Most variants also rename the file by appending a new extension - .net, .locked, .crypt, .lockbit, .djvu, etc. Without the matching private key, the encrypted files cannot be opened normally. Recovery depends on a free decryption tool, a recoverable Volume Shadow Copy, or a clean backup.
VisibleDrops a ransom note in every encrypted folder
A text or HTML file (usually named HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, _readme.txt, or similar) is placed in every folder that contains encrypted files. The note explains the situation, lists a payment amount in cryptocurrency, gives a deadline, and provides a contact email or .onion site. Save the note - don't delete it. Its exact wording, the email address, and the bitcoin wallet are how you identify the variant in the next phase.
VisibleReplaces the desktop wallpaper
Many ransomware variants change the Windows wallpaper to a black or red image with the ransom message and instructions. The wallpaper is just a visual scare tactic - it doesn't add any actual capability and reverts to normal once the ransomware is removed. Photograph it before removal in case the contact details are useful for variant identification or for reporting to authorities.
HiddenDeletes Volume Shadow Copies
One of the first things modern ransomware does after launching is run vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to wipe Windows' built-in Volume Shadow Copies - the snapshots that Previous Versions and System Restore rely on. Some ransomware doesn't fully succeed (especially on systems where the user lacks full admin rights), leaving partial shadow copies recoverable. Phase 4 step 11 covers how to check what survived.
HiddenDisables Windows Defender and other security tools
Before encrypting, the ransomware tries to silence anything that could alert you or block it - Windows Defender real-time protection, third-party antivirus services, backup agents (Veeam, Acronis), and sometimes the Windows Event Log service. It often modifies Group Policy or registry keys to keep these off after reboot. Phase 3 step 9 explicitly turns Tamper Protection back on so the next ransomware attempt can't repeat the trick.
HiddenSpreads laterally to other PCs on the network
Network-aware ransomware (LockBit, Conti, BlackCat, Akira families) doesn't stop at the first machine. It scans for SMB shares, mapped drives, and other PCs on the same network, then encrypts whatever it can reach. On Windows domains, a single compromised user with admin rights can lead to all-domain encryption. This is why Phase 1 step 2 disconnects the network as the very first action - it stops the spread immediately.
HiddenSteals data before encrypting (double extortion)
Modern ransomware (LockBit, BlackCat / ALPHV, Akira, Cl0p, Royal) almost always exfiltrates data before encrypting. The attacker then runs a "double extortion" play: pay the ransom for decryption, plus pay again to prevent the stolen data from being leaked on the group's leak site. Paying the first ransom does not get the leaked data back - assume that anything the ransomware could read was uploaded. This is one more reason not to pay: the data is already out.
Don't pay the ransom
Paying the ransom does not guarantee you'll get your files back. Major ransomware response studies consistently show that a meaningful percentage of paying victims either receive a non-working decryptor, only partial decryption, or no decryptor at all. Beyond that:
- Paying confirms you as a willing target - re-attack rates within 12 months are high
- Several ransomware groups have been sanctioned (US OFAC, UK OFSI). Paying these groups may be illegal under sanctions law in your country
- The ransom funds the next attack - on you or someone else
- Modern ransomware almost always exfiltrates data first, so paying doesn't get the leaked data back. Assume anything the malware could read was uploaded
- Decryptors, even when they work, often leave files corrupted because the encryption itself was buggy or rushed
The path below tries every legal, free recovery option first. Pay only as an absolute last resort, after consulting a lawyer and your country's cyber crime authority.
Disconnect from the network and log out of cloud storage
Pull the Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi on the affected PC. If multiple computers share the network, do the same on every machine you suspect could be affected, including any servers and NAS units.
Then sign out of cloud storage clients (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud) from their app settings. If you can, pause the sync. Some ransomware uses the running sync client to push encrypted versions over your clean cloud copies.
Modern ransomware spreads laterally across SMB shares, mapped drives, RDP, and reachable network neighbors. Disconnecting stops the spread the moment you do it. Logging out of cloud sync clients prevents the ransomware from encrypting the cloud copies of your files via the sync API.
Unplug external drives and USB storage
Safely eject any external drives, USB sticks, SD cards, and network-attached storage shares - then unplug them. If a drive was connected when the ransomware ran, the files on it may already be encrypted, but unplugging stops further damage.
Critically: don't reconnect any drive (including your most recent backup) to this PC until the ransomware is removed in Phase 3. Reconnecting an external backup to an actively-infected PC is the most common way that backup gets encrypted too.
Save the ransom note and a sample encrypted file
Copy the ransom note and one small encrypted file (under 1 MB) to a USB stick, or photograph the note with your phone. You'll need both for the variant identification step.
The ransom note is usually one of:
- A
.txtfile in every encrypted folder (typicallyHOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt,README.txt, or_readme.txt) - An
.htmlfile with the same purpose - A changed desktop wallpaper - photograph it
- A lock-screen interrupt that runs at startup - rarer
Don't delete the note. Variant identification depends on its exact wording, the contact email, and the bitcoin wallet address. The note is also evidence if you report to authorities.
Identify the variant with ID Ransomware
From a clean device (your phone is fine, or another PC that wasn't on the affected network), visit id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com. Upload the ransom note and the sample encrypted file. The site identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.
ID Ransomware is run by the Malware Hunter Team. Files you upload are kept private - they're used for analysis, not published. If you're concerned about uploading data anyway, you can paste the contact email and bitcoin wallet from the note - those are often enough for identification.
The ransomware itself must be removed before any file recovery. If it's still active, anything you restore in Phase 4 gets re-encrypted within minutes.
Boot to Safe Mode with Networking and download the scanners
Safe Mode loads only the minimal Windows drivers, which prevents most ransomware from auto-running while you set up the scanners.
Windows 11: open , click Restart now next to Advanced startup. After the restart, click , then press 5 or F5.
Windows 10: click the Windows logo, hold Shift, click the Power icon and choose Restart. From the Choose-an-option screen, click , then press F5.
Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in step 8) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in step 9). Save both installers to your Desktop, then disconnect Wi-Fi again before scanning.
Run Microsoft Defender Offline
Reboot to normal Windows. Open . Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads.
Some ransomware variants drop bootkit components or kernel hooks that hide from any scanner running on the same Windows session that's already infected. A pre-boot offline scan sees the disk before the malware can load itself.
VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.
Download Combo CleanerRun a full Combo Cleaner scan
Run the installer you downloaded in step 6 and start a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete, review what it detected, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner quarantines the ransomware executable and the registry / scheduled-task entries that re-launch it on reboot.
Run Microsoft Safety Scanner and re-enable Defender
Run Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe) as a second-opinion full scan. The binary expires every 10 days so the copy you downloaded has the latest signatures.
Once it finishes, open and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Many ransomware variants disable Defender during the attack - this is where you switch it back on so the next attempt can't repeat the trick.
Different scanning engines catch different threats. Running an additional Microsoft scan after Combo Cleaner is the most underused verification step in malware removal - and free.
Try the steps in order. The first decryptor that works ends the recovery process - no need to do all four.
Check the No More Ransom Project for a free decryptor
Visit nomoreransom.org and search the Decryption Tools list for the variant name returned by ID Ransomware. The project is run by Europol, the Dutch Police, and security vendors - everything listed is legitimate and free.
If a decryptor exists, download it onto a clean PC, copy it across, and follow its instructions exactly. Decryptors usually want you to point them at a sample encrypted file plus its known unencrypted version (sometimes any image you previously had a backup of works).
Free decryptors exist for parts of the STOP/Djvu, GandCrab, REvil, Avaddon, Conti and Hive families, among others. Most modern variants don't have public decryptors - if yours isn't listed, that's expected; move to the next step.
Try Windows Volume Shadow Copies
Windows automatically creates Volume Shadow Copies of files when System Restore points are made or scheduled backups run. Most ransomware tries to wipe these (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet), but the deletion sometimes fails partially - especially if the running user doesn't have full admin rights. When it does fail, snapshots survive that contain pre-encryption versions of your files.
First, check what's there. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
vssadmin list shadows
If you see entries listed, shadow copies survived. To restore from them:
- Built-in: right-click any folder → Properties → Previous Versions tab. Pick a snapshot dated before the infection and restore.
- Better tool for browsing: install Shadow Explorer (free). It shows all snapshots as a normal file tree and lets you copy out only the files you want.
Shadow Copies recover the original files exactly, with no risk of decryption errors. If they survived, this is faster and cleaner than running a decryptor on the encrypted set.
Restore from cloud or external backup
If you have a backup that pre-dates the infection, this is the cleanest recovery available. Important precautions:
- Don't reconnect a backup drive until Phase 3 is complete. If the ransomware is still active, plugging in the backup encrypts it too.
- For cloud backups (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud), use the Version History feature to roll individual files back to pre-encryption versions.
- OneDrive specifically has a "Restore your OneDrive" feature: if it detected mass file changes, you can roll back the entire account up to 30 days. Sign in at OneDrive on the web, click the Settings gear, and choose Restore your OneDrive. Microsoft 365 subscribers also get ransomware detection alerts; non-subscribers get one free recovery.
- Verify the restored files open correctly before you delete the encrypted set. Test a few documents, photos, and any database / project files.
Try Recuva as a last-resort recovery
Recuva is a long shot, not a primary recovery tool. Most modern ransomware encrypts files in place - it reads the original, encrypts the data, and writes the encrypted bytes back to the same disk location. In that case, the original isn't deleted, just rewritten - and Recuva has nothing to find.
But for older or simpler variants that deleted originals before creating encrypted copies (rather than encrypting in place), Recuva can sometimes pull the originals from unallocated disk space. Worth trying as a last resort, especially before you use the disk much further.
If you try it:
- Stop using the disk as much as possible - every disk write reduces recovery odds
- Run Recuva from a USB stick, not from the affected disk
- Use Deep Scan mode (slower but the only mode worth running for this scenario)
Don't skip the steps above expecting Recuva to bail you out. It works in maybe 5-20% of cases, depending on the variant and how soon you try.
Report the attack to authorities
Even if your files aren't recovered, your report helps authorities track variants, attribute groups, and warn future victims. In some jurisdictions (especially the US and UK) early reporting can sometimes help recall a wired ransom payment via banking partners.
Save the report number - banks, insurers, and credit bureaus will ask for it. If you operate a business, you may also have legal disclosure obligations (GDPR in the EU, state breach laws in the US) that run on a 72-hour clock.
Plan 3-2-1 backups going forward
The single best defense against ransomware is a tested backup. Use the 3-2-1 rule:
- 3 copies of your data
- 2 different storage media (e.g., internal drive + external drive)
- 1 offline / air-gapped copy (an external drive that isn't always connected)
Recommended cadence:
- Daily: cloud sync (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive) - convenient, but vulnerable if the ransomware reaches the sync folder. The Version History feature is what saves you
- Weekly: external drive that you connect briefly, then disconnect - the air-gap is what protects against ransomware
- Monthly: a second external drive stored off-site (different physical location) - protects against fire, theft, flood
Test the backup at least once. Open a few files from it, check sizes match, restore one to a different folder. An untested backup isn't a backup - it's a hope.
Patch the entry point and monitor for 30 days
Most reinfections happen via the same vector that worked the first time. Until you've patched the entry point, watch for:
- Unusual disk activity, unexpected file modifications, or unfamiliar processes in Task Manager
- Unexpected reboots or new accounts you didn't create
- Defender or your antivirus turning itself off again
Common entry vectors and what to do about each:
- Phishing email with a malicious attachment - review email filters and train yourself / staff to recognise the patterns - see pcrisk's Phishing/Scam reference
- Exposed RDP with weak passwords - disable Remote Desktop from if you don't need it. If you do, put it behind a VPN and require a long password plus MFA
- Unpatched VPN appliances or public-facing apps - check the vendor's advisories page and apply the latest firmware
- Cracked / pirated software - was the most common vector for STOP/Djvu in particular. Don't run software from torrent sites
Run a Combo Cleaner scan weekly for the first month. Update Windows, browsers, and applications aggressively.
Important: Removing a ransomware infection requires a full system scan, not a manual file delete. If you're not confident with the manual procedure, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there - that combination removes the vast majority of consumer ransomware variants. Then move to Phase 4 for file recovery, or to Phase 5 if your files are unrecoverable and you need to start fresh from a clean Windows install.
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Tomas Meskauskas
Expert security researcher, professional malware analyst
I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats.
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