SZFLocker Ransomware Removal

How to Remove SZFLocker Ransomware?

Reader recently start to report the following message being displayed when they boot their computer: “Encrypted files. The service is available at deciphering deszyfrator.deszyfr(@)yandex.ru.

SZFLocker belongs to the ransomware family. It’s a dangerous tool. And, you shouldn’t mess with it. As soon as you discover it’s on your PC, take action. Because know this. The tool does NOT waste time when it comes to wreaking havoc. Shortly after it settles, the game is on. It goes to work and put you through cyber hell. The nasty ransomware encrypts everything you have on your computer. And, we do mean everything. Each file – pictures, videos, music, documents, etc. Nothing remains untouched by the infection. It leaves no stone unturned in its quest to lock your data. And, when it’s done, nothing will be accessible. You won’t be able to open a single file. You may try, but you won’t be successful. The pesky program adds a SZF extension to seal the deal. And, if you see your files with an added SZF at the end, that’s it. The only way to decrypt your data after that is a decryption key. And, yes. You’ve guessed it! To receive said key, you have to pay a ransom. The ransomware extorts you. It seems like a simple exchange – pay up and get the key. Your money for your data. And, you pay up, right? After all, your files are worth it, right? No question! Well, wrong. Whatever you do, do NOT pay the ransom! If you transfer money to the kidnappers, you’ll only make your situation worse! Much, much worse! By paying up, you open the door to your privacy to these strangers with agendas. And, no file is worth your privacy. Don’t make the mistake of trusting these people to keep their end of the bargain. Don’t allow them into your private life. Discard your data, and choose privacy. It’s a tough call to make, but it’s the right one.

How did I get infected with?

SZFLocker doesn’t just appear out of thin air. Applications like it demand approval. They have to ask permission to enter. And, if they don’t get it, they cannot install themselves. It seems simple enough. A bullet-proof way to keep infection away, right? Well, wrong again. Cyber threats have found countless ways to slither in undetected. And, they still ask for your consent. And, you grant it. Otherwise, they wouldn’t wreak havoc on your system. SZFLocker is no exception. But how do you suppose it manages to go through with its deceit and gain access without you even realizing it? Well, it’s pretty straightforward. It dupes you by turning to every trick in the book. Ransomware tools are masterful when it comes to sneaking in undetected. The old but gold means of infiltration are what assists them in their invasive ways. More often than not, they use freeware to slither in as it’s one of the easiest entry points. They can just as easily turn to corrupted links or sites to invade your PC. They can also hide behind spam email attachments or pose as an update. For example, you may be convinced you’re updating your Java or Adobe Flash Player, but you’d be wrong. In reality, you’ll be giving the green light to a dangerous cyber menace. Like, SZFLocker. Don’t allow tools like it to fool you, and slither into your PC to corrupt it! If you’re more cautious, you increase your chances of keeping such threats away. Infections prey on carelessness, so don’t grant it. Instead, be more thorough and vigilant. Always do your due diligence, and never give into naivety and haste. Distraction leads to trouble. Don’t forget it.

Why is SZFLocker dangerous?

SZFLocker is a plague on your PC. It’s a menace on your privacy. It spells trouble. If the tool finds its way into your system, you’re in for a bad time. As was already stated, it’s a kidnapper of sorts. The program takes your data hostage by encrypting it. It adds the SZF extension and locks everything. Thus, rendering it unusable. Once the encryption is complete, you won’t be able to open a single of your files. Renaming or moving them won’t work. The only way to release them from the clutches of the encryption is via the decryption key. And, the only way to get it, is to pay up. That’s the end-game of all ransomware applications. They back you into a corner and try to force you to comply and transfer money to the people behind them. Do NOT do that! It would be a colossal mistake if you did that! SZFLocker, in particular, asks around $500 from you. A relatively small amount when you think about what it will buy you, right? It’s unpleasant for sure, but it’s a pill you can swallow, right? Well, once again, it’s not as simple as it seems. It’s not a question of whether you can afford the ransom or not. It’s about going through with the payment, and whether to do it. And, the answer is ‘No!’ To pay even $1 is to expose your personal and financial information to cybercriminals. And, what’s more, complying with the stated requirements does NOT mean you get your data back. There are NO guarantees the kidnappers will follow through on their promises. None! So, why risk it? There are several scenarios the exchange can go down, and they all end poorly for you. The game is rigged against you from you start. Accept you can’t win, and cut your losses. Yes, you will lose your data in the process. But, at least, you will protect your personal and financial information from falling into the hands of strangers. Strangers, you CANNOT trust. Pick privacy over pictures. It’s a difficult decision, but you won’t regret making it in the long run.

SZFLocker Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Kill the Malicious Process

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

STEP 3: Locate Startup Location

STEP 4: Recover SZFLocker Encrypted Files

STEP 1: Stop the malicious process using Windows Task Manager

• Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously
• Locate the process of the ransomware. Have in mind that this is usually a random generated file.
• Before you kill the process, type the name on a text document for later reference.

• Locate any suspicious processes associated with SZFLocker encryption Virus.
• Right click on the process
• Open File Location
• End Process
• Delete the directories with the suspicious files.
• Have in mind that the process can be hiding and very difficult to detect

STEP 2: Reveal Hidden Files

• Open any folder
• Click on “Organize” button
  
• Choose “Folder and Search Options”
• Select the “View” tab
• Select “Show hidden files and folders” option
• Uncheck “Hide protected operating system files”
• Click “Apply” and “OK” button

STEP 3: Locate SZFLocker encryption Virus startup location

• Once the operating system loads press simultaneously the Windows Logo Button and the R key.

• A dialog box should open. Type “Regedit”
• WARNING! be very careful when editing the Microsoft Windows Registry as this may render the system broken.

Depending on your OS (x86 or x64) navigate to:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] or
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run]

• and delete the display Name: [RANDOM]

• Then open your explorer and navigate to:

Navigate to your %appdata% folder and delete the executable.

You can alternatively use your msconfig windows program to double check the execution point of the virus. Please, have in mind that the names in your machine might be different as they might be generated randomly, that’s why you should run any professional scanner to identify malicious files.

STEP 4: How to recover encrypted files?

• Method 1: The first and best method is to restore your data from a recent backup, in case that you have one.

• Method 2: File Recovery Software – Usually when the ransomware encrypts a file it first makes a copy of it, encrypts the copy, and then deletes the original. Due to this you may try to use file recovery software to recover some of your original files.
• Method 3: Shadow Volume Copies – As a last resort, you can try to restore your files via Shadow Volume Copies. Open the Shadow Explorer part of the package and choose the Drive you want to recover. Right click on any file you want to restore and click Export on it.