Remove Vaultlock Ransomware

How to Remove Vaultlock Ransomware?

Vaultlock is classified as ransomware. If one day you turn on your computer and find all of your data mysteriously encrypted, Vaultlock is to blame. Once it slithers its way into your system by means of deception and finesse, it immediately encrypts all of the files you have stored on your PC. Every picture, video, document, everything is beyond reach as you can no longer access it. As soon as the encryption is complete, it’s followed by a message. The message usually states that if you wish to decrypt your files, you’ll have to pay a ransom for them. Otherwise, you’ll lose them. Vaultlock is a malicious and intrusive tool that causes you much grief and an entire array of problems. And, what’s worse, it’s immensely unreliable. Even if you go through with its terms and pay the ransom it requires, you still might end up losing your files. That’s because the people behind it can choose to give you the wrong decryption key, or not give you one at all. Also, there are no guarantees that even if you manage to decrypt everything, they won’t attack your computer again the very next day. That’s why experts recommend to not give into Vaultlock’s demands, to just cut your losses. It’s indeed horrendous to lose all of the data stored on your computer, but it’s preferable to the alternative. If you do pay, aside from the uncertainties, which were mentioned already, there’s one more risk. By paying, you’ll be providing malicious strangers with agendas with your private information. Don’t do that! Don’t take such a gamble! Before taking action, think long and hard whether there’s something on your computer worth handing your personal and financial information to these wicked people.

How did I get infected with?

Vaultlock resorts to the old but gold methods of invasion in order to gain access to your computer. More often than not, the tool sneaks in undetected by hitching a ride with freeware as it provides possibly the easiest access point. That’s because, most users don’t pay nearly as enough attention as they should during its installation process. Instead of carefully reading the terms and conditions, they just agree to everything and hope for the best. Well, that’s a bad idea if ever there was one. Especially when it comes to freeware as it’s often bundled with all sorts of malware. Unfortunately, by the time these users realize the error of their ways, the damage is already done. Other preferred means of infiltration, Vaultlock often turns to include the use of spam email attachments, corrupted links, or websites. And, it can also pose as a false system or program update, like Adobe Flash Player or Java. If you wish to keep such hazardous tools away from your computer, be sure to be more careful and to not rush! Don’t give into naivety, haste, and distraction for they lead only to regret. And, remember that a little extra attention can go a long, long way.

Why is Vaultlock dangerous?

As soon as Vaultlock invades your system, it proceeds to put your computer on lock-down. It encrypts everything and virtually makes it impossible for you to use your PC. Sometimes the tool even stops you from accessing the web as it blocks your internet access. Once it’s done with the encryption, it shows you the ransom note – a message stating its demands. Even though the tool may be created by, say, Slovenians, if you’re in America, the message will appear in English. That’s because the ransomware tracks your location with the help of your IP address. Do NOT go through with the listed demands! As was already mentioned, even if you follow them precisely, there are NO guarantees you’ll regain control of your computer. In fact, you’ll do even more damage. That’s because by paying the “kidnappers”, you’ll be handing your personal and financial details to them on a silver platter. Instead of paying off these strangers, protect yourself and your PC by creating back-ups for all of your files. That way, even if you do get stuck with ransomware, you won’t lose what’s important to you. Don’t pay Vaultlock’s ransom as it’s not worth the risk! Best case scenario, you’ll receive the proper decryption key and restore your files. Worst case scenario, you’ll lose all your data. Don’t place your faith in strangers with agendas! You can’t win!

Vaultlock Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Start Your Computer into Safe Mode with Networking

• Make sure you do not have any floppy disks, CDs, and DVDs inserted in your computer
• Restart the computer
  
• When you see a table, start tapping the F8 key every second until you enter the Advanced Boot Options

• in the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to highlight Safe Mode with Networking , and then press ENTER.

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

• A dialog box should open. Type iexplore www.virusresearch.org/download-en

• Internet Explorer will open and a professional scanner will prompt to be downloaded
• Run the installer
• Follow the instruction and use the professional malware removal tool to detect the files of the virus.
• After performing a full scan you will be asked to register the software. You can do that or perform a manual removal.

Remove Vaultlock Manually

Open your task Manager by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+ESC keys simultaneously

Locate the process of teslacrypt. 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.

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 run the professional scanner to identify the files.

It is always a good idea to use a reputable anti-malware program after manual removal, to prevent this from happening again.