How to remove Warlock Group Ransomware and decrypt .x2anylock files

What is Warlock Group Ransomware

Warlock Group Ransomware is a malicious threat known for encrypting user data and demanding a ransom for decryption. Once active on a Windows system, it scans local drives and connected storage, targeting a wide range of file types such as documents, databases, and images. It then applies advanced file encryption routines and appends the file extension .x2anylock to each locked file—transforming, for example, photo.jpg into photo.jpg.x2anylock. This process renders all affected data inaccessible, disrupting normal business activities and potentially jeopardizing critical information. After encryption, the ransomware generates a ransom note named How to decrypt my data.txt, which can be found in affected folders and on the desktop. This note details the attack, instructs victims on how to contact the culprits via a Tor-based dark web portal or qTox messenger, and threatens to publicly leak sensitive data or destroy it if payment is not received. Warlock Group’s encryption appears secure—research indicates it relies on strong cryptographic algorithms commonly used by modern ransomware strains, significantly reducing the likelihood of brute-force decryption or accidental flaws in its design.

No verified third-party decryption tools currently exist for undoing what Warlock Group Ransomware does; reputable cybersecurity portals and the No More Ransom Project confirm there is no solution for files locked with the .x2anylock extension at this time. As with most ransomware incidents, paying the ransom is highly discouraged, as it drives ongoing criminal activity and does not guarantee restoration of data—crooks may never send a decryption key or could re-target the organization. For now, the most reliable path to recovery is restoring clean backups made before infection. Data recovery utilities may offer limited help if some locked files were not overwritten, but their success is generally low with professionally constructed encryption schemes. Victims should immediately isolate affected machines, disconnect networks and storage devices, and report the incident to authorities. Continuous monitoring of respected security resources is advised in case a decryption breakthrough emerges. Given current circumstances, proactive defensive measures—such as regular backups, software updates, and the use of strong antimalware solutions—remain the best protection against future incursions by highly sophisticated ransomware like Warlock Group.

How Warlock Group Ransomware infects computers

Warlock Group Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through various deceptive methods often employed by cybercriminals. One common approach involves phishing emails that contain malicious attachments or links disguised as legitimate documents, such as invoices or notifications, which, when opened, execute the ransomware. Additionally, the malware can be embedded in pirated software, software cracks, or key generators, enticing users to download and install these compromised files. Cybercriminals also exploit software vulnerabilities, using malicious advertisements, compromised websites, or infected USB drives to deliver the ransomware payload. Once executed, Warlock Group Ransomware swiftly encrypts files on the victim’s system, appending the .x2anylock extension, and leaves a ransom note demanding payment for the decryption key. To mitigate the risk of infection, users should maintain up-to-date antivirus software, avoid downloading software from untrusted sources, and exercise caution with unsolicited emails.

1. Download Warlock Group Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .x2anylock files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Warlock Group Ransomware

Warlock Group Ransomware files:


How to decrypt my data.txt
{randomname}.exe


Warlock Group Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .x2anylock files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .x2anylock files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .x2anylock files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Warlock Group Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .x2anylock files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Warlock Group Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Warlock Group Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro