How to remove Alock Ransomware and decrypt .alock files

What is Alock Ransomware

Alock Ransomware is a nasty virus that encrypts files on a victim’s computer and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. It is part of the MedusaLocker ransomware family and targets companies rather than home users. Alock Ransomware uses double extortion tactics, which means that it not only encrypts files but also threatens to leak sensitive data if the ransom is not paid. Alock Ransomware adds the .alock extension to the original file names after encrypting files on the targeted machine. This is a way of marking files as inaccessible, and the extension usually refers to the name of the virus. Alock Ransomware uses a powerful encryption algorithm to lock files on an infected computer, which can only be unlocked by a private decryption key. As Alock Ransomware is a relatively new ransomware, anti-malware engineers have not yet found a way to reverse its work. After the encryption process is completed, a ransom-demanding message titled HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.html is created.

This ransom note is left on the infected PC with instructions for how to pay ransom money, how much, and when to pay. The ransom note also threatens to leak sensitive data if the ransom is not paid. In the meantime, victims of Alock Ransomware should report to federal law enforcement via IC3 or a Secret Service Field Office, and can request technical assistance or provide information to help others by contacting CISA. It is also important to have a reputable anti-virus installed and kept up-to-date, and to use security software to run regular system scans and to remove threats and issues. Victims should also maintain offline, encrypted backups of data and regularly test their backups.

How Alock Ransomware infected your computer

There are several ways that Alock Ransomware can infect computers. The most common methods include email spam, Trojan introduction, and peer-to-peer file transfer. Criminals often use email spam to distribute ransomware by sending malicious attachments or links that, when clicked, download the ransomware onto the victim’s computer. Trojan introduction involves the use of a Trojan horse to introduce the ransomware onto the victim’s computer. Peer-to-peer file transfer is another method used by criminals to distribute ransomware by disguising it as a legitimate file.

1. Download Alock Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .alock 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 Alock Ransomware

Alock Ransomware files:


HOW_TO_BACK_FILES.html
{randomname}.exe


Alock Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .alock files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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

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 .alock 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 Alock 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 .alock files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose 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.

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose 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 is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see 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 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 Alock Ransomware , in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

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.

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. Alock 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.