How to remove CMLOCKER Ransomware and decrypt .CMLOCKER files

What is CMLOCKER Ransomware

CMLOCKER is a ransomware infection that encrypts system-stored data with RSA cryptographic algorithms and appends the new .CMLOCKER extension. For instance, a file previously named 1.pdf will change to 1.pdf.CMLOCKER and reset its original icon. After all files end up access-restricted, the virus creates a text note called HELP_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt to blackmail victims into paying money for data decryption.

The message states victims have to transfer 980$ in Bitcoin if they want their data to be recovered. In return, victims are promised to receive the necessary decryption key and software that can be used for unlocking access to data. Before sending the demanded ransom, cybercriminals also offer to test decryption for free – by sending one encrypted sample to the cybercriminals’ email. Unfortunately, in most cases, it is impossible to decrypt data without the help of developers. For now, there are no known tools that could unlock access to .CMLOCKER files without the participation of cybercriminals. The only available and best option users can capitalize on at the moment is to recover the blocked data from the backup. Otherwise, you can refer to some reputable recovery/decryption tools from our guide, however, we are unable to promise they will be able to help in this case. Unfortunately, no matter how good a third-party utility is, it is necessary to know the right key stored by cybercriminals to be able to decrypt files yourself. As a last-resort option, you can also save the encrypted data and hope that it will become decryptable in the future (there are no guarantees on whether it will happen or not). Note that it is important to delete the ransomware infection, especially if you are going to try manual decryption or recovery. Although virus removal will not unblock your files, it will ensure there is no more malicious activity operating within your system. Follow our guide below to do this and also explore alternatives with regard to third-party tools.

How CMLOCKER Ransomware infected your computer

Malware infiltrations tend to occur via trojans, deceptive third-party downloads, fake software updates/installers, backdoors, keyloggers, botnets, system exploits, e-mail spam, and other channels as well. Many people get baited into executing (opening) malicious attachments or links that can be included within e-mail spam letters. To increase the chances of successful penetration, cybercriminals cover their letters under the names of legitimate companies or other entities motivating users in opening the attached content. Unfortunately, doing so can expose you to facing an imminent ransomware infection. Files with .DOCX, .XLSX, .PDF, .EXE, .ZIP, .RAR, .JS, and other extensions are often the ones cybercriminals abuse to deliver various infections. While such formats have nothing to do with malware on the initial basis, cybercriminals have learned how to modify them for executing the installation of malicious infections. Therefore, you should beware of opening them. In addition, it is also worth-avoiding downloads of software on unofficial or dubious pages. Read our guide below to know how one can protect himself against ransomware and other threats in the future.

1. Download CMLOCKER Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .CMLOCKER 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 CMLOCKER Ransomware

CMLOCKER Ransomware files:


HELP_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt
{randomname}.exe


CMLOCKER Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .CMLOCKER files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .CMLOCKER 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 .CMLOCKER 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 CMLOCKER 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 .CMLOCKER 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.

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 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 CMLOCKER 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. CMLOCKER 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