How to remove ColdLock Ransomware and decrypt .locked files

What is ColdLock Ransomware

If you did not have the appropriate software to fend off ColdLock Ransomware in time, then your files might be already encrypted with the .locked extension. For example, the original 1.mp4 has been changed to 1.mp4.locked once ransomware stroke its configuration with RSA algorithms. Most of the time, decrypting files with third-parties tools is impossible and may be dangerous for them. This is why extortionists force you to buy their software by following the instructions mentioned in a file called How To Unlock Files.txt that is created after encryption. Here is what original text of the note looks like:

Unfortunately, buying the decryption key may put your finances under risk because cybercriminal activity cannot be trusted. Instead, delete ColdLock Ransomware to prevent further encryption and try to decrypt the affected data through the instructions below.

How ColdLock Ransomware infected your computer

Programs of such type attack unprotected computers and naive users. They exploit multiple channels such as spam e-mail messages, fake software cracking tools, trojans, and other suspicious downloads. As statistics show, the biggest number of infections has been caused by spam messages that contain malicious attachments. At first look, there is nothing bad about Microsoft Office documents, executables, PDFs, and JavaScript files that can be attached in messages. However, frauds alter them beforehand to run special scripts that infect your system with malware. Be careful and do not open unknown and shady content. You can use our guide below to find out how to protect yourself against such threats and remove them from your PC.

1. Download ColdLock Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .locked 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 ColdLock Ransomware

ColdLock Ransomware files:


How To Unlock Files.txt
{randomfilename}.exe


ColdLock Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .locked files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .locked 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 .locked files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of 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 ColdLock Ransomware and removed it 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 .locked 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 ColdLock 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 storages, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives or remote network storages can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. ColdLock 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 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 is 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 very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro