How to remove PowerLocker Ransomware and decrypt .PowerLocker files

What is PowerLocker Ransomware

PowerLocker Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt victim’s files, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. This type of malware appends a specific file extension, in this case, .PowerLocker, to each affected file, effectively renaming them in a manner that signals their compromised status, such as turning example.doc into example.doc.PowerLocker. Utilizing the AES-256 encryption method, a robust and secure cryptographic algorithm, PowerLocker ensures that these files cannot be easily decrypted without specific decryption keys, which the attackers hold. Once files are encrypted, victims will find a ransom note created in the form of a text file, IMPORTANT.txt, placed conspicuously on their desktop. The ransom note typically instructs victims to contact the attackers, often through a provided email address, to negotiate payment for the decryption tool that theoretically restores access to the files.

Currently, there are no publicly available decryption tools for this ransomware, as it uses a strong encryption that cannot be bypassed without the attackers’ specific keys. Victims are advised against paying the ransom because there is no guarantee that the attackers will honor their promise and provide the necessary decryption tools. Moreover, paying the ransom supports criminal activity. To decrypt files appended with the .PowerLocker extension, the only viable solution outside of obtaining the decryption key from the attackers is to restore files from a backup, if available. It’s crucial to have regular data backups in safe, disconnected locations to mitigate the effects of such ransomware attacks. Additionally, employing reliable security software can help detect and remove ransomware from a computer system, preventing further data loss, though it won’t decrypt already encrypted files.

How PowerLocker Ransomware infects computers

PowerLocker Ransomware infiltrates computers through a variety of sophisticated methods, primarily leveraging phishing and social engineering tactics. Cybercriminals typically disguise this malicious software within seemingly legitimate files, such as email attachments or downloads from suspicious sources. These files often come in the form of archives like ZIP or RAR, executables, or even common documents such as PDFs and Microsoft Office files. Once a user unwittingly opens or executes one of these files, the ransomware begins its attack, encrypting files on the computer and appending them with the “.PowerLocker” extension. PowerLocker can also spread through networks and connected storage devices, emphasizing the importance of disconnecting infected devices to prevent further damage. To mitigate these threats, users should exercise caution with email attachments, ensure downloads come from trusted sources, and maintain a robust cybersecurity posture, including regular backups and up-to-date antivirus software.

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

PowerLocker Ransomware files:


IMPORTANT.txt
{randomname}.exe


PowerLocker Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .PowerLocker files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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