Crypt0L0cker Removal Guide

Crypt0L0cker is just another name for the CryptoLocker Virus. It is a ransomware infection that locks down your computer and encrypts your files. The program is part of a big group of ransomware infections that include such malicious security threats as Cryptographic Locker, Cryptowall, Cryptorbit, CryptoFortress, and others. The problem is that removing Crypt0L0cker from your computer does not solve the main problem at hand: Your files do not get decrypted. Although you can try looking for decryption tools online, chances are that the files are as good as gone. Thus, rather than removing Crypt0L0cker from your system, it is a lot more important to prevent such infections from entering your computer in the first place.

In order to avoid Crypt0L0cker and similar programs, you need to know how they are being distributed around the web. This ransomware application comes with the Trojan:Win32/Crilock.A infection. There are several ways for this Trojan to enter your system. It could be downloaded with other malicious infections via a third-party file sharing website. It might also be hiding in a spam email attachment. Users often get infected with Crypt0L0cker and similar ransomware when they access adult websites and accidentally click on pop-up ads that offer to watch videos for free. Keep in mind that nothing comes for free these days, and clicking any flashing ad most probably leads to a severe computer infection.

Once Crypt0L0cker gets installed on your computer, it locks you out of your desktop and displays the following notification on your screen:

Your important files encryption produced on this computer: photos, videos, documents, etc. Here is a complete list of encrypted files, and you personal verify this.

Encryption was produced using a unique public key RSA-2048 generated for this computer. To decrypt files you need to obtain the private key.
<…>

To obtain the private key for this computer, which will automatically decrypt files, you need to pay 100 USD / 100 EUR / similar amount in another currency.

There are user reports that say Crypt0L0cker does issue the decryption key once they pay in bitcoins or transfer the payment via CashU, Paysafecard, Ukash, MoneyPak, or other acceptable payment methods. However, that would mean that you give way for the cyber criminals and help you get rich.

It would be for the best to invest in a licensed antispyware tool that would protect you from similar infections in the future. Don’t forget that regular system scans are extremely important in ensuring your system’s security. As for your files, you should always back them up in an external hard drive or a cloud drive. Naturally, it is a tedious practice, but having a backup is always a good idea, not only because of such infections as Crypt0L0cker, but also because you can never know when your computer might accidentally crash.

Hence, although removing Crypt0L0cker might not do the job completely, you will be able to protect your PC from similar intruders. There is also a good chance that there are more infections in your system right now, so the sooner you delete them all automatically, the better.

How to Restore My Desktop Access

Windows 8 & Windows 8.1

1. Press the Windows key and the Start metro menu will appear.
2. Click the Internet Explorer tile.
3. Enter http://www.411-spyware.com/download-sph into the address bar and hit Enter.
4. When the dialog box appears, click Run.
5. Install SpyHunter and run a full system scan.

Windows Vista & Windows 7

1. Reboot your computer and tap F8 several times once the BIOS screen disappears.
2. Choose Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
3. Access http://www.411-spyware.com/spyhunter and download SpyHunter.
4. Install the program and scan your computer.

Windows XP

1. Restart your computer and press F8 repeatedly.
2. If the Windows logo appears, reboot the PC and try again.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking on the Advanced Boot Options menu.
4. Press Enter and click Yes on the confirmation box.
5. Download SpyHunter and launch a full system scan.