How to remove Eslock ransomware and recover encryted files

Easy tips to delete Eslock ransomware and decrypt files

Ransomware type viruses encode stored files on compromised host systems and then demand ransom payment for their decryption, i.e., for decryption tool. Eslock ransomware belongs to MedusaLocker ransomware group. It encrypts files and renames them with .eslock extension. For instance, it changes a file 1.jpg to “1.jpg.eslock”, “2.jpg” to “2.jpg.eslock”, and so on. Upon that, it creates “Recovery_Instructions.html” file as its ransom note.

The ransom demanding message states that the Eslock ransomware encrypts all stored files using RSA and AES encryption algorithm. Using third party tools will result into their permanent damage. Only the attackers can provide the decryption tool. It is also stated in it that if victims do not pay the ransom, their files will be published on dark net or sold to hackers. To get further information such as the price of the decryption tool, they are asked to establish communication with the crooks via the Tor website or [email protected] (or [email protected] email addresses. The victims are warned that they should purchase the tool within 72 hours. Once the time elapsed, they will have to pay increased amount of sum.

In most cases, crooks behind ransomware attacks are the only people who have the right decryption tool, this is true. They use some strong cipher algorithm to perform files encryption and during the process manage to create decryption key/ tool that is needed for the files recovery. However, it is strongly not recommended to contact/ pay to the crooks under any circumstances as there is no guarantee that they will provide the decryption once all their demands are met. Quite often, victims often get scammed after submitting the payment.

In such a case, it is crucial to think of some alternatives for files recovery. Backups of the encrypted files could be the one such alternative. Other options for files recovery include Volume Shadow Copies and Data recovery tools. Shadow copies are automatically created by OS. Some of ransomware viruses leave this option untouched during the system attack and files encryption process and thus they ultimately become the files recovery option for them. Data recovery tools are third party tools, nowadays designed with special functionality added and so you can anticipate files recovery using it. However, before doing this, you should ensure Eslock ransomware removal to avoid its interference.

How did Eslock ransomware enter my system?

Usually, ransomware-type viruses are distributed through emails, Trojans, fake software updaters, unofficial software activation tools, unreliable sources for downloading files, programs. Emails used to distribute malware contain malicious attachment or website link. The main purpose of these emails is to trick users into downloading and opening malicious files. In most cases, crooks behind them attempt to trick people into opening malicious Microsoft Office, PDF, archive files, executable and JavaScript. Trojans are malicious malware that download/ install other malicious programs. In other word, they cause chain infection on already infected computers.

Fake software updaters are designed to supposedly fix or update outdated software, although they usually install some unwanted, malicious software or infect systems by exploiting bugs, flaws of outdated software installed on systems. Software cracking tools activate, register software without having to enter purchasing key, serial number. However, most commonly these tools are bundled with malware. Examples of unreliable downloading channels are p2p networks, free file hosting sites and third party downloaders/ installers. Crooks use them to trick users into downloading and opening malicious files. These files typically appear as some harmless files.

Full text presented in Eslock ransomware’s ransom note:

/!\ YOUR COMPANY NETWORK HAS BEEN PENETRATED /!\

All your important files have been encrypted!

Your files are safe! Only modified. (RSA+AES)

ANY ATTEMPT TO RESTORE YOUR FILES WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE

WILL PERMANENTLY CORRUPT IT.

DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES.

DO NOT RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES.

No software available on internet can help you. We are the only ones able to

solve your problem.

We gathered highly confidential/personal data. These data are currently stored on

a private server. This server will be immediately destroyed after your payment.

If you decide to not pay, we will release your data to public or re-seller.

So you can expect your data to be publicly available in the near future..

We only seek money and our goal is not to damage your reputation or prevent

your business from running.

You will can send us 2-3 non-important files and we will decrypt it for free

to prove we are able to give your files back.

Contact us for price and get decryption software.

hxxp://gvlay6u4g53rxdi5.onion/21-MvMs8OxF0c1YkQrv0gQpCSQdGjNINb1Z-Qg5sTcNJeZb7KidF767nJbjtud1PE3EN

* Note that this server is available via Tor browser only

Follow the instructions to open the link:

1. Type the addres “hxxps://www.torproject.org” in your Internet browser. It opens the Tor site.
2. Press “Download Tor”, then press “Download Tor Browser Bundle”, install and run it.
3. Now you have Tor browser. In the Tor Browser open “{{URL}}”.
4. Start a chat and follow the further instructions.

If you can not use the above link, use the email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

* To contact us, create a new mail on the site: protonmail.com

Make contact as soon as possible. Your private key (decryption key)

is only stored temporarily.

IF YOU DON’T CONTACT US WITHIN 72 HOURS, PRICE WILL BE HIGHER.

How to prevent ransomware infection?

Programs and files should always be downloaded from legit, official pages and via direct links. It is not safe to open files downloaded via p2p networks, unofficial pages, third party downloaders, unofficial sites and so on. Quite often, the aforementioned sources are used to distribute unwanted, often malicious programs. The OS and all installed software should have to be updated/ activated using the tools/ functions from official software developers. It is common that unofficial tools, updaters install malicious software on their systems. Besides, those users who activate licensed programs using third party tools do it illegally. Attachments and website links in any emails whose senders’ seem to be suspicious should not be trusted. It is common that crooks use the links and attachments to trick recipients to download malware.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Eslock ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Eslock ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Eslock ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete Eslock ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Eslock ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to Eslock ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Eslock ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of Eslock ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by Eslock ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like Eslock ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by Eslock ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with Eslock ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove Eslock ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.