OFFER*Source of claim SH can remove it.
SkullLocker
SkullLocker is a dangerous computer program of the Ransomware category specialized in data-encryption. With the help of its data encryption, SkullLocker is able to lock up its victims’ files, and then demand that a ransom is paid for their release.
Ransomware is actually a category of malware that has several subcategories in it. For instance, there are the screen-lockers that simply put a huge banner on the infected computer’s screen, and tell the user that this banner wouldn’t go away until a ransom is paid. Since the banner hides all icons, menus, and programs behind itself, the user isn’t able to use their computer. Another type of Ransomware is the lesser known Leakware subcategory. These infections gather sensitive files from the computer, and then threaten to make them public if the ransom isn’t paid. Cryptoviruses, however, are the most common subcategory of Ransomware, and they are also considered as the most problematic. What they do is they use encryption to lock your files, and then threaten you that the files would stay that way unless you pay money to the hackers.
The SkullLocker virus
The SkullLocker virus is of the cryptovirus subcategory – the most problematic type of Ransomware. Dealing with threats like the SkullLocker virus is usually a rather tricky task, which is why we will give you all the help we can.
Once you see that this virus has locked up your files, and that you are told to pay a ransom to release them, you may decide that this may be your way out of this problematic situation. If the locked files are so important, and if you have the needed money readily available, paying may seem like a possible solution, even if it ends up being rather costly. However, we ought to tell you that many people who have thought the same, and have paid the ransom, have ended up wasting their money without retrieving their important data. This doesn’t always happen, but it is certainly possible that the hackers behind such a threat may choose to ignore the fact they’ve promised to unlock your files by sending you a decryption key. And, in such cases, there’s absolutely nothing you can do to reverse things – your money would be gone, and your files would still be inaccessible.
The .Skull file decryption
The .Skull file encryption is the main issue that you are faced with if this Ransomware is on your PC. To deal with the .Skull file encryption, there are several things you can try, but paying the ransom is one of the least advisable options.
We already told you why paying may actually make things worse for you, but what else could you do? Well, a good place to start would be the removal instructions we have down below. Take a look at them, and at the specialized removal tool linked there, and use them to remove the virus. Then, head down to the second part of the guide, where there are some recovery suggestions – they may or may not work for your case, but are still worth the shot, and are also free to try out.
SUMMARY:
| Name | XXX |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Danger Level | High (Ransomware is by far the worst threat you can encounter) |
| Detection Tool | We tested that SpyHunter successfully removes parasite* and we recommend downloading it. Manual removal may take hours, it can harm your system if you re not careful, and parasite may reinstall itself at the end if you don't delete its core files. |
*Source of claim SH can remove it.
Remove SkullLocker Ransomware
Some of the steps will likely require you to exit the page. Bookmark it for later reference.
Reboot in Safe Mode (use this guide if you don’t know how to do it).
WARNING! READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING!
*Source of claim SH can remove it.
Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC at the same time and go to the Processes Tab. Try to determine which processes are dangerous.
Right click on each of them and select Open File Location. Then scan the files with our free online virus scanner:
After you open their folder, end the processes that are infected, then delete their folders.
Note: If you are sure something is part of the infection – delete it, even if the scanner doesn’t flag it. No anti-virus program can detect all infections.
Hold the Start Key and R – copy + paste the following and click OK:
notepad %windir%/system32/Drivers/etc/hosts
A new file will open. If you are hacked, there will be a bunch of other IPs connected to you at the bottom. Look at the image below:
If there are suspicious IPs below “Localhost” – write to us in the comments.
Type msconfig in the search field and hit enter. A window will pop-up:
Go in Startup —> Uncheck entries that have “Unknown” as Manufacturer.
- Please note that ransomware may even include a fake Manufacturer name to its process. Make sure you check out every process here is legitimate.
*Source of claim SH can remove it.
Type Regedit in the windows search field and press Enter. Once inside, press CTRL and F together and type the virus’s Name.
Search for the ransomware in your registries and delete the entries. Be extremely careful – you can damage your system if you delete entries not related to the ransomware.
Type each of the following in the Windows Search Field:
- %AppData%
- %LocalAppData%
- %ProgramData%
- %WinDir%
- %Temp%
Delete everything in Temp. The rest just check out for anything recently added. Remember to leave us a comment if you run into any trouble!
How to Decrypt SkullLocker Virus File files
We have a comprehensive (and daily updated) guide on how to decrypt your files. Check it out here.
If the guide doesn’t help, download the anti-virus program we recommended or try our free online virus scanner. Also, you can always ask us in the comments for help!
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