Datalock
Datalock is a Ransomware infection which aims to encrypt your files with a strong algorithm. Datalock is traveling across the web mostly through phishing emails and their malicious attachments.
The Datalock virus ransom note
It can be a terrifying experience to get infected with a Ransomware such as Datalock. The fact that your computer has been compromised and that your personal or professional files have been rendered inaccessible can be devastating. But even more intimidating could be the fact that you have to pay a ransom to access your information again.
The process that viruses such as Datalock implement is called encryption and it targets certain types of files on the computer of the victim. As a result those files become inaccessible without a secret decryption key. No software will be able to open those files which is why the hackers behind the Ransomware immediately demand a ransom in exchange for sending that key to their victims.
The removal guide below, however, has been created as a roundabout to the ransom payment and an alternative solution for those who want to remove Datalock and clean their computer from it. The instructions there will not only help you get rid of the malicious program that targeted you, but also may be effective in retrieving the information that has been encrypted.
The Datalock virus
The Datalock virus is a Ransomware variant that encrypts any files and demands a ransom. You can catch the Datalock virus from spam messages spread through social media, drive-by downloads, or compromised websites.
If Datalock has attacked your system, then you are probably eager to learn what you could do to counteract this horrible infection. Of course, the first option that comes to mind may be paying the ransom, but many security experts can assure you that this is not the best idea. For one, the decryption key that the hackers promise to send you in return for the ransom money may never be obtained. This is, in fact, a fairly common situation that some victims of Ransomware get faced with. The crooks simply vanish once they get the payment and, at that point, the victims are left with their empty pockets and nothing to unlock their data with. Of course, there are situations where the crooks do send a decryption key. However, that key may turn out to be ineffective at reversing the applied encryption or may simply fail to decrypt everything and still leave some data inaccessible.
The Datalock file encryption
The Datalock file encryption is the result of a Ransomware attack. The Datalock file encryption keeps your files inaccessible and prevents any program from opening them.
The Datalock virus file
Alternatives, such as the below-attached removal guide, may sometimes help the victims of Ransomware deal with the infection. They contain instructions on how to remove the virus (which, by the way, is important in order to avoid potential encryption of more files or a second encryption of the files you manage to save) and some file-recovery suggestions. Other alternative options may include reaching out to an expert from your area for personal assistance.
One thing you can do on your own is to search for a free decryptor, such as the ones that we’ve published on our site. We would also like to mention that it would be smart from now on to invest in reliable protection against such infections and do everything possible to prevent any future Ransomware attacks. The best way to do this is to install reliable security software with Ransomware protection and copy all of your most important files on a separate external drive or on a cloud so you can access them at anytime.
SUMMARY:
| Name | Datalock |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Danger Level | High (Ransomware is by far the worst threat you can encounter) |
| Symptoms | Very few and unnoticeable ones before the ransom notification comes up. |
| Distribution Method | From fake ads and fake system requests to spam emails and contagious web pages. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Not Available |
| Detection Tool | Some threats reinstall themselves if you don't delete their core files. We recommend downloading SpyHunter to remove harmful programs for you. This may save you hours and ensure you don't harm your system by deleting the wrong files. |
OFFERRemove Datalock 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!
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.
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 Datalock 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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