How to Eliminate Apollolocker Ransomware (Crypto-Malware)

What is Apollolocker ransomware? And how does it execute its attack?

Apollolocker ransomware functions as a file-encrypting threat. It is a newly released crypto-malware that mainly affects Turkish users. Its ransom note is written in Turkish so there is no doubt that it targets the users of that country. However, that shouldn’t put you at ease since this ransomware uses several distribution techniques so there’s still a possibility that you could stumble upon this infection if you’re careless.
After Apollolocaker ransomware infiltrates computer, it starts to encrypt various files in the computer and appends the .locked extension in each file. It also drops several files which contain the ransom note demanding users to pay the ransom worth $500 using the instructions given. Its ransom note is contained in two kinds of files – the DOSYALARI-KURTAR %num%.txt and the DOSYALARI-KURTAR %num%.url. One of the strange things about this ransomware is that it gives its victims plenty of time to pay the ransom, giving them several weeks instead of the usual short duration like within 24 or 72 hours.
This ransomware often carries the a malicious executable file named ApolloLocker.exe, pe.exe and other alternate file name and aside from Apollolocaker’s encryption ability, it also manifests its task using the feature of browser password theft. During its attack, the ransomware may download suspicious APIs onto the compromised computer. It also tends to exploit Internet Explorer vulnerabilities and collects useful technical information about the infected computer. And even if it shows some elements of an anti-virtual machine behavior, many security tools was still able to detect the ransomware’s malicious components which are under the names of Trojan.Ransom.ApolloLock, TR/AD.BrowserPwdStealer.pwihj and W32/Filecoder.NNK!tr.
While the majority of ransomware threats originated in the US or by some crooks pretending to be from the US, there are still some malware that are oriented in other countries. And while most of the ransomware infections are based on the HiddenTear open source platform, Apollolocker seems to be different from them. Security experts found that even though this ransomware delivers an exquisite payment site, they were able to detect some amusing flaw-like features. Nonetheless, it does not change the fact that this malware is a full-fledged crypto virus that targets Windows OS. Not to mention that it also has the ability to access registry keys and creates mutant files and modify proxy settings. So before it gets any worse than it already it is, eliminating this ransomware should be on top your to-do list.

How does Apollolocker ransomware distribute its infection?

Aside from its tendency to functions as a Trojan and a malicious executable file, this ransomware is likely to spread using spam emails. These spam emails are often disguised to trick users into opening them and downloading the corrupted attachment. The perpetrators may disguise the email as something from a well-known institution, a bank, making you believe that the attachment is some sort of an important file. So before you get carried away by such emails, you must always check its sender first or better yet, delete any suspicious emails that find its way into your inbox.
You shouldn’t also disregard another distribution technique – exploit kits and rogue software. Just a piece of advice, before you download any application or enable a browser extension, make sure that it is a genuine and legitimate software downloaded from its official site.
Follow the given guidelines below for the successful removal of Apollolocker rasnomware and for the recovery of the encrypted files.
Step 1: Open Windows Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc at the same time.

Step 2: Go to both the Application and Processes tabs and look for important.exe and any suspicious applications and processes and then kill them.

Step 3: Open Control Panel by pressing the Windows key + R, then type in appwiz.cpl and then click OK or press Enter.

Step 4: Look for Apollolocker ransomware or any suspicious program and then uninstall it/them.

Step 5: Hold down Windows + E keys simultaneously to open File Explorer.
Step 6: Go to the directories listed below.

%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%\Desktop
%USERPROFILE%\Downloads
%APPDATA%

Step 7: Look for the following malicious files and delete them.

DOSYALARI-KURTAR 1.url
DOSYALARI-KURTAR 1.txt
DOSYALARI-KURTAR 2.url
DOSYALARI-KURTAR 2.txt

Step 8: Close the File Explorer.

The next step below is not recommended for you if you don’t know how to navigate the Registry Editor. Making registry changes can highly impact your computer. So it is highly advised to use PC Cleaner Pro instead to get rid of the entries that Apollolocker ransomware created. So if you are not familiar with the Windows Registry skip to Step 13 onwards.

However, if you are well-versed in making registry adjustments, then you can proceed to step 9.
Step 9: Open the Registry Editor, to do so, tap Win + R and type in regedit and then press enter.
Step 10: Navigate to the path below:
HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop
Step 11: Delete all the value named WallPaper.
Step 12: Close the Registry Editor.
Step 13: Empty the Recycle Bin.
Step 14: Try to recover your encrypted files.
Note: Restoring your encrypted files using Windows’ Previous Versions feature will only be effective if Apollolocker Ransomware hasn’t deleted the shadow copies of your files. But still, this is one of the best and free methods there is, so it’s definitely worth a shot.
To restore the encrypted file, right-click on it and select Properties, a new window will pop-up, then proceed to Previous Versions. It will load the file’s previous version before it was modified. After it loads, select any of the previous versions displayed on the list like the one in the illustration below. And then click the Restore button.

Follow the continued advanced steps below to ensure the removal of the ransomware infection:
Perform a full system scan using SpyRemover Pro.

Turn on your computer. If it’s already on, you have to reboot
After that, the BIOS screen will be displayed, but if Windows pops up instead, reboot your computer and try again. Once you’re on the BIOS screen, repeat pressing F8, by doing so the Advanced Option shows up.

To navigate the Advanced Option use the arrow keys and select Safe Mode with Networking then hit
Windows will now load the Safe Mode with Networking.
Press and hold both R key and Windows key.

If done correctly, the Windows Run Box will show up.
Type in Apollolocker http://www.fixmypcfree.com/install/spyremoverpro

A single space must be in between Apollolocker and http. Click OK.

A dialog box will be displayed by Internet Apollolocker. Click Run to begin downloading SpyRemover Pro. Installation will start automatically once download is done.