What is SEED LOCKER ransomware? And how does it carry out its attack?
SEED LOCKER ransomware is a data-encrypting virus discovered in mid-February 2019. According to security experts, it seems to be a new variant of Everbe ransomware due to its behavior. Like the other variants, this suspected latest variant of Everbe ransomware uses the same sequence in its attack. It starts by dropping its payload file in the system which is the one that connects the computer to a remote C&C server controlled by the attackers.
After that, it downloads more malicious components that are used for its information gathering and stealth protection modules. It first starts to employ the data harvesting module used to gather data about the infected system and the personal information of the user(s). The harvested information, along with some malicious components is then used for the stealth protection module used to keep the crypto-malware invisible in the system from programs like firewalls, antivirus programs, virtual hosts, and sandbox environments that might interfere with its attack.
In addition, SEED LOCKER ransomware also alters some entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence. This way, it can configure itself to run automatically each time the infected computer is started. After the registry modification, it starts encrypting its targeted files like .doc, .docx, .jpg, .lnk, .pdf, .xls, and xlsx using either the AES or DES cipher. Once it’s done encrypting these files, it appends the .seed extension on every affected file. It then opens a file named “#_How_to_decrypt_files_#!.txt” which states:
“>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SEED LOCKER <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Hello, dear friend!
- [ALL YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED!]
Your files are NOT damaged! Your files are modified only. This modification is reversible. The only 1 way to decrypt your files is to receive the decryption program.
- [HOW TO RECOVERY FILES?]
To receive the decryption program write in our e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] And in subject write your ID: –
- [FREE DECRYPTION!]
Free decryption as a guarantee.
We guarantee the receipt of the decryption program after payment. To believe, you can give us up to 3 files that we decrypt for free. Files should not be important to you! (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SEED LOCKER <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<”
How is the malicious payload of SEED LOCKER ransomware disseminated online?
The malicious payload of SEED LOCKER ransomware is disseminated using several techniques such as deceptive downloads, unprotected RDP configuration, exploit kits, but cybercriminals often use malicious spam email campaigns. Crooks tend to attach an infected file containing malicious scripts used to launch SEED LOCKER ransomware in the system.
Use the removal guide given below in eliminating SEED LOCKER ransomware from your computer.
Step_1: The first thing you need to do is to obliterate the process of SEED LOCKER ransomware by opening the Task Manager – simply tap the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard.
Step_2: After that, click the Processes tab and look for the suspicious-looking process that takes up most of your CPU’s resources and is most likely related to SEED LOCKER ransomware and then end them all.
Step_3: Now that the malicious process is eliminated, close the Task Manager.
Step_4: Next, tap Win + R, type in appwiz.cpl and click OK or tap Enter to open Control Panel’s list of installed programs.
Step_5: Under the list of installed programs, look for SEED LOCKER ransomware or anything similar and then uninstall it.
Step_6: Then close Control Panel and tap Win + E keys to launch File Explorer.
Step_7: Navigate to the following locations below and look for SEED LOCKER ransomware’s malicious components like the file named “#_How_to_decrypt_files_#!.txt”, “[random].exe” as well as other suspicious files it has created and downloaded into the system and then delete all of them.
- %APPDATA%
- %TEMP%
- %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
- %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Templates\
- %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
- %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
Step_8: Close the File Explorer.
Before you go on any further, make sure that you are tech-savvy enough to the point where you know exactly how to use and navigate your computer’s Registry. Keep in mind that any changes you make will highly impact your computer. To save you the trouble and time, you can just use Restoro this system tool is proven to be safe and excellent enough that hackers won’t be able to hack into it. But if you can manage Windows Registry well, then by all means go on to the next steps.
Step_9: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in Regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.
Step_10: Navigate to the following path:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\ScreenSaveTimeOut
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
Step_11: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by SEED LOCKER ransomware.
Step_12: Close the Registry Editor and empty the Recycle Bin.
Try to recover your encrypted files using the Shadow Volume copies
Restoring your encrypted files using Windows Previous Versions feature will only be effective if SEED LOCKER 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.
Congratulations, you have just removed SEED LOCKER Ransomware in Windows 10 all by yourself. If you would like to read more helpful articles and tips about various software and hardware visit fixmypcfree.com daily.
Now that’s how you remove SEED LOCKER Ransomware in Windows 10 on a computer. On the other hand, if your computer is going through some system-related issues that have to get fixed, there is a one-click solution known as Restoro you could check out to resolve them.
This program is a useful tool that could repair corrupted registries and optimize your PC’s overall performance. Aside from that, it also cleans out your computer for any junk or corrupted files that help you eliminate any unwanted files from your system. This is basically a solution that’s within your grasp with just a click. It’s easy to use as it is user-friendly. For a complete set of instructions in downloading and using it, refer to the steps below
Perform a full system scan using Restoro. To do so, follow the instructions below.
