
- Press ⊞ WINDOWS + I to open settings
- Click on System in the sidebar
- Scroll down and select Multitasking
- Find Alt + Tab section and click on the drop-down menu
- Pick Open Windows Only
- Close settings
PyLocky ransomware is a file-locking malware created in order to lock important files and demand ransom from victims in exchange for data recovery. This new ransomware uses the .lockymap extension in marking the files it encrypts. It starts to execute its attack by dropping the following malicious payload in the system:
Name: facture_4739149_08.26.2018.exe
SHA256:8655f8599b0892d55efc13fea404b520858d01812251b1d25dcf0afb4684dce9
Size: 5.3 MB
After dropping its malicious payload, this crypto-malware connects the infected computer to a remote server where it downloads more malicious files and places them on system folders. It then applies a data gathering module used to gather data about the user and the computer. The malicious files that were downloaded earlier along with the data obtained are used for another module called stealth protection. This allows PyLocky ransomware to execute its attack without detection from any security or antivirus programs installed in the system. It also modifies some registry keys and entries in the Windows Registry such as:
Once all the modifications are carried out, PyLocky ransomware will begin encrypting its targeted files using a sophisticated encryption cipher. Following the encryption, it adds the .lockymap extension to each one of the encrypted files and releases a ransom note named “LOCKY-README.txt” which contains the following content:
“Please be advised:
All your files, pictures document and data has been encrypted with Military Grade Encryption RSA ABS-256.
Your information is not lost. But Encrypted.
In order for you to restore your files, you have to purchase a Decrypter.
Follow these steps to restore your files.
1* Download the Tor Browser. ( Just type in google “Download Tor“
2‘ Browse to URL: http://4wcgqlckaazungm.onion/index.php
3* Purchase the Decryptor to restore your files.
It is very simple. If you don’t believe that we can restore your files, then you can restore 1 file of image format for free.
Be aware the time is ticking. Price will be doubled every 96 hours so use it wisely.
Your unique ID :
CAUTION:
Please do not try to modify or delete any encrypted file as it will be hard to restore it.
SUPPORT:
You can contact support to help decrypt your files for you.
Click on support at http://4wcgqlckaazungm.onion/index.php”
PyLocky ransomware spreads using malicious spam email campaigns. Creators of this threat embed an infected attachment to spam emails and send them using a spambot. Crooks may even use deceptive tactics to trick you into opening the malware-laden immediately which is something you must not do. Thus, before opening any emails, make sure that you’ve thoroughly checked them.
To successfully obliterate PyLocky ransomware from your computer, refer to the removal guide laid out below.
%TEMP%
%WINDIR%System32Tasks
%APPDATA%MicrosoftWindowsTemplates
%USERPROFILE%Downloads
%USERPROFILE%Desktop
HKEY_CURRENT_USERControl PanelDesktop
HKEY_USERS.DEFAULTControl PanelDesktop
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRun
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionRunOnce
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 PyLocky 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.
Free Download Manager is a software program developed by FreeDownloadManager.ORG. According to the publisher:
This software downloads files and converts videos. Its features include integration with all browsers, support of downloads from RapidShare, BitTorrent support, adjusting traffic usage, resuming broken downloads, and adds BitTorrent support, flash video download, upload manager, portable mode, and remote control.
During setup, the program creates a startup registration point in Windows in order to automatically start when any user boots the PC. It adds a browser extension to help it cache files you are downloading over your browser. The software is designed to connect to the internet and adds a Windows Firewall exception in order to do so without being interfered with. It also hooks up to start automatically and cache every download even if it's turned off.
This software comes bundled with video converters that some anti-virus programs marked as malware and therefore it is considered a potentially unwanted program.
Aro2012 is a PC Optimizer Software that typically comes bundled with other software. Even though Aro2012 poses no threat itself, the programs that it comes bundled with may pose a problem to your computer.
From the Author: ARO is an advanced repair and optimization utility designed to help improve and maintain computers running the Windows operating system (both 32- and 64-bit). ARO focuses on finding errors that hide out in the Windows registry, identifying PC and web browser clutter that may be hindering PC performance, and ensuring computers have adequate security solutions installed and up to date. With its advanced scanning engine, ARO provides deep scanning capabilities to identify and repair registry errors. ARO also searches for and removes “junk” files that accumulate over time and can put a damper on PC performance.
When installed Aro2012 creates a startup entry that allows it to run each time the computer is started. It also adds a task scheduler that allows it to run at various times.
MySearchDial is a browser hijacker that typically comes bundled with free software on the internet. This web platform designed for searching the internet and offers the installation of its software. This software injects itself into browsers and gains access to your settings, browsing data & user information. This data is distributed to the ad providers without limitation. While covered by their EULA, most users will be unaware of what they agree to with checkboxes selected by default. The software also adds a huge amount of registry keys and links throughout the operating system. Since the software injects itself into many personal files, removing the software results in a total reset of your browser settings. For these reasons MySearchDial is classified as potentially unwanted and is flagged for removal by a number of internet security utilities.
“Close other apps. It looks as though another app is already using the camera. If you need it, here’s the error code: 0xA00F4243 (0xC00D3704)”To fix the error code: 0xA00F4243 (0xC00D3704) in the Camera UWP app, you can try to run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter or reset the Camera app or update or reinstall the driver or apply some tweaks in the Registry Editor. In addition, you can also try checking the Windows Services or run the System File Checker.