[bannerTop]

In this article we are going to try and help you remove DeriaLock Ransomware. Our instructions cover all Windows versions.

Ransomware is arguably the most problematic and therefore most feared cyber threat. If you have been infected by DeriaLock ransomware, stick around so we can tell you more about the situation you’re in and help solve it. The reason why ransomware is such a huge threat is because it encrypts certain file types on the infected machine, rendering them inaccessible. The encryption is usually very strong and can often not be broken, which logically results in the loss of precious data. This can especially be devastating for businesses and organizations, which often also become targets of cybercriminals, mainly because they can be extorted for more money. And though security experts are constantly struggling to keep up with this ever evolving malware type, there are still options available that can help fight it and remedy the damage it causes. In this article we will give you a few prevention tips for future use, so as to avoid another attack. And also, we have attached a removal guide with all the necessary instructions that will show you how you can locate and remove DeriaLock. Furthermore, the guide also contains instructions that may help recover your encrypted files.

DeriaLock: How it works

DeriaLock is a representative of the most common and most harmful ransomware subtype – file-encrypting ransomware. Other types of ransomware include forms of scareware, like screen-locking viruses. These will block the screen of your desktop of portable device, preventing you from accessing anything on it until you pay ransom. In the case of DeriaLock and others of the same subtype, the virus’ way of operating is slightly more complex. It first needs to infiltrate your system, which usually goes completely unnoticed. After this, it proceeds to scan your system for targeted file types. Finally, it creates encrypted copies of those files, whilst deleting the originals. Once the process is complete, a ransom note will appear on your screen, informing you of the malicious process that had just taken place. In addition to that, a ransom demand will typically be stated. It will include the amount of the ransom, as well as transfer details and oftentimes even a deadline. This is a common scare tactic that hackers rely on, as they threaten to delete the files or never send you the necessary decryption code, should you fail to make the payment. The deadline is also intended to get you to panic and allow you less time to make a rational decision and act impulsively instead.

On certain rare occasions it may be possible to spot the infection and intercept the encryption process before it has managed to affect all of you data. This may especially be true for computers that have a lot of information stored on them and aren’t particularly powerful. This will cause a substantial slowdown in the PC’s performance and this could prompt the user to investigate the reason for it. You can detect DeriaLock or other ransomware, while it is still at work, by checking the Task Manager and sorting the processes in it by CPU and RAM used. The process using up the most resources will likely be the virus and if you spot it, you must immediately switch your PC off and contact a specialist. Be sure to remove any flash drives, so as to prevent the virus from affecting the files stored on it.

Distribution

Ransomware viruses usually rely on spam emails and malicious advertisements known as malvertisements for their distribution. In the case of the latter, hackers will usually corrupt online ads or create new malicious ones. When someone clicks on the ad, the virus is silently downloaded, after which it immediately gets down to business. In the case of spam emails, they are usually elaborately disguised as real correspondence from legitimate organizations, like online shops or other service providers. They trick users into downloading some attached file that is said to be a bill or order summary or something else that is expected to prompt your curiosity and gain your trust. That attachment will usually contain a Trojan that will then download the ransomware onto your PC. With these distribution methods in mind, it is important that you take all the necessary precautions so as to avoid them. Treat incoming emails with great caution and avoid clicking on random online ads, regardless of where they are. Also, another effective means of battling ransomware is to create backups of your most important data on separate drives.

DeriaLock Ransomware Removal

# 1

 [bannerMiddle]

Enter Windows Safe mode.

  • Win 7 Users: Restart your PC –> keep on clicking F8 –> In the subsequent Menu select Safe Mode with Networking.
  • Win 8 Users: Start Button –> Control Panel –> System and Security –> Administrative Tools –> System Configuration –> In the subsequent Menu select Safe Boot –>
  • Win 10 users: Start Menu –> Power Options Menu –> Hold down the SHIFT button while clicking on Restart –> Troubleshoot –> Advanced Options –> Startup Settings –> Restart –> In the subsequent Menu select Safe Mode with Networking.

# 2

Open Task Manager and locate any processes associated with DeriaLock.

  • Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC keys simultaneously –> Processes Tab –> Select a suspicious process (use Google or ask us in the comments if you are not sure about a process) –> Right Click and Open File Location –> End the suspicious process in Task Manager –> Delete the Folders containing the suspicious files.

# 3

Open the Registry Editor and search for DeriaLock.

  • Win 7 Users: Click Start and type regedit –> Enter –> Press CTRL + F buttons –> Type Cryp1 Virus in the search field.
  • Win 8/10 users: Start Button –> Choose Run –> type regedit –> Enter Press CTRL + F buttons –> Type DeriaLock in the search field.

# 4

Try to recover your files. First you will need System Restore.

  • Win 7 Users: Start button –> Type Windows System Restore –> Enter –> Open System Restore –> Select a Restore Point and revert to it.
  • Win 8 Users: Hold down the Windows key + Q –> Type Recovery –> Settings –> Choose the Recovery icon –> Open System Restore –> Select a Restore Point.
  • Win 10 Users: Start Menu –> Power Options Menu –> Hold down the SHIFT button while clicking on Restart –> Troubleshoot –> Advanced Options –> System Restore –> Select a Restore Point and apply it.

Secondly use program that can access your Shadow Copies.

 [bannerMiddleSecond]

  • Use Google to find the official website of such a program and download it.
  • Use the program to select the file types and the hard drive locations you want the program to scan for.
  • Start the scan and keep in mind that it might take a while.
  • Once the scan has been completed just select the files you want to be recovered.

If you have questions or suggestions feel free to use our comments section!