Are you unable to access your files saved on Computer?
Are your files appended with .marlock7 file extension? If yes then you are a victim of the Marlock virus attack. Marlock Ransomware is yet another dangerous data encrypting malware. It belongs to the MedusaLocker Ransomware family that was first detected back in the year 2019. Like any other variants of this family, Marlock Ransomware also uses RSA + AES encryption algorithm. As soon as the system gets compromised with this virus, all the saved files gets locked as they are appended with the .marlock7 file extension. Suppose for example, an image file with the name as 1.jpg will be appended and renamed to 1.jpg.marlock7. Also the icons will get changed to white pages making it impossible to preview them. All the files such as Photos, videos, documents, files get encrypted by Marlock Ransomware.
Threat Summary:
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- Name: Marlock Ransomware, Marlock Virus
- Type: Data locking malware, Ransomware
- Family: MedusaLocker Ransomware family
- Symptoms: Encrypts files such as Documents, files, PDFs, photos, pictures, archives, database. It appends .marlock7 as file extension.
- Distribution: By malicious email attachments, P2P file sharing on the network, clicking on malverts and malicious ads
- Ransom Note: HOW_TO_RECOVER_DATA.html
- Hackers Email id: [email protected] or ithelp01@wholeness
- Removal: Scan your PC with Legit Anti-malware
Overview About Marlock Ransom Note
Once the system is targeted and attacked by Marlock Ransomware, a ransom note is generated and dropped on the system in the form of a text file as HOW_TO_RECOVER_DATA.html. It informs the victims that their system is compromised and all the stored data are held hostage by Marlock Ransomware Operators. It further reads that a copy of all the files are stored on the private server and it would be publicly published or sold to third parties in case victims do not pay the ransom within a stipulated time frame of 72 hours. Victims need to contact hackers using the TOR website link which is provided in the note or using the email id as [email protected] or [email protected] as email address. Also the ransom amount of the decryption tool will increase to manifolds beyond the period of 72 hours. Victims are warned not to try renaming and modifying the files since it will damage the files permanently. For example as to how the files can get decrypted, victims can send two to three encrypted files to hackers and it would be decrypted and sent back to them.
How to Get rid of Marlock Ransomware
However users should never pay ransom to hackers as there is no guarantee that hackers will provide a decryption tool. One cannot rely upon hackers as they are fraudsters. Contacting them or getting in touch with them will expose your system to more risks. Also if you pay the ransom there are chances of losing your hard earned money along with data which is already encrypted. So instead of paying the ransom, victims should remove Marlock Ransomware from their compromised PC. Since the manual method is lengthy it is better to opt for an automatic removal process as recommended in the post below to get rid of Marlock Virus.
Best Offer (For Windows)
Marlock Ransomware can be creepy PC threat that may keep on running in background by hiding its files on computers. For complete and hassle free removal of this malware, we suggest users to try Spyhunter antimalware scanner to check if the program can help you getting rid of this virus.
Kindly Note *Free Remover allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found. Spyhunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and more details about Free Remover
Best Offer (For Macintosh) If you are a Mac user and Marlock Ransomware has affected it, then you can download free antimalware scanner for Mac here to check if the program works for you.
Details of Antimalware with User’s Guide
Step 1 Remove Marlock Ransomware using “Safe Mode with Networking”
Step 2 Delete Marlock Ransomware using “System Restore”
Step 1 Remove Marlock Ransomware using “Safe Mode with Networking”
Windows XP and Windows 7 users:
First of all Reboot the PC in “Safe Mode”. For this users need to Click on “Start” option and then continuously Tap on F8 during the start process. Then a “Windows Advanced Option” menu will appear on the screen. Now Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the listed options.
This will open a new Windows homescreen and your PC or work-station will be working on “Safe Mode with Networking”.
For Windows 8
First Go to Start Screen. Now type “Advanced” after selecting settings within the searched results Within the “General PC Settings” option, Select “Advanced startup” option. Then click on the “Restart Now” option. This will boot work-station to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Now Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button. Then under “Advanced Option Screen”, You need to press on “Startup Settings”. Now again, click on “Restart” button. This will restart PC or Work-station with “Startup Setting” screen. You need to tap F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.
For Windows 10
First of all click on Windows logo by clicking on the “Power” icon. This will open a new menu. Select “Restart” by constantly keeping “Shift” button pressed on keyboard. Once the new Window open Select on “Troubleshoot” as advanced option. Within the startup settings users need to press on “Restart” by clicking on F5 button of the keyboard.
Step:2 How To Delete Marlock Ransomware using System Restore
For this you need to log in on the PC which is compromised by Marlock Ransomware. Now open any browser and download legit anti-malware software. Once installed you need to undergo complete system scan. Thereafter remove the infected and suspicious entries which are detected.
Best Offer (For Windows)
Marlock Ransomware can be creepy PC threat that may keep on running in background by hiding its files on computers. For complete and hassle free removal of this malware, we suggest users to try Spyhunter antimalware scanner to check if the program can help you getting rid of this virus.
Kindly Note *Free Remover allows you, subject to a 48-hour waiting period, one remediation and removal for results found. Spyhunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and more details about Free Remover
Best Offer (For Macintosh) If you are a Mac user and Marlock Ransomware has affected it, then you can download free antimalware scanner for Mac here to check if the program works for you.
Suppose if you are unable to start PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, you need not worry. Try “System Restore” Process
Continuously tap F8 Key during “Startup” and then “Advanced Option” menu will appear. Now from the given list of option you need to select “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and hit on Enter button.
Within new open window of command prompt, type “cd restore” and then click “Enter”
Now type rstrui.exe and then press “ENTER”
In the new opened Window Click on “Next” option.
You can select and choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on Next (This would restore your PC to earlier period before Marlock Ransomware invasion when it was working fine.)
Press on “Yes” in new opened Window.
As soon as your PC gets restored to its previous time, download the suggested anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Marlock Ransomware infected files if still present on the the work-station.
If you want to restore each file separately which is infected by this ransomware, kindly use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This step is most effective whenever “System Restore Function” is enabled on the PC or work-station.
Important Note: Some variants of Marlock Ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” so in such cases this feature may not work all the time and will work in specific cases only.
Know How To Restore Encrypted Files Individually
If you want to restore an individual file, you need to right click on it and then go to “Properties”. Now Select “Previous Version” tab. then Choose a “Restore Point” and finally click on “Restore” option.
If you want to access the files encrypted by Marlock Ransomware, alternatively you can try “Shadow Explorer”. To know more details on this application, Click here.
Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are very devastating and hence it is always better to take necessary precautions to avoid any attack on your work-station or PC. We recommend using a powerful anti-malware tool for real time protection. “SpyHunter”, “Enigma group policy objects” are enabled in the registries so that it can block harmful infections such as Marlock Ransomware.
Also, it is highly important to get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” installed on Windows 10. This would ensure to offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature to block any kind of encryption of the data files. Using this feature all the files stored in their default locations are safe.
How To Recover Files Encrypted by Marlock Ransomware
You would have understood now that how you can remove the scripts and payloads of personal files that got encrypted due to Marlock Ransomware in order to protect your personal files which were fortunately not damaged or encrypted till now. If you are unable to retrieve the locked files, using “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” you must try using a Data Recovery Software.
Step 1: Download Data Recovery Software
Step 2: Double click to execute the installer file on your PC
Step 3: Click to Accept to agree the terms and agreement.
Step 4: Once installed, this program will be ready to execute. Now select the file you want to recover
Step 5: Select the drive on which the recovery tool is to be run upon. Then click on Scan option
Step 6: This will show Scan in progress bar
