How to Remove Astralocker Ransomware

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that infects your files and demands money to free them. Ransomware usually offers the victim the option of paying money in order to decrypt their encrypted information.

How Does Ransomware Spread?

Ransomware is typically downloaded onto a device through spam emails or malicious links, but any user can fall victim if they have an unprotected operating system or having opening attachments from unknown senders online.

When ransomware runs on your computer, it encrypts all of the data stored on it and blocks you from using that data until you pay a ransom amount (usually in Bitcoin) for the decryption software needed to recover the information.

The ransom amount varies depending on what type of ransomware has infected your computer, but usually ranges between $50 and $1000.

How Does Astralocker Ransomware Work?

As of now, Astralocker Ransomware has only been observed to target Windows operating system. The ransomware encrypts the user's files and renders them inaccessible without a key that is generated by the threat actor or can be purchased from an online service called "Astralocker". This ransomware creates a folder named "Astralocker" under the user's Documents & Settings folder.

Once the user has been infected by this threat, they are prompted with a pop up window that displays 'warning message' and 'further instructions'.

How to Remove Astralocker Ransomware

To remove the ransomware, an entirely different approach is needed. The key to this approach is that ransomware cannot be removed from a device only by uninstalling or removing the application.

REMOVING FILES:
To remove the encrypted files from your computer, you should use software that has been designed to remove malicious or suspicious programs. The key to this process is to locate the master encryption key for the files so that you can restore your data. The master encryption key is stored by Astralocker Ransomware in a separate location on the computer.

REPLACING WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM:
Installing a clean version of your computer's operating system will remove Astralocker Ransomware and all other malicious programs from the infected host machine. This is because, as mentioned earlier, ransomware cannot be removed by simply uninstalling or removing it from Windows Control Panel. Another benefit of installing a clean copy of your OS is that it ensures that none of your personal data can be stolen or used maliciously.

How to Protect My Computer From Ransomware

There are a few ways to protect your computer from ransomware, but the key is applying all of these security measures consistently. One way to protect your computer from ransomware is by using anti-virus software or just turning on Windows Defender.

Another way you can prevent ransomware infections is by limiting what file types you download and where you download them from. Malware protection should also be in place as well as having backups of files that are important for work purposes or schoolwork. Using passwords and encrypting files can also help limit the risk of being infected by malware, such as a virus or malicious program like a ransomware infection.