Ransom.VirLock
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Short bio
Ransom.VirLock is Malwarebytes’ detection name for a polymorphic Worm that both encrypts files and locks the screen
Type of infection
Even though Ransom.VirLock is relatively old (it was first seen in 2014) we still see an occasional infection. It is able to spread through shared applications and cloud storage. Besides being polymorphic it also avoids detection by using multiple layers of encoding. It gains persistence by registering itself as a service on the infected system.
Malicious behavior
The screenlock shows a warning that localized authorities have found pirated software on the system and ask for a ransom payment in Bitcoin.
Aftermath
Ransom.VirLock often renders the infected system useless because it also infects executable files. This makes cleaning an affected machine very hard.
Protection
Malwarebytes protects business and home users from Ransom.VirLock by using Anti-Ransomware technology and real-time protection.
Home remediation
You can use the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Nebula console to scan endpoints.
Nebula endpoint tasks menu
Choose the Scan + Quarantine option. Afterwards you can check the Detections page to see which threats were found.
On the Quarantine page you can see which threats were quarantined and restore them if necessary.
All component/technology detections are passed to the remediation engine for complete removal from infected systems. This industry leading technology uses patented techniques in identifying all cohorts or associated files for a single threat and removes them all together to prevent malware from resuscitating itself. If you are using Malwarebytes Ransomware Rollback technology, it allows you to wind back the clock to negate the impact of ransomware by leveraging just-in-time backups.
Associated threats
- Virlock.Ransom.FileInfector.DDS