Learn the symptoms, impact, and threat level of the RedLocker Virus before it’s too late.
The RedLocker Virus is a dangerous ransomware strain that encrypts users’ personal and work-related files, demanding a hefty ransom in cryptocurrency for their release. It targets unsuspecting users primarily via spam emails with malicious attachments, pirated software, and suspicious download links. Once inside your system, it quickly renders your files inaccessible and adds the .redlocker extension, often without any visible warning until it’s too late.
This ransomware is notorious for manipulating user trust through fear and urgency. Once active, it changes your wallpaper to a ransom note that outlines the demands and payment instructions. The hackers behind RedLocker threaten to double the ransom amount if payment isn’t made within 24 hours. Victims are advised not to pay the ransom, as there’s no guarantee that the decryption key will ever be provided.
RedLocker Virus – At a Glance
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Threat Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Encrypted File Extension | .redlocker |
Ransom Note File Name | Not a separate file – set as wallpaper |
Associated Emails | Not disclosed |
Detection Names | Trojan.Ransom.RedLocker, Ransom:Win32/Filecoder |
Symptoms | Files renamed with .redlocker, wallpaper changed, data inaccessible |
Damage | File encryption, possible data theft, system slowdown, startup changes |
Distribution Methods | Spam email attachments, fake software, malicious websites |
Danger Level | High – encrypts files, demands large ransom, may download more malware |
What RedLocker Ransomware Does
Once launched, RedLocker searches for files commonly used in business, media, and personal contexts—such as documents, spreadsheets, databases, videos, and images—and encrypts them using a strong algorithm. After encryption, the virus adds the .redlocker extension to each file, making them unusable.
It doesn’t stop there. RedLocker connects to remote command-and-control servers, potentially allowing attackers to install additional malware. It also places malicious executables in critical system directories, including:
%Local%
%Temp%
%Windows%
%SystemDrive%
%LocalLow%
%AppData%
%System%
%system32%
The ransomware manipulates the Windows Registry to ensure it runs at every startup, keeping your system compromised even after rebooting.
RedLocker Ransom Note (Displayed as Wallpaper)
WOOPS, YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED!
Your important files have been encrypted by a sophisticated ransomware.
You will not be able to access your files, until they will be decrypted.
Do not waste your time by searching for a decryptor, this will not help you.
CAN I RECOVER MY FILES?
Sure, we promise that you will be able to recover all of your files safely.
But if you want to decrypt your files, you need to pay.
You only have 24 hours to submit the payment, otherwise the price will be doubled.
HOW DO I PAY?
You will be able to pay only in bitcoin, for anonymous reasons.
If you don’t know how to buy bitcoins, you can check it using our menu.
PAYMENT INFOS
BTC Address: 19DpJAWr6NCVT2oAnWieozQPsRK7Bj83r4
AMOUNT TO SEND: $500.000
WARNING
- DO NOT REMOVE THE ‘.redlocker’ EXTENSION TO THE FILES, IT WILL CORRUPT THEM.
- DO NOT TRY TO USE FREE DECRYPTORS ONLINE, YOU WILL CORRUPT YOUR FILES.
PRESS ANY KEY TO GO TO THE MENU
The hackers may also “prove” their ability to decrypt files by offering to unlock a few small files (usually under 5MB), though this is often a tactic to manipulate victims into paying.
Manual Ransomware Removal Guide
Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).
Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet
- Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.
Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode
For Windows Users:
- For Windows 10, 11:
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig
, and hit Enter. - Go to the Boot tab.
- Check Safe boot and select Network.
- Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
- Press Windows + R, type
- For Windows 7, 8:
- Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
- Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
- Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.
Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes
For Windows Users:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
- Right-click on the process and select End Task.
For Mac Users:
- Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
- Look for unusual processes.
- Select the process and click Force Quit.
Step 4: Delete Malicious Files
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%
, and hit Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Navigate to:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
C:\Windows\System32
- Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.
For Mac Users:
- Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
- Type
~/Library/Application Support
and delete suspicious folders. - Navigate to
~/Library/LaunchAgents
and remove unknown.plist
files.
Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings
For Windows Users:
Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit
, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
- Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
- Right-click and select Delete.
For Mac Users:
- Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
- Navigate to
~/Library/Preferences
and remove malicious.plist
files.
Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
rstrui
, and hit Enter. - Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
- Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
- Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.
Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)
- Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.
Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup
- If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.
Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter
If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.
Step 1: Download SpyHunter
Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter
Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions
Step 2: Install SpyHunter
- Open the downloaded file (
SpyHunter-Installer.exe
). - Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
- Once installed, launch SpyHunter.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click on Start Scan Now.
- SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
- Wait for the scan to complete.
Step 4: Remove Detected Threats
- After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
- Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.
Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)
If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.
Step 6: Restore Your Files
If your files are encrypted:
- Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
- Restore from cloud storage or external backups.
Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks
- Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
- Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
- Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
- Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
- Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.