SafeLocker (8xUsq62/SafeLocker)

SafeLocker, also known as 8xUsq62, is a recent strain of file-encrypting ransomware discovered in June 2025. It stealthily locks victims’ files by appending the extension .8xUsq62 and drops a ransom note named OpenMe.txt, demanding $7,000 in Bitcoin via a Tor-based portal. This guide outlines the threat’s profile, behaviors, and how to respond if you’re infected.

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Threat Type

• Ransomware – encrypts files and demands payment for decryption

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SafeLocker Threat Overview

Element	Details
Encrypted file extension	.8xUsq62 — appended to each encrypted file
Ransom note	OpenMe.txt
Ransom amount	$7,000 USD (payment must be made in Bitcoin)
BTC Wallet	1B7VXP1F6tLi8uK5GNNFpdZeNDGauygikV
Detection names	Avast: Win32:MalwareX-gen [Ransom] Combo Cleaner: Generic.Ransom.HydraCrypt. ESET‑NOD32: MSIL/Filecoder.AK variant Kaspersky: HEUR:Trojan‑Ransom.MSIL.Agent.gen Microsoft: Ransom:MSIL/Ryzerlo.A
Symptoms of infection	Files have .8xUsq62 extension; cannot be opened; ransom note appears
Damage & distribution	Files encrypted and unusable; possible secondary malware; spread via malicious email attachments, pirated software, torrents, fake support pages, and malvertising
Danger level	High – full file encryption, steep ransom demand, limited decryption options
Removal tool	SpyHunter (Download here)

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Ransom Note Transcript

mathematicaCopyEdit#$$-__%$$#  
__$$%^^__#@$##

Your Files Are Encrypted.  
Your Documents, Downloads, Videos, etc.

But Do Not Worry, As I Possess The Key To All Of Your Problems.

In Order to Retrive It, You Must Pay.

Follow The Steps Listed Below:

1. Download the TOR browser at hxxps://torproject.org/
2. Visit any of the darknet sites listed below:
   -
3. Send $7000 USD worth of bitcoin to the address listed below: (NOTE: The transaction MUST be made through my servers!)

Bitcoin Address: 1B7VXP1F6tLi8uK5GNNFpdZeNDGauygikV

4. Once your payment Has been received, I will email you the decryption key and software in due time.

WARNING:

Do Not RENAME Any Encrypted Files, As This May Cause Problems During Decryption.

Use Of Third‑Party Software To Try and Decrypt Files Will Not Work. This Is Because This Ransomware Operates With Two Unique Encryption And Decryption Keys That Were Generated Upon Its Creation And Made Specifically For This Ransomware. Use of Third‑Party Software Will Also Result In The Price For Decryption Being Increased.

Refusal To Pay The Ransom Within 48 Hours Will Result In The Decryption Key Being Destroyed And Your Files Will Be Lost FOREVER.

I’m Sure You Can Manage.

Kind Regards

SafeLocker

@$$_--_%$##$-  
@@!$$+_--_$$%%^^^*  
##$$$__---^%$##!-+===$%^

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Threat Evaluation

How did I get infected?

The most common infection vectors for SafeLocker include:

• Malicious email attachments disguised as invoices, resumes, or government messages
• Executables bundled with pirated software or game cracks
• Fake tech support alerts tricking users into downloading malware
• Torrent downloads from untrusted sources
• Malvertising campaigns on sketchy or compromised websites

Opening or running any of these without protection can silently launch the ransomware.

What does it do?

SafeLocker encrypts most file types using a proprietary cryptographic algorithm. It renames them with the .8xUsq62extension and renders them unusable. Once the encryption process completes, it drops the ransom note OpenMe.txt, demanding a payment and threatening file destruction if victims do not comply within 48 hours.

The ransomware also warns against using third-party decryptors, claiming they will fail or increase the ransom. It may install additional malware to harvest data or maintain persistence.

Should you be worried?

Yes. SafeLocker is a high-risk ransomware. Without a backup or decryption key, there is no feasible way to recover files. Victims who pay the ransom are not guaranteed a working decryption tool. The longer the ransomware remains on the system, the greater the risk of data loss and further infection.

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Removal Tool

To eliminate the SafeLocker ransomware and associated malicious files from your system, use the following malware removal tool:

SpyHunter
Download SpyHunter for SafeLocker removal

Note: While SpyHunter removes the ransomware, it will not decrypt the encrypted files.

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

1. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. 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.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. 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.

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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

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. 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.

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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.

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Conclusion

SafeLocker (8xUsq62) is a dangerous ransomware threat capable of rendering your data completely inaccessible. Its use of strong encryption, the high ransom demand, and threats of permanent data loss make it a serious cybersecurity incident. Victims are advised not to pay the ransom and to use a trusted removal tool like SpyHunter to eliminate the infection from their system. Regular backups and heightened vigilance against phishing and fake downloads are critical in defending against threats like SafeLocker.