SparkLocker Virus

SparkLocker is a dangerous ransomware strain that encrypts users’ personal files and demands a ransom—typically $5,000 in Bitcoin—in exchange for a decryption tool. Victims are left unable to access their documents, photos, and other vital data unless they comply with the attackers’ demands. However, even payment does not guarantee file recovery.

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Threat Overview

Attribute	Details
Threat type	Ransomware
Encrypted file extension	.spark
Ransom note filename	OPENME.txt
Detection names	Avast: Win32:MalwareX-gen [Ransom]
Combo Cleaner: Generic.Ransom.HydraCrypt.8BDB7B0
ESET‑NOD32: A Variant Of MSIL/Filecoder.Chaos.A
Kaspersky: HEUR:Trojan‑Ransom.MSIL.Agent.gen
Microsoft: Ransom:MSIL/FileCoder.AD!MTB
Symptoms of infection	Files become inaccessible and renamed with the .spark extension; ransom note appears in text file; desktop wallpaper may change
Damage & distribution	Encrypts user files and demands ransom; distributed via email spam, malicious attachments, torrent files, and fake software updates
Danger level	High
Removal tool	SpyHunter – Download here

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Ransom Note (Text Version)

pythonCopyEditSPARKLOCKER RANSOMWARE

Ooops. All of your files have been encrypted! Your Videos, Photos, Documents, Applications, etc.
If you ever want to access your files again. Then you must purchase our unique decryption software built for SparkLocker Ransomware.

To purchase your decryption software and restore your files.
Please download the TOR browser at hxxps://torproject.org/.
Visit one of our three darknet sites listed below:
...

Once you're connected to our servers. Kindly follow the instructions listed and send $5000 USD worth of bitcoin to the address listed on the site.
After you've payed. Send a screenshot of the transaction to the email that you got SparkLocker Ransomware from. We will then send you the decryption software to restore your files.

We thank you for your cooperation.

Best Regards

SparkLocker

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Detailed Threat Evaluation

How Did I Get Infected?

Most SparkLocker infections occur through phishing emails with malicious attachments, fake software downloads, cracked applications, or compromised websites. Once a user opens the malicious file, the ransomware silently installs and starts encrypting files.

What Does SparkLocker Do?

After execution, SparkLocker scans the system for common file types, encrypts them using a strong algorithm, and appends the .spark extension to each. It then places a ransom note (OPENME.txt) in affected directories and often modifies the desktop background with further instructions. It demands a $5,000 Bitcoin payment in exchange for a decryptor.

Should You Be Worried?

Yes. SparkLocker uses robust encryption that is nearly impossible to reverse without the private decryption key, which only the attackers possess. Paying the ransom is not advisable, as many victims never receive a working decryptor even after payment. The risk to personal data and business continuity is severe.

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

SparkLocker is a high-risk ransomware threat that locks your files behind strong encryption and demands a substantial ransom. Its distribution methods make it a threat to both home users and businesses. Immediate removal of the ransomware is essential, and files should only be restored using clean, offline backups. Do not trust cybercriminals to honor their promises.

Use SpyHunter to remove SparkLocker from your system safely.