Victims of the Cryptolocker malware program can now recover their encrypted files for free.
A group of security researchers has set up the site Decrypt Cryptolocker, through which users can send a file which was encrypted by Cryptolocker along with their email address.
This portal will then email you a master decryption key along with a download link to our recovery program that can be used together with the master decryption key to repair all encrypted files on your system.
So that’s the end of that. Cryptolocker can no longer do any damage.
What Happened?
The Cryptolocker software was a piece of malware which infected hundreds of thousands of windows computers.
The software entered a user’s computer in many different ways, like as an email attachment. But once it was in, it encrypted certain files on the infected computer using a form of public-key cryptography similar to that upon which Bitcoin is built.
It would then displaying a message demanding a ransom payment in Bitcoin or a prepaid voucher in order to release the private key and decrypt the files.
The Culprit
The mastermind behind Cryptolocker is thought to be Evgeniy Bogachev, a Russian man who goes by “lucky12345″ and “slavik” online.
The FBI charged Bogachev with being the ringleader behind Cryptolocker, as well as another malware program, Gameover Zeus.
The FBI is currently searching for Bogachev, who is considered a flight risk. He is thought to be living in Russia.
Cryptolocker Victims Can Get Their Files Unlocked Now
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