What is Ransomware Screen Locker? How to remove?

So, what is Screen Locker ransomware? How does it work? And how can you protect yourself from this ransomware?

What is Ransomware Screen Locker?

Most of us have heard of ransomware. This is one of the most dangerous types of malware that can completely encrypt your data and demand a ransom to decrypt it. There are different types of ransomware, like Cryptolocker, Locky, and Petya. One of such types is the Screen Locker ransomware.

The Screen Locker ransomware freezes your screen on startup and blocks you from accessing your computer. It displays a fake notice or warning claiming to be from some law enforcement agency like the FBI or DHS.

The notice also includes a number of created laws that you claim to have violated and requires a fine to unlock your screen. In short, it's just a way to blackmail victims and make money from them.

This type of ransomware targets the operating system level and bypasses all security measures. It can infect your computer through email attachments, websites or malicious links.

How Screen Locker ransomware infects your device?

There are several ways that the Screen Locker ransomware can infect your device.

The most common is through email attachments. These attachments can be in the form of documents, images, or even links. When you open the attachment, the malicious code executes and locks your screen.

Another way Screen Locker can infect your device is through fake updates. These updates can be for anything, like apps installed on your device, web browser, or even your entire operating system (OS). When you download and install a fake update, the Screen Locker ransomware is actually installed.

Screen Locker ransomware can also spread through malicious websites. These websites may contain exploit kits or downloads that can infect your device without your knowledge.

How does Ransomware Screen Locker work?

When your device is infected with Screen Locker ransomware, it locks the screen, blocks access to the system operating system, and displays a ransom request, which will usually take the form of a timer or an image.

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The warning usually says that you need to pay a certain amount to unlock your screen. Normally, Screen Locker ransomware doesn't use encryption, but in some cases, ransomware will also encrypt your files and demand a higher ransom.

How to identify the device infected with Screen Locker ransomware?

As soon as you see the ransom note on the screen, you will know immediately that your device has been infected with a virus. But there are a few other things you can check to be sure.

First, check if you can access the Task Manager. If you can, that means the ransomware hasn't completely taken control of your system.

Next, see if you can restart your computer in Safe Mode. If you can, then the ransomware didn't infect your computer's startup process.

Finally, check if you have a recent backup of your data. If there is a backup, then you can fornat your system and restore the data from the backup. Since most ransomware tends to spread to multiple devices, you must try to prevent it. Disconnect your computer from the network as soon as possible. This will prevent the ransomware from spreading to other devices connected to the same network.

If there are any external hard drives or USBs connected to the computer, disconnect them.

How to remove Screen Locker ransomware?

If you are sure that your device is infected with Screen Locker ransomware, then you need to remove it as soon as possible. You can use anti-malware or anti-virus software if you have access to it. They are designed to scan and remove any malware from your computer.

You can also use USB boot with anti-malware program to remove ransomware.

If you can access Windows' Safe Mode then removing the Screen Locker ransomware should be easy.

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To remove Screen Locker from your Windows device, restart your system in Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, only essential Windows applications and services run. This will help you track down the malware culprit and completely remove it from your device.

In Safe Mode, if the malicious application cannot be found and removed, you can restore the system to its pre-infection state. Windows automatically creates system restore points if you allow it. So by using system restore points, you can revert your system to a clean state.

Marvin Fry

Update 17 February 2023