What is SEED LOCKER ransomware? And how does it carry out its attack?

SEED LOCKER ransomware is a data-encrypting virus discovered mid-February 2019. According to security experts, it seems to be a new variant of Everbe ransomware due to its behavior. Like the other variants, this suspected latest variant of Everbe ransomware uses the same sequence in its attack. It starts by dropping its payload file in the system which is the one that connects the computer to a remote C&C server controlled by the attackers.
After that, it downloads more malicious components that are used for its information gathering and stealth protection modules. It first starts to employ the data harvesting module used to gather data about the infected system and the personal information of the user(s). The harvested information, along with some malicious components is then used for the stealth protection module used to keep the crypto-malware invisible in the system from programs like firewall, antivirus programs, virtual hosts, and sandbox environment that might interfere with its attack.
In addition, SEED LOCKER ransomware also alters some entries in the Windows Registry to achieve persistence. This way, it can configure itself to run automatically each time the infected computer is started. After the registry modification, it starts encrypting its targeted files like .doc, .docx, .jpg, .lnk, .pdf, .xls, and xlsx using either the AES or DES cipher. Once it’s done encrypting these files, it appends the .seed extension on every affected file. It then opens a file named “#_How_to_decrypt_files_#!.txt” which states:
“>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SEED LOCKER <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Hello, dear friend!

1. [ALL YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED!]

Your files are NOT damaged! Your files are modified only. This modification is reversible. The only 1 way to decrypt your files is to receive the decryption program.

2. [HOW TO RECOVERY FILES?]

To receive the decryption program write in our e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] And in subject write your ID: –

3. [FREE DECRYPTION!]

Free decryption as guarantee.
We guarantee the receipt of the decryption program after payment. To believe, you can give us up to 3 files that we decrypt for free. Files should not be important to you! (databases, backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> SEED LOCKER <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<”
 
How is the malicious payload of SEED LOCKER ransomware disseminated online?
The malicious payload of SEED LOCKER ransomware is disseminated using several techniques such as deceptive downloads, unprotected RDP configuration, exploit kits, but cyber criminals often use malicious spam email campaigns. Crooks tend to attach an infected file containing malicious scripts used to launch SEED LOCKER ransomware in the system.
Use the removal guide given below in eliminating SEED LOCKER ransomware from your computer.
Step 1: The first thing you need to do is to obliterate the process of SEED LOCKER ransomware by opening the Task Manager – simply tap the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard.
Step 2: After that, click the Processes tab and look for suspicious-looking process that takes up most of your CPU’s resources and is most likely related to SEED LOCKER ransomware and then end them all.

Step 3: Now that the malicious process is eliminated, close the Task Manager.
Step 4: Next, tap Win + R, type in appwiz.cpl and click OK or tap Enter to open Control Panel’s list of installed programs.
Step 5: Under the list of installed programs, look for SEED LOCKER ransomware or anything similar and then uninstall it.

Step 6: Then close Control Panel and tap Win + E keys to launch File Explorer.
Step 7: Navigate to the following locations below and look for SEED LOCKER ransomware’s malicious components like the file named “#_How_to_decrypt_files_#!.txt”, “[random].exe” as well as other suspicious files it has created and downloaded into the system and then delete all of them.

• %APPDATA%
• %TEMP%
• %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
• %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Templates\
• %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
• %USERPROFILE%\Desktop

Step 8: Close the File Explorer.
Before you go on any further, make sure that you are tech savvy enough to the point where you know exactly how to use and navigate your computer’s Registry. Keep in mind that any changes you make will highly impact your computer. To save you the trouble and time, you can just use [product-name] this system tool is proven to be safe and excellent enough that hackers won’t be able to hack into it. But if you can manage Windows Registry well, then by all means go on to the next steps.
Step 9: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.

Step 10: Navigate to the following path:

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\ScreenSaveTimeOut
• HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop

Step 11: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by SEED LOCKER ransomware.
Step12. Close the Registry Editor and empty the Recycle Bin.
Try to recover your encrypted files using the Shadow Volume copies
Restoring your encrypted files using Windows’ Previous Versions feature will only be effective if SEED LOCKER ransomware hasn’t deleted the shadow copies of your files. But still, this is one of the best and free methods there is, so it’s definitely worth a shot.
To restore the encrypted file, right-click on it and select Properties, a new window will pop-up, then proceed to Previous Versions. It will load the file’s previous version before it was modified. After it loads, select any of the previous versions displayed on the list like the one in the illustration below. And then click the Restore button.

After you’ve covered the steps provided above, you need to continue the removal process of SEED LOCKER ransomware using a reliable program like [product-name]. How? Follow the advanced removal steps below.
Perform a full system scan using [product-code]. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Turn on your computer. If it’s already on, you have to reboot it.
2. After that, the BIOS screen will be displayed, but if Windows pops up instead, reboot your computer and try again. Once you’re on the BIOS screen, repeat pressing F8, by doing so the Advanced Option shows up.

3. To navigate the Advanced Option use the arrow keys and select Safe Mode with Networking then hit
4. Windows will now load the Safe Mode with Networking.
5. Press and hold both R key and Windows key.

6. If done correctly, the Windows Run Box will show up.
7. Type in the URL address, [product-url] in the Run dialog box and then tap Enter or click OK.
8. After that, it will download the program. Wait for the download to finish and then open the launcher to install the program.
9. Once the installation process is completed, run [product-code] to perform a full system scan.

10. After the scan is completed click the “Fix, Clean & Optimize Now” button.