Uninstall Basilisque Locker ransomware from your computer
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is Basilisque Locker?
Basilisque Locker is high-risk ransomware designed to encrypt data and make ransom demands. Note that Basilisque Locker typically targets server devices rather than home computers. During encryption, Basilisque Locker renames each file to a random string and appends the ".basilisque@protonmail_com" extension.
For example, "1.jpg" might be renamed to a filename such as "bnVldm9zIGNvbG9yZXMgYWR1bHRvcy5wZGY=.basilisque@protonmail_com". Encrypted data immediately becomes unusable.
Additionally, Basilisque Locker generates a text file ("HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt") and stores it in each folder containing encrypted files.
The new text file contains a ransom-demand message stating that data is encrypted and that victims must pay a ransom to restore their files. It is also stated that data is encrypted using AES-128, a symmetric encryption algorithm that uses an identical key to encrypt and decrypt data.
Basilisque Locker generates a unique key for each victim, however, victims cannot access their keys, since they are stored on a remote server. To receive a key (or rather, a decryption tool with the key embedded within), each victim must pay a ransom.
The cost depends on how quickly victims agree to pay: $100 within one day; $150 within three days; $250 within twelve days; $500 after. It is also stated that the key could be deleted after twelve days and there is a remote chance that victims will still be able to purchase it after this period.
Additionally, victims can purchase decryption of a single file, the cost of which is equivalent to $25. In any case, we strongly advise you to ignore all requests to contact these people or submit any payments. Ransomware developers often ignore victims, once payments are submitted.
Therefore, paying usually gives no positive result and users are scammed. Unfortunately, the AES-128 algorithm is uncrackable and there are no tools capable of restoring data compromised by Basilisque Locker. The only solution is to restore everything from a backup, if one has been created.
Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:
Basilisque Locker shares many similarities with dozens of other ransomware-type infections, such as Boooam, Besub, and Cbs0z. As with Basilisque Locker, most of these infections encrypt data and make ransom demands. The only major differences are size of ransom and type of encryption algorithm used.
Infections such as such usually employ cryptographies such as RSA, AES, and others that generate unique decryption keys. Therefore, manual data decryption is impossible, unless the virus is still in development and/or has certain bugs/flaws. Ransomware presents a strong case for maintaining regular backups.
Bear in mind, however, that locally stored backups are compromised together with regular data. Therefore, you should store them on a remote server (e.g., Cloud) or unplugged storage device (Flash drive, external hard drive, and so on).
Furthermore, we recommend that you have multiple backup copies stored in different locations, since servers and storage devices can always be damaged.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
Ransomware infections are often proliferated using spam email campaigns, unofficial software download sources, fake software updaters and 'cracks', and trojans. Criminals employ spam campaigns to send hundreds of thousands of deceptive emails containing malicious attachments, and messages that encourage recipients to open the attached links/files.
These attachments are often presented as 'important documents' in attempts to give the impression of legitimacy and increase the chance of tricking recipients. Third party software download sources (freeware download websites, free file hosting sites, P2P [Peer-to-Peer] networks, etc.) are used to proliferate malware by presenting it as legitimate software.
In this way, criminals trick people into manually downloading and installing malware. Fake software updaters inject malware by exploiting outdated software bugs/flaws or simply downloading and installing malware rather than updates. The same applies to fake cracks, which infect computers rather than activating paid software free of charge.
Finally, spam email campaigns stealthily infiltrate computers to inject additional malware. In summary, the main reasons for computer infections are poor knowledge of these threats and careless behavior.
| Name | Basilisque Locker virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Encrypted Files Extension | .basilisque@protonmail_com |
| Ransom Demanding Message | HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt |
| Ransom Amount | $100/$150/$250/$500 |
| Cyber Criminal Contact | usernamus@protonmail.com, basilisque@protonmail.com, basilisque@secmail.pro, BM-NBaT69FJpQ2V8FVskyw7RdJ5FPvnRtcZ (Bitmessage) |
| Symptoms | Cannot open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension (for example, my.docx.locked). A ransom demand message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals demand payment of a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password-stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?
The key to computer safety is caution. Therefore, pay close attention during the download/installation/updating processes and when browsing the Internet in general. Think twice before opening email attachments. If the file/link is irrelevant (does not concern you) and/or the sender seems suspicious, do not open anything.
You are also advised to download software from official sources only, preferably using direct download links. Keep installed applications and operating systems up-to-date, but use implemented functions or tools provided by the official developer. Be aware that software piracy is a cyber crime and the risk of infections is extremely high.
Therefore, cracking installed applications should never be considered. Have a reputable anti-virus/anti-spyware suite installed and running at all times - these tools detect and eliminate malware before it can harm the system.
Text presented in Basilisque Locker ransomware text file ("HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt"):
What happened to your files ?
All of your files were protected by a strong encryption with AES cbc-128 using Basilisque Locker!What does this mean ?
This means that the structure and data within your files have been irrevocably changed,
you will not be able to work with them, read them or see them,
it is the same thing as losing them forever, but with our help, you can restore them.The encryption key and ID are unique to your computer, so you are guaranteed to be able to return your files.
Your unique id: -Date of encrypt: -
What do I do ?
You can buy decryptor from us!How much is it?
In first 24 hours after encryption - 100$
In three days - 150$
In 12 days - 250$
After(if it is still possible*) - 500$But if you want to decrypt few files as a test check the price will be increased by $ 25 for every single file. (This is described in more detail below in FAQ p.3)
*We can delete keys as time passes.
How to buy?
1. First buy the bitcoins for the right amount. How to do this is written below.
2. Contact us by email usernamus@protonmail.com . Specify your ID in the subject.
3. You will get bitcoin wallet to pay.
4. Send bitcoins to wallet address from email(how to buy bitcoins read below in FAQ p.4)
5. When you pay, write to us again(don't forget to enter your ID in the subject of letter if you start new conversation)
6. You will get decryptor and instructions for it after you payment get 1 confirmation on blockchain
(this usually takes about 1 hour, but sometimes(rarely) it can take up to 24 hours).
7. If you don't get reply in 24 hours after you get payment or after 4 hours after you payment get confirmation or after 4 hours after first message(wallet ask) please contact us one of different ways listed in FAQ(2 part).FAQ:
1.How much time do I have to pay for decryption?
You have 12 days to pay after you files was encrypted. Maybe after that you can also buy the decryptor, but maybe not, cause keys could be deleted after some time since the end of the term.
But remember - The faster you pay, the cheaper it will be.
The number of bitcoins for payment you can calc here hxxps://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/bitcoin
Keep in mind that some exchangers delay payment for 1-3 days!** Also keep in mind that Bitcoin is a very volatile currency, its rate can change very quickly. Therefore, we recommend that you make payment within a few hours.
But if you are mistaken for a couple of dollars - no big deal.
**In that case you can ask for discount(If exchanger caused a delay in payment.). For this you need to write to us immediately after you have learned about it and provide screenshots confirming your exchange2.How to contact you?
a) Main contact is email - basilisque@protonmail.com . (Backup option: basilisque@secmail.pro )
b) Second contact is bitmessage ( hxxps://bitmessage.org/wiki/Main_Page ) - BM-NBaT69FJpQ2V8FVskyw7RdJ5FPvnRtcZ
Email is fastest, but bitmessage is the most reliable.
If you not get answer after 4 hours after first message(wallet ask) please use another contact. This may be cause email is dead. But we are sure that nothing will happen with bitmessage and you can get an answer there anyway.3.What are the guarantees that I can decrypt my files after paying the ransom?
We can decrypt some test files for you if you don't believe us.
But it will raise the amount of ransom by $25 for every decrypted file and maximum time to pay will be decreased from 12 to 3 days. If you don't pay in 3 days, than you ransom will be increased to 500$ or keys will be deleted.
Important! The size of each file must be less than 5mb.
You will get uncrypted files back in few hours.
After this procedure you can make sure that we can decrypt all your files after paying the ransom.
We have no reason to deceive you after receiving the ransom, since we are not barbarians and moreover it will harm our business.
A few examples:
a)You paying in first 24 hours(100$) after encryption and don't want decrypt test files = 100$
b)You paying on 2nd(150$) day after ecryption and want to decrypt 1 test file(25$) = 175$
c)You paying on 4th(250$) day after encryption and want to decrypt 2 test file(25$*2) = 300$
d)You paying on 13th(500$) day after encryption(if it possible) and want to decrypt 3 test files(25$*3) = 575$
4.How do I pay the ransom?
Screenshot of files encrypted by Basilisque Locker (".Basilisque Locker" extension):
Basilisque Locker ransomware removal:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Video suggesting what steps should be taken in case of a ransomware infection:
Quick menu:
- What is Basilisque Locker virus?
- STEP 1. Reporting ransomware to authorities.
- STEP 2. Isolating the infected device.
- STEP 3. Identifying the ransomware infection.
- STEP 4. Searching for ransomware decryption tools.
- STEP 5. Restoring files with data recovery tools.
- STEP 6. Creating data backups.
If you are a victim of a ransomware attack we recommend reporting this incident to authorities. By providing information to law enforcement agencies you will help track cybercrime and potentially assist in the prosecution of the attackers. Here's a list of authorities where you should report a ransomware attack. For the complete list of local cybersecurity centers and information on why you should report ransomware attacks, read this article.
List of local authorities where ransomware attacks should be reported (choose one depending on your residence address):
USA - Internet Crime Complaint Centre IC3
United Kingdom - Action Fraud
Spain - Policía Nacional
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Germany - Polizei
Italy - Polizia di Stato
The Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Isolating the infected device:
Some ransomware-type infections are designed to encrypt files within external storage devices, infect them, and even spread throughout the entire local network. For this reason, it is very important to isolate the infected device (computer) as soon as possible.
Step 1: Disconnect from the internet.
The easiest way to disconnect a computer from the internet is to unplug the Ethernet cable from the motherboard, however, some devices are connected via a wireless network and for some users (especially those who are not particularly tech-savvy), disconnecting cables may seem troublesome. Therefore, you can also disconnect the system manually via Control Panel:
Navigate to the "Control Panel", click the search bar in the upper-right corner of the screen, enter "Network and Sharing Center" and select search result: 
Click the "Change adapter settings" option in the upper-left corner of the window: 
Right-click on each connection point and select "Disable". Once disabled, the system will no longer be connected to the internet. To re-enable the connection points, simply right-click again and select "Enable". 
Step 2: Unplug all storage devices.
As mentioned above, ransomware might encrypt data and infiltrate all storage devices that are connected to the computer. For this reason, all external storage devices (flash drives, portable hard drives, etc.) should be disconnected immediately, however, we strongly advise you to eject each device before disconnecting to prevent data corruption:
Navigate to "My Computer", right-click on each connected device, and select "Eject": 
Step 3: Log-out of cloud storage accounts.
Some ransomware-type might be able to hijack software that handles data stored within "the Cloud". Therefore, the data could be corrupted/encrypted. For this reason, you should log-out of all cloud storage accounts within browsers and other related software. You should also consider temporarily uninstalling the cloud-management software until the infection is completely removed.
Identify the ransomware infection:
To properly handle an infection, one must first identify it. Some ransomware infections use ransom-demand messages as an introduction (see the WALDO ransomware text file below).
This, however, is rare. In most cases, ransomware infections deliver more direct messages simply stating that data is encrypted and that victims must pay some sort of ransom. Note that ransomware-type infections typically generate messages with different file names (for example, "_readme.txt", "READ-ME.txt", "DECRYPTION_INSTRUCTIONS.txt", "DECRYPT_FILES.html", etc.). Therefore, using the name of a ransom message may seem like a good way to identify the infection. The problem is that most of these names are generic and some infections use the same names, even though the delivered messages are different and the infections themselves are unrelated. Therefore, using the message filename alone can be ineffective and even lead to permanent data loss (for example, by attempting to decrypt data using tools designed for different ransomware infections, users are likely to end up permanently damaging files and decryption will no longer be possible even with the correct tool).
Another way to identify a ransomware infection is to check the file extension, which is appended to each encrypted file. Ransomware infections are often named by the extensions they append (see files encrypted by Qewe ransomware below).
This method is only effective, however, when the appended extension is unique - many ransomware infections append a generic extension (for example, ".encrypted", ".enc", ".crypted", ".locked", etc.). In these cases, identifying ransomware by its appended extension becomes impossible.
One of the easiest and quickest ways to identify a ransomware infection is to use the ID Ransomware website. This service supports most existing ransomware infections. Victims simply upload a ransom message and/or one encrypted file (we advise you to upload both if possible).
The ransomware will be identified within seconds and you will be provided with various details, such as the name of the malware family to which the infection belongs, whether it is decryptable, and so on.
Example 1 (Qewe [Stop/Djvu] ransomware):
Example 2 (.iso [Phobos] ransomware):
If your data happens to be encrypted by ransomware that is not supported by ID Ransomware, you can always try searching the internet by using certain keywords (for example, a ransom message title, file extension, provided contact emails, crypto wallet addresses, etc.).
Search for ransomware decryption tools:
Encryption algorithms used by most ransomware-type infections are extremely sophisticated and, if the encryption is performed properly, only the developer is capable of restoring data. This is because decryption requires a specific key, which is generated during the encryption. Restoring data without the key is impossible. In most cases, cybercriminals store keys on a remote server, rather than using the infected machine as a host. Dharma (CrySis), Phobos, and other families of high-end ransomware infections are virtually flawless, and thus restoring data encrypted without the developers' involvement is simply impossible. Despite this, there are dozens of ransomware-type infections that are poorly developed and contain a number of flaws (for example, the use of identical encryption/decryption keys for each victim, keys stored locally, etc.). Therefore, always check for available decryption tools for any ransomware that infiltrates your computer.
Finding the correct decryption tool on the internet can be very frustrating. For this reason, we recommend that you use the No More Ransom Project and this is where identifying the ransomware infection is useful. The No More Ransom Project website contains a "Decryption Tools" section with a search bar. Enter the name of the identified ransomware, and all available decryptors (if there are any) will be listed.
Restore files with data recovery tools:
Depending on the situation (quality of ransomware infection, type of encryption algorithm used, etc.), restoring data with certain third-party tools might be possible. Therefore, we advise you to use the Recuva tool developed by CCleaner. This tool supports over a thousand data types (graphics, video, audio, documents, etc.) and it is very intuitive (little knowledge is necessary to recover data). In addition, the recovery feature is completely free.
Step 1: Perform a scan.
Run the Recuva application and follow the wizard. You will be prompted with several windows allowing you to choose what file types to look for, which locations should be scanned, etc. All you need to do is select the options you're looking for and start the scan. We advise you to enable the "Deep Scan" before starting, otherwise, the application's scanning capabilities will be restricted.
Wait for Recuva to complete the scan. The scanning duration depends on the volume of files (both in quantity and size) that you are scanning (for example, several hundred gigabytes could take over an hour to scan). Therefore, be patient during the scanning process. We also advise against modifying or deleting existing files, since this might interfere with the scan. If you add additional data (for example, downloading files/content) while scanning, this will prolong the process:
Step 2: Recover data.
Once the process is complete, select the folders/files you wish to restore and simply click "Recover". Note that some free space on your storage drive is necessary to restore data:
Create data backups:
Proper file management and creating backups is essential for data security. Therefore, always be very careful and think ahead.
Partition management: We recommend that you store your data in multiple partitions and avoid storing important files within the partition that contains the entire operating system. If you fall into a situation whereby you cannot boot the system and are forced to format the disk on which the operating system is installed (in most cases, this is where malware infections hide), you will lose all data stored within that drive. This is the advantage of having multiple partitions: if you have the entire storage device assigned to a single partition, you will be forced to delete everything, however, creating multiple partitions and allocating the data properly allows you to prevent such problems. You can easily format a single partition without affecting the others - therefore, one will be cleaned and the others will remain untouched, and your data will be saved. Managing partitions is quite simple and you can find all the necessary information on Microsoft's documentation web page.
Data backups: One of the most reliable backup methods is to use an external storage device and keep it unplugged. Copy your data to an external hard drive, flash (thumb) drive, SSD, HDD, or any other storage device, unplug it and store it in a dry place away from the sun and extreme temperatures. This method is, however, quite inefficient, since data backups and updates need to be made regularly. You can also use a cloud service or remote server. Here, an internet connection is required and there is always the chance of a security breach, although it's a really rare occasion.
We recommend using Microsoft OneDrive for backing up your files. OneDrive lets you store your personal files and data in the cloud, sync files across computers and mobile devices, allowing you to access and edit your files from all of your Windows devices. OneDrive lets you save, share and preview files, access download history, move, delete, and rename files, as well as create new folders, and much more.
You can back up your most important folders and files on your PC (your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders). Some of OneDrive’s more notable features include file versioning, which keeps older versions of files for up to 30 days. OneDrive features a recycling bin in which all of your deleted files are stored for a limited time. Deleted files are not counted as part of the user’s allocation.
The service is built using HTML5 technologies and allows you to upload files up to 300 MB via drag and drop into the web browser or up to 10 GB via the OneDrive desktop application. With OneDrive, you can download entire folders as a single ZIP file with up to 10,000 files, although it can’t exceed 15 GB per single download.
OneDrive comes with 5 GB of free storage out of the box, with an additional 100 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB storage options available for a subscription-based fee. You can get one of these storage plans by either purchasing additional storage separately or with Office 365 subscription.
Creating a data backup:
The backup process is the same for all file types and folders. Here’s how you can back up your files using Microsoft OneDrive
Step 1: Choose the files/folders you want to backup.
Click the OneDrive cloud icon to open the OneDrive menu. While in this menu, you can customize your file backup settings.
Click Help & Settings and then select Settings from the drop-down menu.
Go to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
In this menu, you can choose to backup the Desktop and all of the files on it, and Documents and Pictures folders, again, with all of the files in them. Click Start backup.
Now, when you add a file or folder in the Desktop and Documents and Pictures folders, they will be automatically backed up on OneDrive.
To add folders and files, not in the locations shown above, you have to add them manually.
Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the folder/file you want to backup. Select the item, right-click it, and click Copy.
Then, navigate to OneDrive, right-click anywhere in the window and click Paste. Alternatively, you can just drag and drop a file into OneDrive. OneDrive will automatically create a backup of the folder/file.
All of the files added to the OneDrive folder are backed up in the cloud automatically. The green circle with the checkmark in it indicates that the file is available both locally and on OneDrive and that the file version is the same on both. The blue cloud icon indicates that the file has not been synced and is available only on OneDrive. The sync icon indicates that the file is currently syncing.
To access files only located on OneDrive online, go to the Help & Settings drop-down menu and select View online.
Step 2: Restore corrupted files.
OneDrive makes sure that the files stay in sync, so the version of the file on the computer is the same version on the cloud. However, if ransomware has encrypted your files, you can take advantage of OneDrive’s Version history feature that will allow you to restore the file versions prior to encryption.
Microsoft 365 has a ransomware detection feature that notifies you when your OneDrive files have been attacked and guide you through the process of restoring your files. It must be noted, however, that if you don’t have a paid Microsoft 365 subscription, you only get one detection and file recovery for free.
If your OneDrive files get deleted, corrupted, or infected by malware, you can restore your entire OneDrive to a previous state. Here’s how you can restore your entire OneDrive:
1. If you're signed in with a personal account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Options and select Restore your OneDrive.
If you're signed in with a work or school account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Restore your OneDrive.
2. On the Restore your OneDrive page, select a date from the drop-down list. Note that if you're restoring your files after automatic ransomware detection, a restore date will be selected for you.
3. After configuring all of the file restoration options, click Restore to undo all the activities you selected.
The best way to avoid damage from ransomware infections is to maintain regular up-to-date backups.
Outstanding!
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