Home Malware Programs Ransomware TrumpLocker Ransomware

TrumpLocker Ransomware

Posted: February 22, 2017

Threat Metric

Threat Level: 10/10
Infected PCs: 171
First Seen: February 22, 2017
Last Seen: May 2, 2022
OS(es) Affected: Windows


The TrumpLocker Ransomware is a modified version of VenusLocker, a Trojan that encodes your files so that it can require a Bitcoin ransom in exchange for unlocking them. Its attacks are most remediable directly by using backups that you can restore over any encrypted media and appropriate security protocols to block the threat's installation attempts. No free decryption services for this Trojan exist currently, but various anti-malware products are capable of removing the TrumpLocker Ransomware from your system.

Electing File-Encoding Threats Straight to Your Desktop

Although it's been months since the VenusLocker Ransomware has made new headlines, new developments in its family appear to be occurring thanks either to the original threat actors or a third-party with access to the same code. The TrumpLocker Ransomware, as a Trojan for 2017 branded appropriately, includes some minor updates to its ransoming communications and pop-ups but, in other aspects of its payload, functions identically to the VenusLocker Ransomware. Both Trojans encrypt a range of file formats and exploit their blocking of them to extort money.

The TrumpLocker Ransomware's installation methods are, as of yet, unidentified, but it does require network connectivity, both for downloading its encryption key and loading the configuration settings for its ransom messages. After it receives the encryption data, the TrumpLocker Ransomware scans for files matching one of two lists of whitelisted formats and encrypts them, as long as they aren't in blacklisted directories (such as the Windows folder).

Malware experts also can confirm that the TrumpLocker Ransomware carries over the partial encryption method of the VenusLocker Ransomware that lets the Trojan encode a set number of bytes for some files, while others experience a full encoding. No matter how the Trojan locks each file, it encrypts their full names and gives them new extensions ('.TheTrumpLockerp') that overwrite the old ones. This change obscures the identity of any locked content, possibly adding more incentive to the ransoms the TrumpLocker Ransomware promotes through its other features.

Escaping a Political Campaign for Bitcoins

The TrumpLocker Ransomware's signature symptom is the temporary, Donald Trump-themed pop-up image that it displays after it locks your files. The pop-up is a preliminary for the TrumpLocker Ransomware's more permanent desktop-hijacking feature, as well as Notepad and HTA files, all of which offer information related to unlocking your content in return for Bitcoins. Since victims can't seek refunds after making Bitcoin transfers to these people's digital wallet, the TrumpLocker Ransomware's admin has no motivation for providing the technical support these instructions promise.

The TrumpLocker Ransomware's payload takes into account the presence of the Shadow Volume Copies and deletes them, preventing you from recovering your data through the Windows default safeguards. However, external backups are highly reliable methods of retrieving your encrypted media. Malware experts also note that a victim theoretically disabling network connectivity immediately after an infection could prevent the TrumpLocker Ransomware from downloading the data it uses for locking your files.

It takes little effort for old threatening software to renew its relevance in the current cyber security landscape. Lest PC users think that it's safe to drop their guard, con artists like those managing the TrumpLocker Ransomware still are seeking easy ways of making money even if the only way they can do so it is by keeping you from using your files.

Use SpyHunter to Detect and Remove PC Threats

If you are concerned that malware or PC threats similar to TrumpLocker Ransomware may have infected your computer, we recommend you start an in-depth system scan with SpyHunter. SpyHunter is an advanced malware protection and remediation application that offers subscribers a comprehensive method for protecting PCs from malware, in addition to providing one-on-one technical support service.

* See Free Trial offer below. EULA and Privacy/Cookie Policy.

Why can't I open any program including SpyHunter? You may have a malware file running in memory that kills any programs that you try to launch on your PC. Tip: Download SpyHunter from a clean computer, copy it to a USB thumb drive, DVD or CD, then install it on the infected PC and run SpyHunter's malware scanner.

Technical Details

File System Modifications

Tutorials: If you wish to learn how to remove malware components manually, you can read the tutorials on how to find malware, kill unwanted processes, remove malicious DLLs and delete other harmful files. Always be sure to back up your PC before making any changes.

The following files were created in the system:



file.exe File name: file.exe
Size: 924.16 KB (924160 bytes)
MD5: c6210a32147375a819ddfb586230ddd1
Detection count: 32
File type: Executable File
Mime Type: unknown/exe
Group: Malware file
Last Updated: March 28, 2017

Registry Modifications

The following newly produced Registry Values are:

HKEY..\..\..\..{RegistryKeys}Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\TheTrumpLocker

SpyHunter Free Trial: Important Terms & Conditions

The SpyHunter Trial version includes, for one device, a one-time 7-day Trial period for SpyHunter 5 Pro (Windows) or SpyHunter for Mac, offering comprehensive malware detection and removal functionality, high-performance guards to actively protect your system from malware threats, and access to our technical support team via the SpyHunter HelpDesk (or the number of devices set forth in the promotional materials/purchase page). You will not be charged upfront during the Trial period, although a credit card is required to activate the Trial. (Prepaid credit cards, debit cards, and gift cards are not accepted under this offer.) The requirement for your payment method is to help ensure continuous, uninterrupted security protection during your transition from a Trial to a paid subscription should you decide to purchase. Your payment method will not be charged a payment amount upfront during the Trial, although authorization requests may be sent to your financial institution to verify that your payment method is valid (such authorization submissions are not requests for charges or fees by EnigmaSoft but, depending upon your payment method and/or your financial institution, may reflect on your account availability). You can cancel your Trial by contacting EnigmaSoft no later than two business days before the 7-day Trial period expires to avoid a charge coming due and being processed immediately after your Trial expires. If you decide to cancel during your Trial, you will immediately lose access to SpyHunter. If, for any reason, you believe a charge was processed that you did not wish to make (which could occur based on system administration, for example), you may also cancel and receive a full refund for the charge any time within 30 days of the date of the purchase charge. See FAQs.

At the end of the Trial, you will be billed upfront immediately at the price and for the subscription period as set forth in the offering materials and registration/purchase page terms (which are incorporated herein by reference; pricing may vary by country or promotion per purchase page details) if you have not timely canceled. Pricing typically starts at $72 for 3 months (SpyHunter Pro Windows) and $42 for 3 months (SpyHunter for Mac). Your purchased subscription will be automatically renewed in accordance with the registration/purchase page terms, which provide for automatic renewals at the then applicable standard subscription fee in effect at the time of your original purchase and for the same subscription time period or as set forth in the promotion materials/purchase page, provided you’re a continuous, uninterrupted subscription user. Please see the purchase page for details. Trial subject to these Terms, your agreement to EULA/TOS, Privacy/Cookie Policy, and Discount Terms. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, learn how.

For payment on the automatic renewal of your subscription, an email reminder will be sent to the email address you provided when you registered before each payment date. At the onset of your trial, you will receive an activation code that is limited to use for only one Trial and for only one device per account. Your subscription will automatically renew at the price and for the subscription period in accordance with the offering materials and registration/purchase page terms (which are incorporated herein by reference; pricing may vary by country or promotion per purchase page details), provided that you are a continuous, uninterrupted subscription user. For paid subscription users, if you cancel, you will continue to have access to your product(s) until the end of your paid subscription period. If you wish to receive a refund for your then current subscription period, you must cancel and apply for a refund within 30 days of your most recent purchase, and you will immediately stop receiving full functionality when your refund is processed.

For CALIFORNIA CONSUMERS, please see the notice provisions:

NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA CONSUMERS: Per the California Automatic Renewal Law, you may cancel a subscription as follows:

  1. Go to www.enigmasoftware.com and click the "Login" button at the top right corner.
  2. Log in with your username and password.
  3. In the navigation menu, go to "Order/Licenses." Next to your order/license, a button is available to cancel your subscription if applicable. Note: If you have multiple orders/products, you will need to cancel them on an individual basis.

Should you have any questions or problems, you can contact our EnigmaSoft support team by phone at +1 (888) 360-0646 (USA Toll-Free) / +353 76 680 3523 (Ireland/International) or by email at support@enigmasoftware.com.

How do you cancel a SpyHunter Trial? Users should contact EnigmaSoft Limited directly to cancel a SpyHunter Trial. Users can contact our technical support team by emailing support@enigmasoftware.com, opening a ticket in the SpyHunter HelpDesk, or calling +1 (888) 360-0646 (USA) / +353 76 680 3523 (Ireland/International). You can access the SpyHunter HelpDesk from SpyHunter's main screen. To open a support ticket, click on the "HelpDesk" icon. In the window that appears, click the "New Ticket" tab. Fill out the form and click the "Submit" button. If you are unsure of what "Problem Type" to select, please choose the "General Questions" option. Our support agents will promptly process your request and respond to you.

------

SpyHunter Purchase Details

You also have the choice of subscribing to SpyHunter immediately for full functionality, including malware removal and access to our support department via our HelpDesk, typically starting at $42 for 3 months (SpyHunter Basic Windows) and $42 for 3 months (SpyHunter for Mac) in accordance with the offering materials and registration/purchase page terms (which are incorporated herein by reference; pricing may vary by country or promotion per purchase page details). Your subscription will automatically renew at the then applicable standard subscription fee in effect at the time of your original purchase subscription and for the same subscription time period or as set forth in the promotion materials/purchase page, provided you’re a continuous, uninterrupted subscription user and for which you will receive a notice of upcoming charges before the expiration of your subscription. Purchase of SpyHunter is subject to the terms and conditions on the purchase page, EULA/TOS, Privacy/Cookie Policy and Discount Terms.

------

General Terms

Any purchase for SpyHunter under a discounted price is valid for the offered discounted subscription term. After that, the then applicable standard pricing will apply for automatic renewals and/or future purchases. Pricing is subject to change, although we will notify you in advance of price changes.

All SpyHunter versions are subject to your agreeing to our EULA/TOS, Privacy/Cookie Policy, and Discount Terms. Please also see our FAQs and Threat Assessment Criteria. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, learn how.

Spywareremove.com uses cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience and analyze how users navigate and utilize the Site. By using this Site or clicking on "OK", you consent to the use of cookies. Learn more.