How to remove PowerLocker 5.4 (.PowerLocker) Ransomware and Restore Data?
Our PowerLocker 5.4 Decryptor: Rapid Recovery, Expert-Engineered
Our research team has been investigating the PowerLocker 5.4 ransomware family, a relatively new strain that appends the .PowerLocker extension to encrypted files. Unlike older families, this ransomware uses a hybrid AES-256 + RSA encryption scheme with artifacts showing it relies on the pypyAesCrypt 6.1.0 library.
While no universal free decryptor currently exists, our recovery specialists are building solutions designed for Windows-based environments, VMware servers, and hybrid infrastructures. We analyze victim IDs, ransom notes, and cryptographic headers to maximize recovery chances without ransom payments.
Related article: How to Decrypt The Gentlemen Ransomware Files Safely?
How It Works?
AI + Encryption Analysis
Encrypted file headers reveal the presence of CREATED_BY pypyAesCrypt 6.1.0, confirming the AES-Crypt container format. We analyze these headers and map them against RSA-protected session keys for potential weaknesses.
Victim ID Mapping
Every encrypted file receives a unique Victim ID (e.g., uXC958h8QC). This ID ties the batch of files to the attacker’s private RSA key. Matching IDs against ransom notes helps confirm variant versions.
Universal Key (Optional)
In some rare cases, PowerLocker operators reused RSA keys across campaigns. If such reuse is detected, recovery may be possible without victim-specific IDs.
Secure Execution
Our decryption methods run in a read-only sandbox first, ensuring no risk of overwriting encrypted files during analysis.
Also read: How to Recover Files Encrypted by Ameriwasted Ransomware (.ameriwasted)?
Requirements
To attempt recovery, you’ll need:
- A copy of the ransom note (IMPORTANT.txt)
- Access to several encrypted .PowerLocker files
- Internet connection (for analysis and possible cloud processing)
- Administrative privileges on the affected system
Immediate Steps to Take After a PowerLocker 5.4 Attack
- Disconnect Immediately – Isolate infected systems from networks, shared storage, and cloud sync services.
- Preserve Evidence – Save ransom notes, encrypted files, logs, and network captures. These artifacts may enable recovery or attribution.
- Do Not Reboot – Restarting may trigger further encryption or deletion of recovery keys.
- Seek Expert Help – Avoid shady tools and unverified decryptors; these may corrupt files permanently.
How to Decrypt PowerLocker 5.4 Ransomware and Recover Your Data
Free Methods
1. Backup Restore
How It Works: If offline or immutable backups exist, restoring them is the safest method. Ensure backups are validated before rollback, as PowerLocker may have encrypted partially completed snapshots.
Integrity Check: Always hash-verify restored files against original checksums if available.
Immutable Backups Advantage: WORM storage or cloud snapshots with retention policies offer the highest survival rates.
2. VM Snapshots
How It Works: If using VMware ESXi or Hyper-V, revert to a snapshot taken before infection.
Precaution: Confirm that snapshots were not tampered with. Attackers often attempt to delete these via admin panel access.
Retention Settings: Frequent snapshots (daily/hourly) dramatically improve recovery odds.
3. Community & Security Tools
While no free decryptor exists for PowerLocker 5.4 yet, samples uploaded to malware research communities (e.g., BleepingComputer, ID Ransomware) may lead to future decryptor releases if cryptographic flaws are discovered.
Paid Methods
Paying the Ransom
Victim ID Validation: Attackers provide a decryptor tied to the unique ID appended to files.
Risks: Decryptors may only partially work or include malware. Payment also funds further criminal campaigns.
Legal/Ethical Issues: In some jurisdictions, ransom payments may violate compliance laws.
Third-Party Negotiators
Role: Act as intermediaries, verifying attacker legitimacy and negotiating reduced ransoms.
Validation: They often request “proof of decryption” before any payment.
Drawback: Negotiator fees can be high and do not guarantee success.
Our Specialized PowerLocker 5.4 Recovery Solution
Our labs are actively developing a reverse-engineered decryptor leveraging the AES-Crypt format artifacts. We employ:
- Reverse Engineering of key schedules in pypyAesCrypt
- Cloud-Sandbox Decryption with blockchain-based integrity verification
- Offline Modules for environments that cannot connect externally
Step-by-Step PowerLocker 5.4 Recovery Guide
- Assess the Infection – Look for file extensions ending in .PowerLocker or random ID + .PowerLocker.
- Secure the Environment – Disconnect infected systems and disable admin accounts that may have been compromised.
- Engage Recovery Specialists – Provide encrypted samples and ransom notes for variant analysis.
- Run Decryption (If Available) – Launch only verified tools under admin privileges.
- Validate Restored Data – Confirm integrity before reintroducing systems to production.
Also read: How to Decrypt Mimic/Pay2Key Ransomware (.54lg9) Files Safely?
What is PowerLocker 5.4 Ransomware?
PowerLocker 5.4 is a file-encrypting ransomware family observed in September 2025. It encrypts data with AES-256, protects keys with RSA, and renames files with either:
- [random 10 chars].PowerLocker (e.g., uXC958h8QC.PowerLocker)
- [random 32 char GUID].PowerLocker (e.g., 0c149cc8-a033-4c44-9689-dfcdef0af629.PowerLocker)
Its ransom note (IMPORTANT.txt) demands victims contact jpermar12@protonmail.com or jpermar14@proton.me.
PowerLocker 5.4 TTPs & MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
Initial Access
- Likely delivered via phishing emails, malicious attachments, or cracked software downloads.
- Potential exploitation of RDP or exposed services.
Execution
- Uses AES-256 encryption through pypyAesCrypt 6.1.0.
- Hybrid model: AES encrypts files; RSA encrypts AES keys.
Persistence & Defense Evasion
- May drop a privateKey file linked to RSA operations.
- Warns victims not to rename files, preventing mismatches.
Impact
- Encrypted files renamed with .PowerLocker.
- Ransom note threatens permanent loss if extensions are changed.
Known Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
File Extensions
- .PowerLocker
- [random 10 alphanumerical chars].PowerLocker
- [random 32 char GUID].PowerLocker
Ransom Note
- IMPORTANT.txt with instructions to email attackers.
Contact Emails
- jpermar12@protonmail.com
- jpermar14@proton.me
File Artifacts
Encrypted headers contain:
CREATED_BY pypyAesCrypt 6.1.0
Ransom Note Dissected: What They Say and Why
When infected by PowerLocker 5.4, victims typically find a ransom note saved as IMPORTANT.txt in every folder containing encrypted files. The note threatens permanent data loss unless victims follow instructions exactly.
Ransom Note Extract
ALL YOUR IMPORTANT FILES ARE ENCRYPTED BY THE RANSOMWARE POWERLOCKER 5.4
WITH A POWERFULL AES-256 ENCRYPTION METHOD
Rules:
1. DO NOT CHANGE THE FILE EXTENSION AND NAME OF YOUR FILES OR YOUR FILES WILL BE LOST FOREVER
2. DO NOT USE ANY THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE FOR DECRYPT YOUR DATA OR YOUR DATA CAN BE LOST FOREVER
But I promise you that all your files will be decrypted if you make the next steps.
1. Write a email to jpermar14@proton.me
2. In the email say that you were infected with the PowerLocker5.4 ransomware.
3. We will negociate the ransomware decryption software.
And that’s all 🙂
Conclusion: Restore Your Data, Reclaim Your Network
PowerLocker 5.4 is an evolving ransomware strain with strong AES-256 + RSA encryption, making manual decryption nearly impossible today. However, with backups, VM snapshots, forensic preservation, and professional recovery tools, victims can often recover without paying the ransom.
Our recovery specialists are actively researching PowerLocker 5.4’s cryptographic methods. With careful response steps and expert-guided recovery, organizations can restore operations safely and avoid funding cybercriminals.
Frequently Asked Questions
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