PC Locked Out By Virus: Remove Virus with Ubuntu

  • Thread starter Jobrag
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In summary, the conversation discusses a person's PC being locked by a virus claiming to be from the police and demanding a "fine" to unlock it. The person suggests using Ubuntu to run the PC and asks for advice on finding and removing the virus. Several solutions are offered, including using anti-virus tools such as AVG's rescue CD or Malwarebytes, wiping the hard drive and reinstalling, or running in Safe Mode and using malwarebytes. It is also mentioned that this type of malware is not new and has been around since 1989.
  • #1
Jobrag
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My PC has been locked by a virus claiming to come from the police and demanding a "fine" to free it.
I can run the PC using Ubuntu, how can I find and remove the virus when operating on Ubuntu?
 
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  • #3
Ubuntu alone won't be of much help. AVG and other anti-virus companies have free products that can be booted from a cd or USB flash drive. Here is a link to AVGs tool. http://www.avg.com/us-en/avg-rescue-cd
 
  • #4
I believe you have the UKash tojan.

Of the many sites that offer fixes, this one gives some good reading.
If you have another user login to the computer, that user's files should not be infected yet and most times can do a logon. Beware that the virus mutates and if you do not get it one or two tries all user's will be infected, including safe mode.
I am not sure if it mutates into Ubuntu, but I would not take chances.

If your system does lock up completely, then you can always remove the hard drive and scan it from another computer and /or retrieve data.
 
  • #5
Under windows, I would try system restore to a back up point you are reasonably sure predates the infection.
 
  • #6
Jobrag said:
My PC has been locked by a virus claiming to come from the police and demanding a "fine" to free it.
I can run the PC using Ubuntu, how can I find and remove the virus when operating on Ubuntu?
"The police claiming a fine to free it." Hahahahahahaha! O my gosh, can't stop laughing!... Oh, this is so funny but I really mean no offense by laughing at your disgrace. This malware developers are getting more and more creative.

Anyway, it's been 3 days since your post. The posts above have the solution. I hope you have already fixed it. :smile:
 
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  • #7
Psinter said:
"The police claiming a fine to free it." Hahahahahahaha! O my gosh, can't stop laughing!... Oh, this is so funny but I really mean no offense by laughing at your disgrace. This malware developers are getting more and more creative.

Anyway, it's been 3 days since your post. The posts above have the solution. I hope you have already fixed it. :smile:
You'll love this one then. In July, a man got a fake FBI alert telling him to pay a fine or he would be arrested for the child porn that he had downloaded. He decided to go to the police to see if he was indeed wanted on child porn charges. What happened after that should go into the stupid criminal hall of fame.
 
  • #9
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  • #10
You should probably back up your data from Ubuntu and then wipe your hard drive and reinstall.
 
  • #11
Open in the Safe Mode and use malwarebytes

I was hit by virus some time ago.

1. force shutdown (e.g., hold power button down for some time.

2. Reboot in the Safe Mode (hold F8 during the boot process)

3. Run your virus program (it may work) or download malwarebytes to a CD and run it - donlt forget to update it.

Worked for me
 
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  • #12
I agree with BobMilla. What you have is a type of malware. Try rebooting in safemode and running Malwarebytes.
 

1. What is a PC Lockout Virus?

A PC lockout virus is a type of malware that restricts access to a computer system. It usually presents itself as a pop-up message or warning claiming that the computer has been infected and demands payment or personal information to unlock the system.

2. How does a PC Lockout Virus infect a computer?

A PC lockout virus can infect a computer through various means, such as clicking on malicious links, downloading infected files, or opening email attachments. It can also spread through infected USB drives or vulnerable networks.

3. Why use Ubuntu to remove the virus?

Ubuntu is a free and open-source operating system that is known for its security and reliability. It is less prone to viruses and malware compared to other operating systems, making it a safe and effective option for removing a PC lockout virus.

4. How do I use Ubuntu to remove the virus?

First, you will need to download a live version of Ubuntu and create a bootable USB or DVD. Then, boot your computer from the Ubuntu drive and select the "Try Ubuntu" option. Once Ubuntu is loaded, you can access your files and run antivirus software to scan and remove the virus. You can also use Ubuntu to back up your important files before removing the virus.

5. Can I prevent a PC Lockout Virus from infecting my computer in the future?

Yes, you can prevent a PC lockout virus by practicing safe browsing habits, such as avoiding suspicious links and downloads, regularly updating your operating system and antivirus software, and using a firewall. It is also important to back up your files regularly and be cautious when opening email attachments or connecting to unknown networks.

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