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Published Nov 08, 2016 | Updated Jan 10, 2018

Ransom:Win32/WinPlock.B

Detected by Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Aliases: No associated aliases

Summary

Windows Defender AV detects and removes this threat.

This ransomware can stop you from using your PC or accessing your data. It might ask you to pay money to a malicious hacker.

We've seen this ransomware being downloaded by a trojan detected as TrojanDownloader:JS/Crimace.A, which is being distributed via email messages that pretend to be fax.

Read more in this blog: Fake fax ushers in revival of a ransomware family.

Our ransomware FAQ page has more information on this type of threat.

The trend towards increasingly sophisticated malware behavior, highlighted by the use of exploits and other attack vectors, makes older platforms so much more susceptible to ransomware attacks. From June to November 2017, Windows 7 devices were 3.4 times more likely to encounter ransomware compared to Windows 10 devices.

Read our latest report: A worthy upgrade: Next-gen security on Windows 10 proves resilient against ransomware outbreaks in 2017.

There is no one-size-fits-all response if you have been victimized by ransomware. There is no guarantee that paying the ransom will give you access to your files.

If you've already paid, see our ransomware page for help on what to do now.

Run antivirus or antimalware software

Use the following free Microsoft software to detect and remove this threat:

You should also run a full scan. A full scan might find hidden malware.

Advanced troubleshooting

To restore your PC, you might need to download and run Windows Defender Offline. See our advanced troubleshooting page for more help.

You can also ask for help from other PC users at the Microsoft virus and malware community.

If you’re using Windows XP, see our Windows XP end of support page.

Use cloud protection

Use cloud protection to help guard against the latest malware threats. It’s turned on by default for Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender for Windows 10. 

Go to All settings > Update & security > Windows Defender and make sure that your Cloud-based Protection settings is turned On.

Get more help

You can also see our advanced troubleshooting page for more help or search the Microsoft virus and malware community for more help.

If you’re using Windows XP, see our Windows XP end of support page.

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