Remove Locky Virus (Updated Oct 2016)
Remove Locky Virus (Updated Oct 2016)
Remove Locky Virus (Updated Oct 2016)
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What is Locky?
How to remove:
Method 1. (Safe Mode method)
Method 2. (System Restore method)
Recover your data
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In the beginning of June, the news broke out that a new multi-million Locky email campaign has been initiated once again after a short period of silence. The campaign
seems to be related to the famous ransomware distribution botnet called Necurs, which was though to be shut down a few weeks ago. Now, Locky uses this botnet to
spread through infected email attachments, named: services_[name]_[6 random digits].zip, [name]_addition_[6 random digits].zip and [name]_invoice_[6 random digits].zip.
All these zip documents are loaded with the malicious JavaScript document. After this victim opens this document, the Locky executable will be immediately downloaded to
the computer and activated. Despite these couple of modifications, the program itself seems unchanged.
This ransomware initiated the trend to infect users' computers via spam email attachments. Typically, Locky sends a ZIP file that supposedly contains some important files.
In the past, Locky used to deliver archived Word files, then it shifted to JS files, and then to HTA when finally it chose to distribute malicious WSF files. Now IT experts have
identified that the threat shifted to .lnk files. LNK file type represents Windows shortcuts, and they have been used to spread malware in the past, so Locky is not the first
virus that utilizes this technique. .LNK file can link to an application that many people have on their computers, for example, Powershell. The malicious .lnk file transmits
commands to Powershell and makes it download the ransomware from a predetermined web address and save it to the %TEMP% folder. The essence of using this
technique is that the new .lnk file used helps Locky to evade the detection of malware removal utilities. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to update security programs
daily. Moreover, depending on the version of the virus, Locky appends .locky, .zepto, or .odin extension to the corrupted data.
The virus works similarly to CTB Locker, Cryptowall, Teslacrypt, and Cryptolocker, so, as soon as it enters the computer, it starts encrypting the files with the help of
AES-128 encryption. Once this military-type encryption process is finished, the victim is left out of the ability to retrieve his/hers files. The only way to have these files back
is with a help of a decryption code, held by the Locky virus developers. The users whose files have been locked are asked to pay some amount of money to obtain this key.
At the moment of writing, they are asked to pay from 0.5 to 1.00 Bitcoin (or $400) for getting a decryption key, which is essential when trying to get your files decrypted.
Nevertheless, security experts have been urging victims NOT to pay for this key because there is no guarantee that the "key" will work for them. To sum up, Locky is an
extremely dangerous virus that has to be removed ASAP. This is the only way to prevent the further encryption of your valuable data. To remove Locky virus and its
malicious files, you should scan your computer with Reimage or similar anti-spyware.
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Remove Locky virus (updated Oct 2016) - Improved Instructions http://www.2-spyware.com/remove-locky-virus.html
Once installed, the virus saves itself under svchost.exe name into %TEMP% directory. Malware also removed Zone.Identifier flag from this file to prevent the computer
from identifying it as "File Downloaded from the Internet" and warning the victim. Then it executes this file.
The virus assigns itself to startup programs, so that in case the victim restarts or shutdowns the PC during the encryption process or before it, it would still be able to
finish the encryption procedure. It must be noted that this virus contacts its Command and Control center to get the unique encryption key.
Data encryption begins. It might take several hours to encrypt required files. As a rule, the virus stays unnoticed at this stage, but you may notice system slow downs
and similar issues on your computer.
Now this ransomware starts showing a ransom note on victim's computer. This _Locky_recover_instructions.txt warning message is almost identical to previous ones
used to let people know how much bitcoins should they transfer to the developers of Locky virus for getting a special decryption key needed for the decryption of their
files.
Update September 2016: Locky no longer needs to interact with C&C servers to get the RSA Key
Locky ransomware continues evolving, and on September 2016, it demonstrates yet another version with some updated features. Unlike previous Locky versions, this one
does not need to contact C&C servers to get the RSA Key. It uses an embedded key, and this technique helps to infect computers whose administrators have blocked C&C
servers from passing through the Firewall. In other words, this new trick helps to implement offline encryption, which means that crooks do not have to devote their money
for servers and domains. However, it seems that this version of the virus hasn't been perfectly polished yet, because apparently, there are some mistakes made related to
its distribution. It appears that Locky's, aka Zepto's virus arrives in the form of .ZIP file, which contains JS files. If the victim attempts to launch them, a Windows Script Host
error shows up. This message appears because these JS files are actually HTA files. This Locky version adds .Zepto file extension to each encrypted file and finally creates
ransom notes on Desktop, called _HELP_instructions.html and _HELP_instructions.bmp.
Recently, the hackers have manifested their mastery once again as they came up with the improved version of the ransomware – ODIN virus. This file-encrypting virtual
threat has been named so after its distinctive characteristic. After the encryption is complete, all victims' files bear .odin extension. Moreover, alternatively known as .odin
file extension virus, it is noted to use .dll executables as well. The encryption techniques also remain the same: AES and RSA algorithms. Indeed, Locky has succeeded in
inflicting global damage on the entire virtual world. However, it does not mean that there are no ways to battle it.
Locky decrypter, or Locky decrypt tool. It is a software that victim's of Locky usually look for. Cyber criminals who spread this virus inform victims that the only way to
decrypt the encrypted files is to buy a unique Locky decrypter software, which supposedly can decrypt victim's data. The price of Locky decrypter starts from 0.5 Bitcoins
(which is equal to 225 Dollars, but may vary depending on the case. However, computer security experts encourage victims NOT to buy this software because it might be
useless. We also advise you not to look for Locky decrypter on the web because cyber criminals can spread these files filled with malicious components.
AutoLocky virus. This is a less dangerous copy of Locky virus. Its executive file spreads via spam emails and, once the victim opens it, virus encrypts files and asks for a
ransom (0.75 Bitcoin, so approximately 325 dollars). It uses Locky's name to look scary; however, it is not as dangerous as the real version of Locky virus. AutoLocky
ransomware is written in AutoIt language, so it is not as complicated as Locky, which is written in C++ programming language. Fortunately, computer experts have already
discovered AutoLocky decryption tool, so now victims can recover encrypted files.
.locky file extension virus. This variant of Locky ransomware appends .locky file extension to filenames after encrypting victim's records. If you see that these extensions
were added to your files, and if you cannot open them, it is a clear sign that you have become yet another victim of Locky virus attack. This variant also suggests Locky
decrypt tool in exchange for a large sum of money. As we have already mentioned, you risk losing your money just as you have lost your files if you transfer money to cyber
criminals. We strongly advise you NOT to do so.
_Locky_recover_instructions.txt. This file includes Locky virus data recovery instructions. These are provided by cyber criminals, and unfortunately, they do not present
information how to recover files for free. This so-called ransom note or a few variants of it can be found on every computer that has been affected by this virus. This
document explains that victim needs to download and install Tor browser and then navigate to particular websites for further information how to decrypt Locky. Later on,
cyber criminals command the victim to buy and send Bitcoins to them.
Bart virus. Bart ransomware is unique since it does not encrypt files, but adds them to individual ZIP archives and protect them with a password. It names these archives
as [original filename].bart.zip. What is more, this virus does not communicate with its Command & Control server, which means that it keeps locking files one after another
even if the user disables Internet connection. Another interesting feature of Bart is that it checks language settings on the computer and terminates itself in case Russian,
Belorussian or Ukrainian language is set as default. This virus asks to pay 3 Bitcoins to get all data back. We never encourage ransomware victims to pay ransoms, as
cyber criminals might refuse to provide the decryption key, or, in this case, Decryptor Bart.
Bart v2.0 ransomware virus. A newly released and improved version of Bart ransomware is a serious menace for all computer users that do not keep their computers
protected. After infecting the system, it encrypts records using RSA4096 encryption and adds .bart2.zip file extensions to them. The virus demands roughly 1800 USD in
exchange for the Bart2 Decryptor. Victims are advised not to pay such enormous ransom and look for other decryption methods. The most efficient way of restoring
encrypted files is to import healthy data from a backup. Needless to say, Bart 2.0 removal should be fully completed before attempting to transfer data copies into the
computer.
Zepto virus. Zepto is the latest variant of Locky. It was discovered in June 2016, and this virus is an improved version of the infamous .locky file extension virus. It was
released right after Bart ransomware, and it spreads via malicious email campaigns. This computer threat encrypts data using both AES-128 and RSA-2048 ciphers,
making it nearly impossible to crack the virus and create a free decryption tool. In other words, it might be impossible to decrypt your files after this virus encrypts them.
Authors of this virus ask to pay a ransom to get a Zepto decryption key, which can be bought via Locky payment site. However, there is no information if crooks actually
provide victims with the key after they pay the ransom.
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Remove Locky virus (updated Oct 2016) - Improved Instructions http://www.2-spyware.com/remove-locky-virus.html
MRI6219316107.js. This JavaScript file is believed to be the one that installs Locky virus infection into the system. If you see this file attached to some suspicious email
sent to you by unknown person, delete such email immediately. If you have downloaded a .ZIP file that contains this component do not extract it!
JS.Nemucod. It is a malicious Trojan horse, which can download Locky or another malicious computer virus into your computer. It is essential to protect your computer
from Trojans because these hideous programs are very dangerous. They usually do not reveal their existence in any way, but they can silently steal user's personal data or
unexpectedly place disastrious viruses on the computer. In other words, JS.Nemucod virus is like a ticking time bomb. To avoid such dangers, you need to protect your
computer with a powerful anti-malware software.
ODIN virus. The latest version of Locky can be recognized from .odin file extensions added to encrypted data and ransom notes left on the desktop -
HOWDO_text.bmp, and HOWDO_text.html files. The virus commands the victim to go to the ODIN payment page, which suggests buying Locky Decrypter. Since Locky
has not been defeated yet, so is ODIN, and victims can only hope for the best. Files can be restored from backups, but Odin ransomware and related files must be entirely
cleared from the system before plugging the device with the backup into the computer. Odin ransomware is just as dangerous as the vast of other crypto-Trojans and you
must take actions to protect your computer in advance if you do not want to be affected by Odin's payload.
After being activated, the virus starts scanning the computer for files, including a photo, video, documents, archives and other files and then encrypts them with the AES
algorithm. On top of that, this virus does not only affect the Office files but may also connect to external storage drives connected to the computer or network sharing sites
and lock the files there as well. What is more, the online file clouds and network sharing sites are also at risk of being hijacked. There have been reports about Locky
encrypting Bitcoin wallets as well. This is an extremely dangerous virus, so you should think about Locky removal as soon as it shows up on your computer. Also, do NOT
open unknown emails and do not download any suspicious files attached.
If you have discovered locky_recover_instructions ransom note on your computer, and if your files have .locky extension appended to them, regrettably, it is a sign that the
notorious Locky ransomware found a way to infiltrate your computer. As we have already stated, it is not advisable to follow locky recover instructions provided by cyber
criminals. Unfortunately, the only way to recover Locky damage is to restore the files from a backup. If you did not back up your files before this virus attacked your PC,
unfortunately, there is no way to decrypt files that the executive Locky file has encrypted. If you are not willing to pay the ransom that Locky demands, you should remove
this computer threat right away.
New information: It appears that Locky is being distributed via Quant Loader, a tool that is advertised in Russian underground hacking forums as a Trojan horse that is
capable of infecting the victim's PC without any harsh techniques and giving full access to the hacker. Criminals who buy this Trojan can use a specifically designed admin
panel that gives control of the compromised computers and allows to decide what malware to inject into them. Criminals can even choose what computers to attack,
ordering them by geographic location. According to research, Quant Loader malware is suspected to be one of the primary tools used to distribute Locky ransomware and
also Pony Trojan (data-stealing virus). The distributors of Quant Loader are criminals that belong to malware gang known as "C++ GURU" or "CPP GURU."
Answer: Unfortunately, but there is no Locky decrypter invented yet. If you can't remember backing up your data, which is the only process capable of helping people to
prevent the loss of your files, you can try this software: Photorec, Kaspersky virus-fighting utilities or R-Studio. However, there is no guarantee that these programs will help
you to get your files back to you. Also, you should not forget the security of your computer. You must remove Locky virus from the system ASAP. For that, we recommend
installing SpyHunter.
Question: I have just received an email message saying "Please see the attached invoice". Also, it has the "ATTN: Invoice J-98223146" document added to it.
Unfortunately, I have already downloaded it, and now my files are blocked! Why?
Answer: Unfortunately, you were infected with .Locky virus. This is a seriously dangerous virus, which requires a special payment for giving people an opportunity to
decrypt their files. To fix your computer and remove malicious files, please check the step-by-step guide given down below.
Question: How could I remove Locky virus? Will this help me recover my files that are blocked by this ransomware?
Answer: Unfortunately, but the easiest way to "unlock" your files is to enter the key, which is held by Locky developers. This key cannot be guessed or stolen, so the only
option you have while trying to get it is to pay the ransom for its developers. However, you could try to recover your files with the help of their backups. Check your CDs,
external drives, Dropbox and similar online solutions for them. To remove Locky virus from your computer, you should install a reliable anti-spyware and check your
3 de 12 24/10/2016 21:05
Remove Locky virus (updated Oct 2016) - Improved Instructions http://www.2-spyware.com/remove-locky-virus.html
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What to do if failed?
If you failed to remove infection using Reimage,
submit a question to our support team and
provide as much details as possible.
Reimage is recommended to uninstall Locky virus. Free scanner allows you to check whether your PC is infected or not. If you need to remove malware, you have to purchase the licensed version of Reimage
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ALTERNATE SOFTWARE
• Plumbytes
Download | review | tutorial
We are testing Plumbytes's efficiency (2016-10-20 07:30)
HELP:
how to remove registry entries
4 de 12 24/10/2016 21:05
Remove Locky virus (updated Oct 2016) - Improved Instructions http://www.2-spyware.com/remove-locky-virus.html
Delete files:
%UserpProfile%\Desktop\_Locky_recover_instructions.bmp
%UserpProfile%\Desktop\_Locky_recover_instructions.txt
%Temp%\[random].exe
HELP:
how to remove harmful files
Note: some versions of this virus may disable the additional booting options. So, if your computer does not start in Safe Mode with Networking or Command Prompt modes,
you can try booting it with a help of a rescue disk.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8
Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
5 de 12 24/10/2016 21:05
Remove Locky virus (updated Oct 2016) - Improved Instructions http://www.2-spyware.com/remove-locky-virus.html
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove
malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Locky removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8
Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Remove Locky virus (updated Oct 2016) - Improved Instructions http://www.2-spyware.com/remove-locky-virus.html
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Locky. After doing that, click Next.
7 de 12 24/10/2016 21:05
Remove Locky virus (updated Oct 2016) - Improved Instructions http://www.2-spyware.com/remove-locky-virus.html
Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with Reimage and make sure that Locky removal is performed successfully.
Locky virus has not been defeated yet, and it functions in full capacity at the moment. Sadly, it uses advanced techniques and it is obvious that programmers working
behind this ransomware project are extremely advanced. Malware researchers have found no flaws in this ransomware that would allow to create a free decryption tool, so
it seems that these criminals know what they're doing. If they have managed to convince you to open a malicious file and install the ransomware unknowingly, please do not
listen what they say and do not pay the ransom. Most likely they will not provide the decryption software. If you do not have a data backup, it might be impossible to recover
your files, however, you should try the following methods that might help you to restore corrupted data.
If your files are encrypted by Locky, you can use several methods to restore them:
Victims of Locky virus can use data recovery functions provided by Data Recovery Pro software. It is very easy to use this application - these instructions can prove it:
Restore them.
Files are securely encrypted, but you can try to recover their previous versions by following these instructions. Please understand that this method is effective only in case
you activated System Restore function in the past.
8 de 12 24/10/2016 21:05
Remove Locky virus (updated Oct 2016) - Improved Instructions http://www.2-spyware.com/remove-locky-virus.html
Locky Decrypter
Locky Decrypter is a tool offered by cyber criminals and it might be completely useless. It costs a lot and is hardly reliable, so we do not recommend buying it. Understand
that criminals have illegally encrypted your files and this Decrypter is not some special software that can help you to rescue your files. Cyber criminals are clearly asking for
ransom, but they might not provide you with the decryption software or send you a malicious file instead.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Locky and other ransomwares, use a reputable
anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Plumbytes or Malwarebytes Anti Malware
If this free removal guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be
appreciated.
thank you sir for this complete and high value article .... here I have notice something about instructions files where as you mentioned in this article that the instruction file will not be encrypted ,is that mean the
operation of instruction file creation was after system encrypted ? or their are exceptions in malicious code avoiding to encrypt the file with name of HELP_instructions.html and _HELP_instructions.bmp ?!
Reply » 2016 10 02
turmalino 0 0
9 de 12 24/10/2016 21:05
Remove Locky virus (updated Oct 2016) - Improved Instructions http://www.2-spyware.com/remove-locky-virus.html
Reply » 2016 03 10
WillieDouglas 0 0
All of my files have .locky extension. Is that mean that this ransomware is inside my computer?
Reply » 2016 03 10
Nicolas 0 0
I hate ransomware!!!
Reply » 2016 03 10
Vickie 0 0
Ive removed the Locky virus but cant restore my encrypted files. What do I do with all the encrypted files? I dont have a recent backup. I did the system restore but it didnt help to get my files back.
Reply » 2016 03 03
PeterPeter 0 0
Very informative and helpful!! Thank you for helping me to remove Locky virus. Fortunately, I had backups on my computer..
Reply » 2016 03 01
Ammy27 0 0
Lucky you, because I hadnt, and now all my files are destroyed!!!!!! I am not going to pay money for cyber criminals, no freaking way, I am not giving them a second chance to deceive me. However, from now
on, I will definitely backup my data...
Reply » 2016 03 01
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10 de 12 24/10/2016 21:05
Remove Locky virus (updated Oct 2016) - Improved Instructions http://www.2-spyware.com/remove-locky-virus.html
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11 de 12 24/10/2016 21:05
Remove Locky virus (updated Oct 2016) - Improved Instructions http://www.2-spyware.com/remove-locky-virus.html
12 de 12 24/10/2016 21:05