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Lockify Ransomware – Remove and Restore .Lockify Files

The article will help you remove Lockify ransomware completely. Follow the Lockify ransomware removal instructions at the end of the article.

Lockify is the name of a ransomware cryptovirus. The extension .Lockify will get appended to every encrypted file. AES is believed to be the encryption algorithm which is used, as the ransomware is a variant stemming from the HiddenTear/EDA2 project. The Lockify cryptovirus will put a ransom note with instructions in a html type of file. Keep reading and see how you could try to potentially recover some of your files.

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Threat Summary

Threat Summary

Name Lockify
Type Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description The ransomware is a modified variant of HiddenTear. It encrypts files on your computer and leaves a ransom message that looks like the first variants of CERBER, but it says LOCKIFY instead.
Symptoms The ransomware will encrypt your files and put the extension .Lockify on your files after it completes its encryption process.
Distribution Method Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware

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Malware Removal Tool

User Experience Join Our Forum to Discuss Lockify.
Data Recovery Tool Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive.

Lockify Ransomware – Infection

Lockify ransomware could spread its infection by using more than one method. A payload file which drops the malicious script for the ransomware is seen to circle the Internet. Your computer system will get encrypted by the cryptovirus if its malicious script gets executed. You can check out the detections for one such payload dropper, uploaded to the VirusTotal service for analysis:

Lockify ransomware might also be spreading its payload file via social media and file-sharing networks. Freeware that is spread on the Web can be presented as helpful but could also hide the malicious script for this cryptovirus. Refrain from opening files after you have downloaded them, especially if they come from places like suspicious emails and links with unknown origins. Instead, you should scan the files with a security tool and check them for anything that seems out of place.

Lockify Ransomware – In Detail

Lockify ransomware is the name given to a virus with an encryption function. Interestingly enough, the ransomware copies the ransom note design of earlier CERBER versions, uses a name that is close to that of “Locky”, but is in fact a variant of HiddenTear. The extension .Lockify will get appended to all files that become locked after the encryption process is set and done.

Lockify ransomware makes entries in the Windows Registry to achieve a form of persistence, and even launch and repress processes inside the Windows Operating System. Some of these entries are designed in a way that will start the virus automatically with every launch of Windows.

The ransom note will be placed inside a file after the encryption process is complete. The file with the ransom note is named Readme.hta. Inside it there will be instructions for paying the ransom. Here is how the note looks like:

The note reads the following:

LOCKIFY RANSOMWARE
Instructions

Can’t you find the necessary files?
Is the content of your files not readable?
It is normal because the files’ names and the data in your files have been encrypted by “Lockify Ransomware”.
It means your files are NOT damaged! Your files are modified only. This modification is reversible.
From now it is not possible to use your files until they will be decrypted.
The only way to decrypt your files safely is to buy the special decryption software “Lockify Decryptor”.
Any attempts to restore your files with the third-party software will be fatal for your files!

You can proceed with purchasing of the decryption software at your personal page:

https://i6r2ug4pil44jdnr.1J1dgw.top/

If this page cannot be opened click here to get a new address of your personal page.
If the address of your personal page is the same as before after you tried to get a new one,
you can try to get a new address in one hour.
At this page you will receive the complete instructions how to buy the decryption software for restoring all your files.
Also at this page you will be able to restore any one file for free to be sure “Lockify Decryptor” will help you.
——————————————————————————–
If your personal page is not available for a long period there is another way to open your personal page – installation and use of Tor Browser:
run your Internet browser (if you do not know what it is run the Internet Explorer);
enter or copy the address https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html.en into the address bar of your browser and press ENTER;
wait for the site loading;
on the site you will be offered to download Tor Browser; download and run it, follow the installation instructions, wait until the installation is completed;
run Tor Browser;
connect with the button “Connect” (if you use the English version);
a normal Internet browser window will be opened after the initialization;
type or copy the address

in this browser address bar;
press ENTER;
the site should be loaded; if for some reason the site is not loading wait for a moment and try again.
If you have any problems during installation or use of Tor Browser, please, visit https://www.youtube.com and type request in the search bar “Install Tor Browser Windows” and you will find a lot of training videos about Tor Browser installation and use.
——————————————————————————–
Additional information:
You will find the instructions (“*HELP_DECRYPT*.hta”) for restoring your files in any folder with your encrypted files.
The instructions “*HELP_DECRYPT*.hta” in the folders with your encrypted files are not viruses! The instructions “*HELP_DECRYPT*.hta” will help you to decrypt your files.
Remember! The worst situation already happened and now the future of your files depends on your determination and speed of your actions.

The ransomware is reported to be a HiddenTear/EDA2 variant by the malware researcher Michael Gillespie. You can read more about the HiddenTear open-source project from the corresponding article in our blog.

Despite being a modified variant of HiddenTear, the ransomware’s ransom note resembles that of earlier CERBER variants. Inside the note of Lockify ransomware you will find more hints about how to contact the cybercriminals about the ransom payment. The Bitcoin address used for this ransomware is 1J1dgwQHvQpsrLssx5pR2PiFZVh3Hw61Fn. However, you should NOT under any circumstances pay or contact these crooks. Your files may not get restored upon paying, and nobody could give you a guarantee for that. Furthermore, giving money to criminals will likely motivate them to do more crime, like the creation of more ransomware.

Lockify Ransomware – Encryption Process

Lockify ransomware is a HiddenTear variant as mentioned before, but it only seeks to encrypt files that have the following extensions:

→.class, .ctor, .docb, .docx, .dotx, .java, .jpeg, .lay6, .ms11, .potx, .ppsx, .pptx, .qcow2, .sldx, .SQLITEDB, .tar, .bz2, .text, .vmdk, .xlsm, .xltm

Each one of the files that gets encrypted will receive the same extension appended to them, and that is the .Lockify extension. The encryption which is utilized by the ransomware is believed to be AES since that algorithm is used by most HiddenTear variants.

The Lockify cryptovirus could be set to erase the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows operating system by using the following command:

→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet

If the command above is executed, it will make decryption efforts harder, if you try to use a recovery method that involves the Shadow Volume Copies. Keep on reading and check out what ways you can try to potentially restore some of your files.

Remove Lockify Ransomware and Restore .Lockify Files

If your computer got infected with the Lockify ransomware virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computers. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.

Berta Bilbao

Berta is a dedicated malware researcher, dreaming for a more secure cyber space. Her fascination with IT security began a few years ago when a malware locked her out of her own computer.

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  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4
  • Step 5

Step 1: Scan for Lockify with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.


It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.


2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 2


3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 3


4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.

scan for and delete ransomware virus step 4

If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.

Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide

Step 2: Uninstall Lockify and related malware from Windows

Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:


1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
delete ransomware from windows step 1


2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
delete ransomware from windows step 2


3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
delete ransomware from windows step 3Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.


Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Lockify on your computer.

The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce

You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Lockify there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
delete ransomware virus registries step 1


2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
delete ransomware virus registries step 2


3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
delete ransomware virus registries step 3 Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.

IMPORTANT!
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.

Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Lockify

OFFER

Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter

Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter's malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter's EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria

1. Hold Windows Key + R.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 1


2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 2


3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
remove ransomware in safe mode step 3
Tip: Make sure to reverse those changes by unticking Safe Boot after that, because your system will always boot in Safe Boot from now on.


4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 4


5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
remove ransomware in safe mode step 5


Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Lockify.

Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.

Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.

Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:

1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:

stop ransomware decryptor step 1

2. Agree with the license terms:

stop ransomware decryptor step 2

3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:

stop ransomware decryptor step 3

4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.

stop ransomware decryptor step 4

Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.

Method 2: Use data recovery software

Ransomware infections and Lockify aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.

1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:

Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.


Lockify-FAQ

What is Lockify Ransomware?

Lockify is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files. 

Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.

What Does Lockify Ransomware Do?

Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.

Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.

How Does Lockify Infect?

Via several ways.Lockify Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.

Another way you may become a victim of Lockify is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.

How to Open .Lockify files?

You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Lockify files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.

What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?

Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Lockify files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

Can I Restore ".Lockify" Files?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Lockify files. 

These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.

How To Get Rid of Lockify Virus?

The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.

It will scan for and locate Lockify ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Lockify files.

Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?

In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.

Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:

Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:

Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei

United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre

United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police

France - Ministère de l'Intérieur

Italy - Polizia Di Stato

Spain - Policía Nacional

Netherlands - Politie

Poland - Policja

Portugal - Polícia Judiciária

Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)

India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell

Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center

Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.

Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?

Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.

Can Lockify Ransomware Steal Your Data?

Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.

In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.

Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?

Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.

Should I Pay Ransomware?

No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.

What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?

If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.

Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?

Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.

It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.

Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?

Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.

About the Lockify Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Lockify how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.


How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?

Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.

Furthermore, the research behind the Lockify ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.

To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.


As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.

How to recognize trustworthy sources:

  • Always check "About Us" web page.
  • Profile of the content creator.
  • Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
  • Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.

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