LockLock appears to be another ransomware cryptovirus that is based on the open-source EDA2 project. The virus encrypts a victim’s files and puts up a ransom note with contact details. When encryption is complete, the ransomware places the extension .locklock to them. If you have been infected by the virus and want to try to restore your files, you should read the article carefully.
Threat Summary
| Name | LockLock |
| Type | Ransomware, Crypto-Virus |
| Short Description | The ransomware will encrypt your files AES-256 algoritm for the encryption process. It wants you to buy a decryption password from its creator. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware will lock all files with the .locklock extension appended to them and display a ransom note with instructions on your desktop. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable Files |
| Detection Tool |
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| User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss LockLock. |
LockLock Virus – Infection Spread
The LockLock virus is possible to spread with various methods. Malware researchers report that most infections are on Chinese users. Spam email campaigns are probably the most common tactic for spreading this infection. A spam email consists of a brief description which tries to convince the user that is of great importance and the full information is on a file attached to the letter. Such files may seem harmless, but if opened, they can release the payload of the cryptovirus and infect your computer machine.
Social media services or file-sharing networks two other ways which the LockLock ransomware utilize. A file which has a malicious script in it can be placed on these networks and be advertised as a useful application. If such a file is opened, its payload will be released, rendering your system compromised. Preventing that from happening is to avoid any suspicious email letters, links, or files. Before opening a file, check its signatures first, then its size and afterward, scan it with security software. You can read more ransomware prevention tips from our forum.
LockLock Virus – Technical Analysis
The LockLock virus is a ransomware which is based on the EDA2 open-source project. The project was created for educational purposes by some researcher, but it is being used in lots of real-life attacks to this very day.
The LockLock ransomware might create an entry in the Windows Registry such as:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
This entry allows LockLock to auto-start with each boot of the Windows Operating System.
When the encryption of all of your data is complete, the file READ_ME.TXT will be created. The file contains some contact details of the cyber-criminals behind the virus.
Below you can see the ransom note of the LockLock ransomware:
The above image will be set as your desktop background. The text in it reads:
HELLO!
YOUR COMPUTER HAS BEEN HACKED!
All files in your computer has been encrypted by RSA key
You can not OPEN and READ content in fileHOW TO RESTORE ALL FILES?
YES. I can help you and ONLY me can do it!
To UNLOCK your files you must:
1. Download tool “Decrypter LockLock virus”
2. Visit https://locklock.net and read information.
3. Enter Your Computer ID: (Open “READ_ME.TXT” on Desktop)
4. Run tools and enter Your Key then Click “Decrypt” button.
DONE. ALL FILE RESTORED!
—————-
If you can not access website above, you can contact me:
– Email: locklockrs@aol.com
– Skype Chat: locklockrs
The LockLock virus does not push its victims to pay the ransom on any given time limit, nor does it set a price for paying the ransom. Both the ransom note and READ_ME.TXT point to two ways for contacting the cyber criminals, if the site does not work:
- Email: locklockrs@aol.com
- Skype Chat: locklockrs
The site given in the ransom note does not work indeed. The Apache server seems to be down, as you can see that from the image right here:
Do NOT contact these cyber crooks in any circumstance. There is nothing that can guarantee that you will get your files unlocked by contacting ransomware creators. Any financial support will just raise funds for more criminal activity.
The LockLock ransomware is known to encrypt files that are deemed most important for users. The list with encrypted file extensions may be incomplete, but here these extensions are surely to be encryted:
→.doc, .docx, .docm, .txt, .odt, .psd, .pdf, .xls, .xlsm, .xlsx, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .bmp, .tiff, .html, .ppt, .pptx
All encrypted files will end up with the same extension, which is .locklock. The ransomware uses the AES-256 algorithm for its encryption. That is the same encryption method used for most EDA2 ransomware viruses.
You can see the detections of this virus on the VirusTotal website:
The LockLock ransomware probably erases the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows Operating System. Read below to learn how to remove this threat and how you can try to restore your files.
Remove LockLock Virus and Restore .locklock Files
If your computer got infected with the LockLock ransomware virus, you should have some experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as fast as possible before it can have the chance of spreading further and infect more PCs. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide given below. To see ways that you can try to recover your data, see the step titled 3. Restore files encrypted by LockLock.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for LockLock with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall LockLock 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by LockLock 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 LockLock there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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.
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 LockLock
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by LockLock.
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:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
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 LockLock 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.
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.
LockLock-FAQ
What is LockLock Ransomware?
LockLock 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 LockLock 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 LockLock Infect?
Via several ways.LockLock 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 LockLock 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 .LockLock files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .LockLock 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 .LockLock files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".LockLock" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .LockLock 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 LockLock 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 LockLock ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .LockLock 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 LockLock 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 LockLock Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this LockLock 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 LockLock 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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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