The latest iteration of Locky ransomware is here. Files are encrypted with a new extension – .shit, but it is possible for other extensions to appear as well. The cryptovirus now uses HTML files (.hta) and brings back the usage of Command and Control (C&C) servers to deliver its payload file. To see how to remove the ransomware and how you can try to restore your data, read the article, carefully.

Threat Summary

Name	Locky Ransomware
Type	Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description	The ransomware encrypts your data and then displays a ransom message with instructions for payment.
Symptoms	Encrypted files will have the .shit extension appended to them.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, C&C Servers, HTML files in the form of .hta
Detection Tool	See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware Download Malware Removal Tool
User Experience	Join Our Forum to Discuss Locky Ransomware.
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.

Locky Ransomware – Distribution

The latest version of the Locky ransomware brings back Command and Control servers as a way for distribution. The servers are pushing the latest payload for the cryptovirus. The payload file is seen in two formats – as an HTML file or a JScript downloader. Respectively they have these extensions – .hta and .wsf / .js. Those files can be put inside .zip for a more difficult detection by security software. You can see the detections of one such file, without it being obfuscated in an archive, on the VirusTotal website:

Most of the payload files have the name Receipt with randomized numbers after it, so it seems like a legitimate receipt or invoice. You can see how the body of one such e-mail looks like below:

From: Free Haut Debit
Date: Mon, 24 Oct 2016
Subject: [Free] Notification de facture Freebox (95854808)

Bonjour,

Vous trouverez en piece jointe votre facture Free Haut Debit.
Le total de votre facture est de 75.09 Euros.
Nous vous remercions de votre confiance.

L’equipe Free

Attachment: Facture_Free_201610_6292582_95854808.zip

This one is in French as France is one of the most targeted countries, along with UK, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Poland and Serbia according to malware researchers from the MalwareHunterTeam. The emails look like they contain a legitimate invoice message. The one above tries to surprise the user that he owns some company or service 75 euros. Focused on the “debt” most users who are unaware of ransomware will open the attachment to see what exactly is happening.

Another variant of a spam letter related to the newest campaign in English:

From: “Dee Compton”

Subject: Complaint letter
Date: Mon, 24 Oct 2016

Dear [Your email name],

Client sent a complaint letter regarding the data file you provided.
The letter is attached.

Please review his concerns carefully and reply him as soon as possible.

Best regards,
Dee Compton

Attachment: saved_letter_C10C6A2.js

Locky ransomware could be spread around social media and file-sharing sites, too. Avoid suspicious or unknown links, attachments and files in general. Before opening a file, always do a scan with a security application. You should read the ransomware prevention tips in our forum.

Locky Ransomware – Analysis

A new strain of the infamous Locky ransomware has been discovered. The cryptovirus brings back C2 (Command and Control) servers back into its payload distribution scheme as described above. That makes for an extremely fast delivery of the malicious script that unleashes the virus onto a compromised computer. You can preview some of the C2 servers, right here:

• 185.102.13677:80/linuxsucks.php
• 91.200.14124:80/linuxsucks.php
• 109.234.35215:80/linuxsucks.php
• bwcfinntwork:80/linuxsucks.php

However, a few versions of Locky ransomware have been observed, which also put the .shit extension, but do not use C2 servers, but a .DLL file for its entry point, making it an offline way to infect computer machines, without reaching any download location.

After executing the payload, your files will get encrypted, and a ransom note will appear. A copy of the note will be made in files with the name _WHAT_is.bmp

The ransom note with instructions is set as your desktop background, and it is the same as past variants (including the grammatical errors):

The text reads the following:

!!! IMPORTANT INFORMATION !!!

All of your files are encrypted with RSA-2048 and AES-128 ciphers.
More information about the RSA and AES can be found here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_Standard
Decrypting of your files is only possible with the private key and decrypt program, All which is on our secret server.
To receive your private key follow one of the links:
1. https://jhomitevd2abj3fk.tor2web.org/5DYGW6MQXIPQSSBB
2. https://jhomitevd2abj3fk.onion.to/5DYGW6MQXIPQSSBB
If all of this addresses are not available, follow these steps:
1. Download and install Tor Browser: https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html
2. After a successful installation, run the browser and wait for initialization.
3. Type in the address bar: jhomitevd2abj3fk.onion/5DYGW6MQXIPQSSBB
4. Follow the instructions on the site.
!!! Your personal identification ID: 5DYGW6MQXIPQSSBB !!!

The Locky virus links you to a network domain hidden by the TOR service (but not hosted on it). To have access to the service, you will have to put the name of an encrypted file in the provided field. The service that loads looks the same as that of its predecessors, as you can see in the image below:

The demands on the payment page is for victims to pay up around 0,5 Bitcoins which amounts to 320 US dollars. The Locky ransomware is yet to be beaten, as its encryption is very strong and researchers have not found flaws in the code of the virus. Victims of previous iterations of the ransomware have reported that they didn’t succeed in recovering their files after paying the cybercriminals. Thus, there is no reason for you to contact the crooks or think about paying them. As seen up to this moment, the criminals will continue to make more ransomware campaigns.

Files with the following extensions have been reported to get encrypted:

→.txt, .pdf, .html, .rtf, .avi, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .dwg, .psd, .svg, .indd, .cpp, .pas, .php, .java, .jpg, .jpeg, .bmp, .tiff, .png, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx, .yuv, .ycbcra, .xis, .wpd, .tex, .sxg, .stx, .srw, .srf, .sqlitedb, .sqlite3, .sqlite, .sdf, .sda, .s3db, .rwz, .rwl, .rdb, .rat, .raf, .qby, .qbx, .qbw, .qbr, .qba, .psafe3, .plc, .plus_muhd, .pdd, .oth, .orf, .odm, .odf, .nyf, .nxl, .nwb, .nrw, .nop, .nef, .ndd, .myd, .mrw, .moneywell, .mny, .mmw, .mfw, .mef, .mdc, .lua, .kpdx, .kdc, .kdbx, .jpe, .incpas, .iiq, .ibz, .ibank, .hbk, .gry, .grey, .gray, .fhd, .ffd, .exf, .erf, .erbsql, .eml, .dxg, .drf, .dng, .dgc, .des, .der, .ddrw, .ddoc, .dcs, .db_journal, .csl, .csh, .crw, .craw, .cib, .cdrw, .cdr6, .cdr5, .cdr4, .cdr3, .bpw, .bgt, .bdb, .bay, .bank, .backupdb, .backup, .back, .awg, .apj, .ait, .agdl, .ads, .adb, .acr, .ach, .accdt, .accdr, .accde, .vmxf, .vmsd, .vhdx, .vhd, .vbox, .stm, .rvt, .qcow, .qed, .pif, .pdb, .pab, .ost, .ogg, .nvram, .ndf, .m2ts, .log, .hpp, .hdd, .groups, .flvv, .edb, .dit, .dat, .cmt, .bin, .aiff, .xlk, .wad, .tlg, .say, .sas7bdat, .qbm, .qbb, .ptx, .pfx, .pef, .pat, .oil, .odc, .nsh, .nsg, .nsf, .nsd, .mos, .indd, .iif, .fpx, .fff, .fdb, .dtd, .design, .ddd, .dcr, .dac, .cdx, .cdf, .blend, .bkp, .adp, .act, .xlr, .xlam, .xla, .wps, .tga, .pspimage, .pct, .pcd, .fxg, .flac, .eps, .dxb, .drw, .dot, .cpi, .cls, .cdr, .arw, .aac, .thm, .srt, .save, .safe, .pwm, .pages, .obj, .mlb, .mbx, .lit, .laccdb, .kwm, .idx, .html, .flf, .dxf, .dwg, .dds, .csv, .css, .config, .cfg, .cer, .asx, .aspx, .aoi, .accdb, .7zip, .xls, .wab, .rtf, .prf, .ppt, .oab, .msg, .mapimail, .jnt, .doc, .dbx, .contact, .mid, .wma, .flv, .mkv, .mov, .avi, .asf, .mpeg, .vob, .mpg, .wmv, .fla, .swf, .wav, .qcow2, .vdi, .vmdk, .vmx, .wallet, .upk, .sav, .ltx, .litesql, .litemod, .lbf, .iwi, .forge, .das, .d3dbsp, .bsa, .bik, .asset, .apk, .gpg, .aes, .arc, .paq, .tar.bz2, .tbk, .bak, .tar, .tgz, .rar, .zip, .djv, .djvu, .svg, .bmp, .png, .gif, .raw, .cgm, .jpeg, .jpg, .tif, .tiff, .nef, .psd, .cmd, .bat, .class, .jar, .java, .asp, .brd, .sch, .dch, .dip, .vbs, .asm, .pas, .cpp, .php, .ldf, .mdf, .ibd, .myi, .myd, .frm, .odb, .dbf, .mdb, .sql, .sqlitedb, .sqlite3, .pst, .onetoc2, .asc, .lay6, .lay, .sldm, .sldx, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppam, .docb, .mml, .sxm, .otg, .odg, .uop, .potx, .potm, .pptx, .pptm, .std, .sxd, .pot, .pps, .sti, .sxi, .otp, .odp, .wks, .xltx, .xltm, .xlsx, .xlsm, .xlsb, .slk, .xlw, .xlt, .xlm, .xlc, .dif, .stc, .sxc, .ots, .ods, .hwp, .dotm, .dotx, .docm, .docx, .dot, .max, .xml, .txt, .csv, .uot, .rtf, .pdf, .xls, .ppt, .stw, .sxw, .ott, .odt, .doc, .pem, .csr, .crt, .key

Those are around 400 different extensions. Encrypted files will have the .shit extension appended to the end of their name. The encryption algorithm that is claimed to be used by Locky is RSA-2048 with AES 128-bit ciphers.

This newest sample of Locky ransomware is highly likely to erase the Shadow Volume Copies on the Windows operating system via the following command:

→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet

Keep on reading to see how to remove the ransomware and to see what methods you can try to decrypt some of your file data.

Remove Locky Virus and Restore .shit Files

If your computer got infected with the Locky 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 to spread further and infect more computers. 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 2. Restore files encrypted by Locky Ransomware.

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 Locky Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

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

Download

Malware Removal Tool

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide

Step 2: Uninstall Locky Ransomware 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:

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

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2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.

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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"Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.

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Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Locky Ransomware 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 Locky Ransomware there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:

1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.

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

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3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it. 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 Locky Ransomware

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

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1. Hold Windows Key + R.

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2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.

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3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK". 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.

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4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.

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5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.

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Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Locky Ransomware.

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 Locky Ransomware 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:

EaseUS Data Recovery Software

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.

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Locky Ransomware-FAQ

What is Locky Ransomware Ransomware?

Locky Ransomware 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 Locky Ransomware 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 Locky Ransomware Infect?

Via several ways.Locky Ransomware 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 Locky Ransomware 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 .Locky Ransomware files?

You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Locky Ransomware 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 .Locky Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.

Can I Restore ".Locky Ransomware" Files?

Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Locky Ransomware 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 Locky Ransomware 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 Locky Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Locky Ransomware 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 Locky Ransomware 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 Locky Ransomware Research

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Locky Ransomware 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.

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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 Locky Ransomware 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.

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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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