What Is LockBit 5.0?
LockBit 5.0 is the newest version of the notorious LockBit ransomware (a Ransomware-as-a-Service group). First seen in September 2025, the ransomware now targets Windows, Linux and ESXi systems with enhanced encryption speed, modular payload components, and advanced obfuscation and anti-analysis defenses including DLL reflection, process hiding, API unhooking, and more aggressive antivirus/EDR termination.
Once it executes, it appends a randomized extension to encrypted files, for example document.docx.db9785905a3cad2c, and drops a ransom note such as ReadMeForDecrypt.txt threatening data publication if the victim does not pay.
Because of LockBit’s cross-platform reach and double extortion model using TOR/Tox communication channels, recovery often requires full forensic removal, restoration from clean backups, careful detection of any remaining backdoors or lateral movement, and in rare cases collaboration with law enforcement or decryption key recovery efforts.
Lockbit 5.0 Virus Details
| Name | LockBit 5.0 virus. |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Ransom Note | ReadMeForDecrypt.txt |
| Detection Tool |
Check if your Mac has been affected by LockBit 5.0
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Malware Removal Tool
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LockBit 5.0 Technical Resume
LockBit 5.0 is a sophisticated ransomware strain that introduces advanced capabilities designed to evade detection, spread across multiple platforms, and maximize damage. Its most notable technical features include:
- Cross-platform targeting of Windows, Linux, and ESXi systems
- High-speed file encryption with randomized file extensions
- Ransom notes dropped on infected systems (e.g., ReadMeForDecrypt.txt)
- DLL reflection, process hiding, and API unhooking to bypass defenses
- Termination of antivirus and endpoint detection/response (EDR) tools
- Double extortion tactics: file encryption plus data theft and leak threats
- Use of TOR and Tox for anonymous attacker communication
- Modular payload components allowing flexible attack customization
LockBit 5.0 Ransom Note
This is the text of the ransom note that this version of LockBit applies:
~~~ You have been attacked by LockBit 5.0 – the fastest, most stable and immortal ransomware since 2019 ~~~~
>>>>> You must pay us.
Tor Browser link where the stolen infortmation will be published:
–
>>>>> What is the guarantee that we won’t scam you?
We are the oldest extortion gang on the planet and nothing is more important to us than our reputation. We are not a politically motivated group and want nothing but financial rewards for our work. If we defraud even one client, other clients will not pay us. In 5 years, not a single client has been left dissatisfied after making a deal with us. If you pay the ransom, we will fulfill all the terms we agreed upon during the negotiation process. Treat this situation simply as a paid training session for your system administrators, because it was the misconfiguration of your corporate network that allowed us to attack you. Our pentesting services should be paid for the same way you pay your system administrators’ salaries. You can get more information about us on wikipedia hxxps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LockBit>>>>> Warning! Do not delete or modify encrypted files, it will lead to irreversible problems with decryption of files!
>>>>> Don’t go to the police or the FBI for help and don’t tell anyone that we attacked you. They will forbid you from paying the ransom and will not help you in any way, you will be left with encrypted files and your business will die.
>>>>> When buying bitcoin, do not tell anyone the true purpose of the purchase. Some brokers, especially in the US, do not allow you to buy bitcoin to pay ransom. Communicate any other reason for the purchase, such as: personal investment in cryptocurrency, bitcoin as a gift, paying to buy assets for your business using bitcoin, cryptocurrency payment for consulting services, cryptocurrency payment for any other services, cryptocurrency donations, cryptocurrency donations for Donald Trump to win the election, buying bitcoin to participate in ICO and buy other cryptocurrencies, buying cryptocurrencies to leave an inheritance for your children, or any other purpose for buying cryptocurrency. Also you can use adequate cryptocurrency brokers who do not ask questions for what you buy cryptocurrency.
>>>>> After buying cryptocurrency from a broker, store the cryptocurrency on a cold wallet, such as https://electrum.org/ or any other cold cryptocurrency wallet, more details on https://bitcoin.org By paying the ransom from your personal cold cryptocurrency wallet, you will avoid any problems from regulators, police and brokers.
>>>>> Don’t be afraid of any legal consequences, you were very scared, that’s why you followed all our instructions, it’s not your fault if you are very scared. Not a single company that paid us has had issues. Any excuses are just for insurance company to not pay on their obligation.
>>>>> You need to contact us via TOR sites with your personal ID
Download and install Tor Browser https://www.torproject.org/
Write to the chat room and wait for an answer, we’ll guarantee a response from us. If you need a unique ID for correspondence with us that no one will know about, ask it in the chat, we will generate a secret chat for you and give you ID via private one-time memos service, no one can find out this ID but you. Sometimes you will have to wait some time for our reply, this is because we have a lot of work and we attack hundreds of companies around the world.Tor Browser link for chat with us:
–
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>> Your personal identifier to communicate with us ID: – <<<<< >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Advertising:
Want a lamborghini, a ferrari and lots of titty girls? Sign up and start your pentester billionaire journey in 5 minutes with us.
–
After registration, you will receive the most flawless and reliable tools for encrypting almost all operating systems on the planet and a platform for negotiating with attacked companies.Version: ChuongDong v1.01 | x64.
LockBit 5.0 Removal
Removing LockBit 5.0 requires immediate and thorough action to prevent further data loss or system compromise.
Victims should disconnect infected machines from the network to stop the spread, use safe backups to restore critical files, and perform a full system scan to detect hidden malware components or backdoors. It is equally important to update operating systems, patch vulnerabilities, and change all affected passwords after removal.
While large organizations are often targeted, individual users should also take precautions, as personal data can be exploited in the same way.
To strengthen protection and assist in cleaning infections, a reputable anti-malware tool such as SpyHunter is recommended, as it can detect, block, and remove ransomware-related threats effectively.
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Step 1: Scan for LockBit 5.0 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall LockBit 5.0 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 LockBit 5.0 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 LockBit 5.0 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 LockBit 5.0
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by LockBit 5.0.
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 LockBit 5.0 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.
LockBit 5.0-FAQ
What is LockBit 5.0 Ransomware?
LockBit 5.0 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 LockBit 5.0 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 LockBit 5.0 Infect?
Via several ways.LockBit 5.0 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 LockBit 5.0 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 .LockBit 5.0 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .LockBit 5.0 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 .LockBit 5.0 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".LockBit 5.0" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .LockBit 5.0 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 LockBit 5.0 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 LockBit 5.0 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .LockBit 5.0 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 LockBit 5.0 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 LockBit 5.0 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this LockBit 5.0 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 LockBit 5.0 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.