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Remove Lortok Ransomware and Freely Decrypt .Crime Encrypted Files

password-brute-force-stforumRansomware, meant for Russian speaking users, named Lortok has been reported to encrypt the files on the devices it infects by using an AES-256 cipher. When the files are encrypted, they are modified, and the .crime file extension is added to them. In addition to that, Lortok ransomware adds a ransom note written entirely in Russian and in it, the crooks behind the virus demand only 5 dollars to decrypt the files. Either way, there is a decrypter released for Lortok ransomware, and we suggest to read this article on how to remove it and decrypt your files for free.

Threat Summary

Name Lortok
Type Ransomware
Short Description Uses a strong AES-256 cipher to encode user files. Demands 5 dollars as a ransom money.
Symptoms Files are encrypted and become inaccessible. A ransom note with instructions for paying the ransom shows as a .txt file.
Distribution Method Spam Emails, Email Attachments, File Sharing Networks.
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User Experience Join our forum to Discuss Lortok 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.

Lortok Ransomware – Infection Mechanisms

In order to infect users successfully, Lortok may use a so-called process obfuscation mechanisms. They conceal the malicious file from any security software which may prevent the encryption process.

To spread its malicious .exe files successfully, Lortok may use spam bots to either send out spam messages or comment on different sites. The content may be malicious URLs or archives which contain the malicious executables. So far it is a mystery on what content has been used to deceive users, but it is strongly believed that the deception is more than one. For example, malicious URLs may be spread via recipients that resemble the following:

  • PayPal.
  • eBay.
  • Amazon.
  • BestBuy.
  • A reputable bank.

Lortok Ransomware Viewed In Detail

After successful infection the ransomware drops the two following files on the victim`s computer:

  • C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Roaming\installdir\help.exe
  • C:\Users\Administrator\AppData\Roaming\update_{Ransom alpha-numerical code}.exe

N.B. The cyber-criminals may change the names and location of the files for different infections.

After creating the malicious files, Lortok encrypts the user’s files. It may look for the following file types:

“PNG .PSD .PSPIMAGE .TGA .THM .TIF .TIFF .YUV .AI .EPS .PS .SVG .INDD .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .ACCDB .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .CGI .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD Files .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .KML .KMZ .ASP .ASPX .CER .CFM .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML. DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX ..INI .PRF Encoded Files .HQX .MIM .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR.GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .TAX2014 .TAX2015 .VCF .XML Audio Files .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA Video Files .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG ..CRX .PLUGIN .FNT .FON .OTF .TTF .CAB .CPL .CUR .DESKTHEMEPACK .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG” Source:fileinfo.com

After modifying the files, Lortok may add two file extensions to the encrypted files – .crime and an extension with random number, for example:

  • New Text Document.txt.crime
  • New Text Document.txt.55sd3f3

After encrypting the files, Lortok adds a ransom note written entirely in Russian:

“Здравствуйте, все ваши файлы зашифрованы, свяжитесь с нами для их восстановления.
СТОИМОСТЬ РАСШИФРОВКИ ФАЙЛОВ 5$
Для этого выполните следующие действия:
1) Загрузите ‘Tor Browser for Windows’, скачать можно тут https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html.en
2) Установите и запустите ‘Tor Browser’
3) Перейдите по ссылке ‘хппт://3qo5aqjlesrudfm3.onion/?id=…’ в ‘Tor Browser’ – (ВНИМАНИЕ, САЙТ ДОСТУПЕН ТОЛЬКО ЧЕРЕЗ ‘Tor Browser’)
4) Следуйте инструкциям на сайте
————————————————————–
Для авторизации на сайте используйте:
ID: 55sd3f3
HashID: 4pbf28d2s
————————————————————–
1) Внимание, ‘переустановка/откат’ windows не поможет восстановить файлы но может окончательно их повредить и тогда даже мы не сможем их восстановить.
2) Антивирусы nod32, drweb, kaspersky и т.д вам не помогут расшифровать файлы, даже если вы купите у них лицензию на 10 лет, они вам все равно не восстановят файлы.
3) Для шифрования файлов используется AES который был создан в 1998г, за 17 лет никто на планете земля не смог взломать алгоритм шифрования, даже АНБ.
4) Ключ других пользователей вам не подойдет, так как у каждого пользователя уникальный ключ, поэтому не ждите что кто-то оплатит и выложит ключ для расшифровки файлов.
————————————————————–
Коротко о шифрование ‘AES256’ на примере ‘Winrar’, каждый файл помешается в архив ‘Winrar’, на архив ‘Winrar’ ставится пароль из 256 символов:
1) Открыть архив можно только введя пароль
2) Удалив ‘Winrar’ файл остается в архиве и открыть его нельзя.
3) Даже если перенести архив на другой windows, он все еще будет требовать пароль для открытия.
4) Если вы ‘переустановите/откатите’ windows, архив ‘Winrar’ останется архивом и для его открытия все еще потребуется ‘Winrar’ и пароль из 256 символов.
————————————————————–
Вы можете ждать пока кто-то через лет 60 взломает алгоритм шифрования AES256 и через 60 лет восстановить файлы или же оплатить ключ и восстановить файлы за пару часов, выбор за вами!
https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_Standard”
English Translation:
Hello, all your files are encrypted, please contact us to restore them.
The cost of decrypting files is $ 5
To do this, follow these steps:
1) Download the ‘Tor Browser for Windows’, you can download it here https://www.torproject.org/download/download-easy.html.en
2) Install and run ‘Tor Browser’
3) Click on the link ‘http //3qo5aqjlesrudfm3.onion/ Id = …’ in the ‘Tor Browser’ – (ATTENTION, the site is available only through the ‘Tor Browser’)
4) Follow the instructions on the website
————————————————– ————
To login to the site using:
ID: 55sd3f3
HashID: 4pbf28d2s
————————————————– ————
1) Attention, ‘Overwrite / rollback’ of windows does not help to restore files but can ultimately damage them, and even then we will not be able to restore them.
2) Antivirus nod32, drweb, kaspersky, etc. will not help you decrypt the files, even if you buy them a license for 10 years, they will still not restore files.
3) To encrypt files using AES which was established in 1998, for 17 years, no one on Earth could not crack the encryption algorithm, even the NSA.
4) The key to other users you will not work, since each user a unique key, so do not expect that someone will pay and will lay the key to decrypt the files.
————————————————– ————
About encryption ‘AES256’ see on ‘Winrar’ example, each file was placed in the file ‘Winrar’, to archive ‘Winrar’ enter password of 256 characters:
1) You can open the file only by typing your password
2) Delete ‘Winrar’ file is archived and can not open it.
3) Even if you move the file to another Windows, it will still require a password to open.
4) If you ‘reinstall / revert’ windows, the archive ‘Winrar’ will archive and to open still need ‘Winrar’ and password of 256 characters.
————————————————– ————
You can wait until someone through 60 years will crack AES256 encryption algorithm, and after 60 years to restore the files, or to pay for the key and restore files in a couple of hours, the choice is yours!
https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_Standard”

Remove Lortok Ransomware and Decrypt Your Files for Free

To remove Lortok, please follow the instructions for removal which are prepared in a methodological order for you after this paragraph. For maximum effectiveness for the removal of Lortok from your computer, we strongly advise you to download an advanced anti-malware tool which will delete any malicious files belonging Lortok on your computer.

To decrypt your files, please follow carefully step 3 of those instructions – “Restore files encrypted by Lortok.” They contain a web link for Kaspersky’s “Rakhni decryptor” that will help you decrypt your files instead of paying 5$ for the cyber-criminals.

Ventsislav Krastev

Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.

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

Step 1: Scan for Lortok 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 Lortok 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 Lortok 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 Lortok 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 Lortok

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 Lortok.

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 Lortok 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.


Lortok-FAQ

What is Lortok Ransomware?

Lortok 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 Lortok 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 Lortok Infect?

Via several ways.Lortok 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 Lortok 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 .Lortok files?

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

Can I Restore ".Lortok" Files?

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

The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Lortok 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 Lortok 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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