Lock93 is a newly-emerged ransomware cryptovirus. The ransom note which is displayed after the file encryption process is complete can be written either in Russian or English. All encrypted files will have the extension .lock93 appended to them. The origin of the virus is unknown and its versatile ransom message proves that its target is not solely Russia. To see how to remove the ransomware and how you can try to restore your data, carefully read the article.
Threat Summary
| Name | Lock93 Ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware will encrypt your files and then display its ransom message with instructions and demands. |
| Symptoms | The ransom note that is displayed depends on your preferred language and can be either in Russian or English. Encrypted files will have the .lock93 extension appended to them. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Lock93 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. |
Lock93 Ransomware – Infection
Lock93 ransomware can infect your computer device using a few methods. Spam email campaigns could be spreading its payload file. An electronic letter of a spam campaign is written in a way to make you think that it’s important along with its attachment. In actuality, the attached file will look exactly like it is presented, but in fact, contain malicious code. Opening the attachment will release that code from the file and infect your computer machine.
More infection method for the Lock93 ransomware might be at play. For example, the malware creators could be distributing the files via social media and file-sharing networks. The malicious payload file could be put on such platforms to attempt infecting more potential victims. When browsing the Internet, try to be more careful. Refrain from opening files from suspicious links and emails. Scan such files with a security application and check their signatures and size before opening. You should read the tips about preventing ransomware in our forum.
Lock93 Ransomware – Information
Malware researchers from the MalwareHunterTeam have recently found a new ransomware virus. They have named it Lock93 after the extension it puts to all encrypted files. The ransom message is also a lock screen and contains instructions for paying.
After the Lock93 ransomware executes its payload, it could make entries in the Windows Registry to be more resilient. Such registry entries are made in a way to make the virus launch automatically every time the Windows operating system starts. What follows is that your files get encrypted, and then the lock screen with the ransom message shows up on your desktop. The ransom message is written either in Russian or English. That may depend on what language you have set as default on your system or where you got the ransomware from.
You can preview the ransom message written in Russian from the image below:
The text reads the following:
Для расшифровки данных отправьте код на E-mail
После этого вы получите инструкции по оплате
После оплаты вы получите код разблокировки и все данные будут расшифрованыНе удаляйте и не редактируйте файлы с расширением lock93 и фалы самого вируса,
т. к. это может привести к потере данныхСтоимость расшифровки: 1000 рублей
E-mail: oplaticydadeng@mail.ru
You can preview the ransom message written in English right here:
It reads the following:
Send the code to the e-mail
You will get payment instructions
After payment you will get the unlock code and your data will be decryptedDo not delete or modify files with extension lock93 and virus files because it can
destroy your dataPrice: 1000 RUR
E-mail: oplaticydadeng@mail.ru
The Lock93 virus uses the email address oplaticydadeng@mail.ru as a contact detail in both ransom notes. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the ransomware originates from Russia, although it seems logical to be the case.
The Lock93 ransomware does not give you any deadline to decrypt your data and demands 1000 Russian rubles. That amount equals to 16 US dollars. You shouldn’t be thinking of paying the crooks, regardless of how small the ransom price is. No one can guarantee that you will restore your data after payment. Criminals such as these use the money for making new ransomware or to fund other criminal actions.
A full list with file types that become encrypted is currently unavailable, but the following ones have been recorded to be encrypted:
→.png, .doc, docx, .jpeg, .jpg, .ppt, .pptx, .odt, .pdf, .psd, .rtf, .html, .xll, .xlm, .xls, .xlsx, .xml
All encrypted files will have the .lock93 extension appended to them, after the original file extension. It is unknown what encryption algorithm is being used by this virus, but researchers believe that it can be decrypted.
The Lock93 ransomware is likely to erase the Shadow Volume Copies of the Windows operating system with the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Read further to check out what methods you can try to decrypt your locked files and data.
Remove Lock93 Ransomware and Decrypt .lock93 Files
If your computer got infected with the Lock93 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 Lock93 Ransomware.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Lock93 Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Lock93 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Lock93 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 Lock93 Ransomware 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 Lock93 Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Lock93 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 Lock93 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.
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.
Lock93 Ransomware-FAQ
What is Lock93 Ransomware Ransomware?
Lock93 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 Lock93 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 Lock93 Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Lock93 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 Lock93 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 .Lock93 Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Lock93 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 .Lock93 Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Lock93 Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Lock93 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 Lock93 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 Lock93 Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Lock93 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 Lock93 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 Lock93 Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Lock93 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.
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 Lock93 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.
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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