This article informs on Locky .OSIRIS ransomware and will show you how to remove .OSIRIS Locky virus and restore encrypted files.
A rise in the infection rate of the Locky .OSIRIS ransomware virus has been reported by security researchers. The virus has begun to spread with the same massive spam e-mail campaigns that have documents with malicious macros within them. If the ones spreading Locky .OSIRIS ransomware are back on track, then infections are expected to rise even more.
The Infection Method of Locky Ransomware
For the infection, this new spam wave of Locky uses pre-set list of e-mail addresses which are not flagged as spam. These sender addresses send a receipt in the form of an Adobe .PDF file, that has a name similar to “P23123.pdf”. The topic of the e-mail uses the word “Reciept” in it, making it seem that it has been sent as a form of some payment that the user has not made. In addition to this, convincing statements may be made in the e-mail’s body to further get the user to open the infection file.
Whatever the case may be, once this .PDF document is opened, it contains a document with the .docm file extension inside, which can be opened via Microsoft Word. This document can only be opened via opening the .PDF file. As soon as the word file is opened, it displays a fake text, with the following content:
This Document is protected!
1 Open the document in Microsoft Office. Previewing offline is not available for protected documents.
2 If this document was downloaded from your email, please click “Enable editing” from the yellow bar above.
3 Once you have enable editing please click on “Enable content” on the yellow bar above.
As soon as the user clicks on the “Enable content” button, infection with .OSIRIS Locky becomes inevitable.
Similar to other Locky variants, the virus’s first action is to delete the shadow volume copies from the computer which is infected, by executing the vssadmin command:
→ vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet
For connection this Locky .OSIRIS iteration uses the hosts 188.120.239.230 and 80.85.158.212 to which it connects and sends information.
How to Remove Locky and Recover .OSIRIS Files
The bad news is that at this point, there is no current method of decrypting files that have been encrypted by the Locky ransomware infection, since the encryption used by .OSIRIS is very strong.However, there are several methods which you can try to get back a at least a portion of the files encoded with the .OSIRIS extension added to them. For more information on how to remove Locky .OSIRIS and protect your computer in the future, please see the removal instructions below. For alternative data recovery method, see step “2. Restore files encrypted by Locky .OSIRIS”.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Locky .OSIRIS with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Locky .OSIRIS 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Locky .OSIRIS 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 .OSIRIS there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 .OSIRIS
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Locky .OSIRIS.
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 .OSIRIS 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.
Locky .OSIRIS-FAQ
What is Locky .OSIRIS Ransomware?
Locky .OSIRIS 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 .OSIRIS 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 .OSIRIS Infect?
Via several ways.Locky .OSIRIS 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 .OSIRIS 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 .OSIRIS files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Locky .OSIRIS 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 .OSIRIS files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Locky .OSIRIS" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Locky .OSIRIS 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 .OSIRIS 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 .OSIRIS ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Locky .OSIRIS 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 .OSIRIS 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 .OSIRIS Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Locky .OSIRIS 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 Locky .OSIRIS 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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