This article has been created in order to help you by showing how to remove the .lol ransomware virus from your computer and how to restore .lol encrypted files without having to pay ransom.
New ransomware virus, using the .lol file extension has been detected to roam around the web, infecting users left and right. The malware aims to encrypt the files on the computers infected by it and sets the .lol file extension as a default suffix to the files encrypted by it. In addition to this a message appears on the computers of victims, beginning with “!!!!! Your personal files are now encrypted !!!!!”. In the event that your computer has been infected with the .lol files virus, we recommend that you read the following article to learn how to remove this ransomware and how to restore files that have been encrypted with the .lol extension without having to pay the ransom.
Threat Summary
Name | .lol Files Virus |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files on your computer and then asks for $700 dollars as a payoff for their decryption. |
Symptoms | Adds the .lol file extension to the encrypted files and an info.txt ransom note to the encrypted files. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
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 .lol Files Virus. |
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. |
.lol Files Virus – Distribution
In order to be widely spread, the .lol files ransomware uses multiple different techniques, the main of which is via e-mail spam messages, like the example below displays.
Such messages often contain different types of files embedded in them, like:
- Malicious executables, disguised as documents.
- Microsoft word documents (.docm) with malicious macros embedded within them.
- Adobe .PDF files that lead to the download of the above mention macros documents.
- Malicious JavaScript (.js) or flash (.wsf, etc.) files that are compresses within .ZIP or .RAR archives.
In addition to via e-mail, the malicious files may also be uploaded online as fake key generators, license activators and other types of files. One infection file, which is associated with the .lol files ransomware has been reported by malware researchers to be the following:
What is interesting is that it may be the same keygen.exe file that is used to infect users with the extremely similar .fake files virus variant:
.lol Files Virus – More Information
After infection, the payload of .lol files ransomware is dropped in one of the following Windows directories:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
As soon as this is done, the ransomware virus may modify the Windows Registry editor, more specifically attack the following Windows Registry sub-keys by adding values with data in them to make sure it’s malicious executable runs automatically on system boot:
→ 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
In addition to this, the malware may also modify the Windows backups and recovery settings, more specifically delete your volume shadow copies via running the following WCP commands as an administrator:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
After doing so, the .lol files virus may begin the file encryption operation, resulting in the following ransom note to appear afterwards:
Text from image:
If you see this message it means you have 24 hours to send 0.1 BTC to the following address or your files will be encrypted forever
All files with the following extensions have been encrypted: .jpg .png .gif .tif. .avi .mp4 .xls .xlsx .doc .docx .pptx .pdf .txt .csv
Status:
Loading:
Time Remaining:
.lol Files Virus – Encryption
For encryption, the .lol ransomware virus targets the following file types on your computer system:
→ .jpg .png .gif .tif. .avi .mp4 .xls .xlsx .doc .docx .pptx .pdf .txt .csv
The virus is very careful not to encrypt files that are important for the functioning of Windows, so that you can still use your computer to pay the ransom.
After the encryption has completed, the files no longer look the same:
Futhermore, a unique key is generated which is the only direct method to recover the encrypted files and this key is available only to the crooks, but trusting them with your payment is strongly inadvisable.
Remove .lol Files Ransomware and Restore Encrypted Data
In order to remove this ransomware infections, we recommend following our removal instructions down below. They are specifically designed to help you delete all the related files plus other objects to .lol files virus either manually and automatically. Researchers recommend using the automatic approach for removal and downloading a removal tool for the .lol files virus which will scan for and delete all the objects professionally and secure your computer against future ransomware infections, without you having to reinstall your Windows OS.
If you want to recover files that have been encrypted by the .lol ransomware threat, recommendations are to try and use the file recovery methods below in step “2. Restore files, encrypted by .lol Ransomware”.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .lol Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .lol Files Virus 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 .lol Files Virus 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 .lol Files Virus 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 .lol Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .lol Files Virus.
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 .lol Files Virus 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.
.lol Files Virus-FAQ
What is .lol Files Virus Ransomware?
.lol Files Virus 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 .lol Files Virus 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 .lol Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..lol Files Virus 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 .lol Files Virus 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 ..lol Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..lol Files Virus 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 ..lol Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..lol Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..lol Files Virus 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 .lol Files Virus 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 .lol Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..lol Files Virus 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 .lol Files Virus 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 .lol Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .lol Files Virus 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 .lol Files Virus 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.
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