This article provides information about a ransomware dubbed LanRan v2 as well as descriptive steps how to remove its malicious files from the system. The threat encrypts important files and demands a ransom payment. By reaching the end of the article, you will know also which alternative data recovery methods may help you to restore a few to all of the .LanRan2.0.5 files.
New version of LanRan ransomware has been spotted in the wild. The analysis of its samples reveals that this time the threat uses the specific extension .LanRan2.0.5 to mark corrupted files. Like its predecessor, LanRan v2 plagues computer systems in order to locate target data and encrypt it with strong cipher algorithm. At the end of the attack, a ransom message that replaces the desktop wallpaper demands a ransom payment of 0.5 BTC for a decryption solution.
Threat Summary
| Name | LanRan v2 |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt valuable files on stored on the infected computer and extorts a ransom payment from victims. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and marked with .LanRan2.0.5 extension. Ransom message demands a payment of 0.5 BTC for decryption solution. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss LanRan v2. |
| 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. |
LanRan v2 Ransomware – Distribution
An infection with LanRan v2 ransomware is triggered by a malicious executable file. In order to deliver this file to large number of computer devices hackers implement various methods. Email spam campaigns are considered to be the main technique used for ransomware distribution. Hackers often choose it because it allows them to reach large number of online users by obtaining email lists. Such lists could be released on underground hacker markets accessible through the dark web. As of the emails hackers send, they could impersonate representatives of well-known companies like PayPal, DHL, FedEx, and Amazon, or sometimes as governmental institutions. The purpose of these emails is to trick you into downloading compromised file attachment or visiting a corrupted web page. The moment you open the malicious file on your PC or visit the plagued web page you start LanRan v2 ransomware infection process.
If you want to keep your system secure be advised to check the security status of the files you download from across the net before you open them on your PC. You can do it with the help of a free online file extractor that will scan uploaded files for specific malicious traits. The information you will see after the scan could help you to avoid severe malware infections like Hyena Locker ransomware from infecting your system and data.
LanRan v2 Ransomware – Overview
LanRan ransomware was first spotted to harass online users in March 2017. A day ago security researchers detected new sample of the threat that is currently spreading in active attack campaigns. This iteration of LanRan ransomware is considered to be version two as suggested by the specific extension .LanRan2.0.5 associated with the threat.
Ransomware is a threat with a complex code that is not only set to corrupt valuable data but your whole system. Various obfuscation techniques may conceal the ransomware presence on the system and keep it invisible until it fulfils all malicious activities set in its code.
Some of the modifications implemented by LanRan v2 ransomware are likely to affect the certain registry keys stored in the Registry Editor. Among the most targeted ones are Run and RunOnce as they control the automatic execution of all essential processes each time the system is started as well as during its running time. By adding its values under these keys LanRan v2 becomes able to start its infection files on each system launch.
When LanRan v2 ransomaware virus finishes the infection process of the system and encrypts valuable data, it drops two files that contain specially crafted ransom messages. The files are of different types. The first one is a text file called @___README___@.txt and the message it presents reads:
L_A_N_R_A_N R_A_N_S_O_M_W_A_R_E
#################################################################################
Attention! Attention! Attention! Your files has been encrypted By L_A_N—R_A_N_S_O_M_W_A_R_E
#################################################################################
What is encryption?
Encryption is a reversible modification for security reasons but providing full access to it for
authorized users. To become an authorized user and keep the modification absolutely reversible (in
other words to have a possibility…#################################################################################
But not only it
It is required also to have the special decryption software (in your L_A_N_R_A_N Decryption software)
for safe and complete decryption of all your files and data.#################################################################################
Send 0.5 Bitcoin To @ 1sUCn6JYa7B96t4nZz*******CmS @
#################################################################################
for decrypt your files Contact us By Email: lanran-decrypter@list.ru If Send 0.5 Bitcoin We will send
you the decryption key LanRan Decryptor#################################################################################
It’s Your Choice
With the help of specific scripts, the ransomware replaces the desktop wallpaper with the second file which depicts a ransom message as well. So in case that your PC is infected by LanRan your desktop probably displays the following image:
The message depicted as an image reads:
Attention! Attention! Attention! Your files has been encrypted By L_A_N—R_A_N_S_O_M_W_A_R_E
But not only it
It is required also to have the special decryption software
(in your L_A_N_R_A_N Decryptor software) for sale and complete decryption of all your files and data
Send 0.5 Bitcoin To
1sUCn6JYa7B96t4nZz*******
for decrypt your files Contact us By Email: lanran-decrypter@list.ru
If Send 0.5 Bitcoin We will send you the decryption key LanRan Decryptor
It’s Your Choice
According to hackers’ instructions, you need to transfer the amount of 0.5 BTC (3,678 USD at the moment of writing this article) to their wallet and then write them at lanran-decrypter@list.ru for the decryption key. However, as reported by security researchers, there is no registered case of infected user who has received a decryption key even after a successful ransom payment. This means that even cyber criminals cannot decrypt the data. So don’t rush to pay the ransom as this won’t help you to recover your .LanRan2.0.5 files.
Hopefully, security specialists will soon crack the code of the threat and release free decryption solution the moment they succeed to do it. Meanwhile, you could try to recover part of the corrupted .LanRan2.0.5 files with the help of alternative data recovery methods. If you wonder which these methods are, just navigate to the end of the article where you will find suggestions for some of the most efficient ones.
LanRan v2 Ransomware – Encryption Process
When all needed system modifications are implemented, LanRan v2 activates its built-in encryption module to fulfil its primary purpose. Supposedly like its previous version, the ransomware uses the sophisticated RSA-2048 algorithm to transform the original code of target files. Files with the following extensions are most likely to be corrupted by LanRan v2 :
→.7z, .bmp, .doc, .docm, .docx, .html, .jpeg, .jpg, .mp3, .mp4, .pdf, .php, .ppt, .pptx, .rar, .rtf, .sql, .tiff, .txt, .xls, .xlsx, .zip
After encryption each corrupted file has the specific extension .LanRan2.0.5 appended to its name while the information it contains is inaccessible. Below you can see an example of file encrypted by LanRan v2 crypto virus:
Remove LanRan v2 Ransomware and Restore .LanRan2.0.5 Files
Below you could find how to remove LanRan v2 step by step. To remove the ransomware manually you need to have a bit of technical experience and ability to recognize traits of malware files. Beware that ransomware is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So as recommended by security researchers you need to utilize an advanced anti-malware tool for its complete removal. Such a tool will keep your system protected against devastating threats like LanRan v2 and other kinds of malware that endanger your online security.
After you remove the ransomware make sure to check the “Restore Files” step listed in the guide below. But before you take any further actions, don’t forget to back up all encrypted files to an external drive in order to prevent their irreversible loss.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Step 1: Scan for LanRan v2 with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall LanRan v2 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 LanRan v2 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 LanRan v2 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 LanRan v2
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by LanRan v2.
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 LanRan v2 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.
LanRan v2-FAQ
What is LanRan v2 Ransomware?
LanRan v2 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 LanRan v2 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 LanRan v2 Infect?
Via several ways.LanRan v2 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 LanRan v2 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 .LanRan v2 files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .LanRan v2 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 .LanRan v2 files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".LanRan v2" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .LanRan v2 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 LanRan v2 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 LanRan v2 ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .LanRan v2 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 LanRan v2 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 LanRan v2 Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this LanRan v2 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 LanRan v2 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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