This article has been created in order to best explain what is LockBit ransomware and how you can remove it from your computer.
LockBit Ransomware is a virus whose main idea is to enter your computer and encrypt your files using an advanced encryption mode. The outcome of this is all your documents become unusable with the added .abcd file extension to the encrypted files. The main objective of LockBit Ransomware is to drop its ransom note and get you to follow the instructions in it. Read this article to learn more about LockBit Ransomware plus how you can try and decrypt files, encrypted by it on your computer.
Threat Summary
| Name | .abcd Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | LockBit Ransomware aims to use encryption on your important files and then ask you to pay the sum of $300 to get the files to work again. |
| Symptoms | LockBit Ransomware ads the .abcd extension to the encrypted files and drops a note. |
| 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 .abcd 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. |
LockBit Ransomware – Update March 2020
Lockbit ransomware is now being distributed with the .lockbit extension. The ransom note is the same with the same style, but now there is an image placed as the victim PC’s desktop background. The image is the following:
It states:
All your files are encrypted by LockBit
for more information see Restore-My-Files.txt that is located in every
encrypted folder
No other changes are observed at this time, but more aggressive malvertising campaigns are expected this month, pushing this variant of the LockBit ransomware.
LockBit Ransomware – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
The newly reported .abcd LockBit ransomware is a dangerous malware which is being run by an unknown hacking group. There is no information available about the identity of the criminals at this moment. At a later date more information will probably be uncovered. What we know so far is that the attacks are not targeting a certain region.
Viruses like this one can be spread to the intended users using a variety of the common distribution techniques. Usually they will focus on carrying out phishing campaigns that will manipulate the victims into believing that the shown contents is legitimate and safe. The hackers will impersonate the contents, domain names and layout of well-known companies and services and present the virus code to the users. A common strategy is to send out email messages that are sent in a bulk-like manner that may also remind the users of SPAM notifications. The hacking group can also create and maintain such scam sites.
The malware infection can also be caused by the interaction with virus-infected files. They can be either documents of all popular formats which when opened will display a prompt asking the victims to enable the built-in scripts. The reason quoted is that this is required in order to display the contents. If this is done the virus will be delivered. The other popular mechanism is to create malicious app installers — they are made by taking the original setup packages and modifying them to include the relevant virus code. All files can then be easily spread over different file-sharing networks.
What we know is that the origins of this .abcd LockBit virus are from a Russian-speaking country. Not a lot of samples have been captured which gives us reasons to believe that the sent malware samples are probably early versions or test releases. The behavior can change depending on the local machine conditions or the exact hacker instructions.
A common action which is undertaken by similar threats is the initial data harvesting which will hijack personal information that can expose the identity of the users. The gained intelligence can be used for other crimes like identity abuse and financial abuse. Along with a report on the installed hardware components an unique infection ID can be generated.
The next step in the process will probably be a security bypass function. It starts after the data harvesting has completed as it may use the information. This module will search for any installed programs and services that may block the proper running of the ransomware. Commonly this module will act against firewalls, intrusion detection systems, anti-virus programs and others.
File-encrypting viruses like this one may also lead to widespread system changes. Common actions will include the following malware activities:
- Boot Options Changes — The virus can edit out the configuration settings so that the ransomware will start every time the computer is powered on. Advanced samples can also disable access to the recovery boot options thereby making it very difficult to remove the active infections.
- Data Removal — Many viruses like the .abcd LockBit malware contain instructions that will deliberately delete sensitive user data. This can include not only user data, but also backups and Shadow Volume Copies.
- Windows Registry Changes — Changes to the Windows Registry can lead to the creation of new strings related to the virus or the modification of already installed ones. Consequences of these actions can be severe performance problems, data loss and unexpected errors.
- Virus Infections With Other Malware — Having already compromised the security of the computers the .abcd LockBit virus can also be used to deploy other threats such as Trojans and cryptocurrency miners.
The encryption engine will work as expected by processing user files with a strong cipher and making them inaccessible. Example data which will be affected includes the most popular user files:
- Archives
- Backups
- Documents
- Multimedia Files
All encrypted files will receive the .abcd extension and will be extorted to pay a ransomware decryption fee. The instructions to do so are found in a text files that will be automatically created by the engine called Restore-My-Files.txt.
Remove LockBit Ransomware and Try to Restore .abcd Files
For the removal of LockBit Ransomware, we strongly recommend that you follow up the removal instructions below. They are made to help you delete this virus step-by-step by using the manual below. Not only this, but also we strongly recommend that you download and run a scan with an advanced malware removal software. Such software has the capability of running a complete scan of your PC to eliminate all virus files, belonging to LockBit Ransomware plus protect your computer in the future as well.
If you want to try and restore files, encrypted by LockBit Ransomware, our advice is to wait and NOT pay the ransom. Not only you risk getting scammed by the crooks who might want more money, but also there could be free decryption in the near future. Another methods which you can try to restore files are listed below and they may not be 100% effective, but you could still try them.
Martin Beltov
Martin graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion.
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Step 1: Scan for .abcd Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .abcd 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .abcd 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 .abcd Virus 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 .abcd Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .abcd 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 .abcd 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.
.abcd Virus-FAQ
What is .abcd Virus Ransomware?
.abcd 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 .abcd 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 .abcd Virus Infect?
Via several ways..abcd 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 .abcd 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 ..abcd Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..abcd 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 ..abcd Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..abcd Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..abcd 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 .abcd 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 .abcd Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..abcd 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 .abcd 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 .abcd Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .abcd 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 .abcd 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.
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- Always check "About Us" web page.
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