This post has been created to help you remove Lalabitch virus from your computer and decrypt .lalabitch encrypted files.
A ransomware infection going by the name “Lalabitch” has been detected by security experts in the beginning of July, 2017. The virus aims to perform multiple modifications on the system of victims, including the conversion of their files into .lalabitch extension and their encryption which makes them not able to be opened. The virus aims to extort victims to pay the hefty fee of 0.5 BTC in order to get their encrypted files restored back to working state. If you are one of the victims of Lalabitch ransomware, reccomendations are to read this article carefully.
Threat Summary
| Name |
Lalabitch |
|
| Type | Ransomware | |
| Short Description | Encrypts important files on your computer after which drops a ransom note demanding 0.5 BTC ransom payoff to get them to work again. | |
| Symptoms | The victim may not be able to open the files. A file lalabitch.php may appear with ransom instructions and a red padlock. | |
| Distribution Method | Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner. | |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
|
| User Experience | Join our forum to Discuss Lalabitch. | |
| 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. |
How Does Lalabitch Ransomware Infect
The infection process of Lalabitch ransomware may be conducted in several different ways:
Via unprotected RDP configuration. (Remote Desktop Protocol).
Via malicious spam e-mails (malspam). They may carry malicious attachments or web links that lead to the download of such.
Via web-injectors.
Via fake Windows updates.
Most of the infection files or web links are usually embedded with obfuscators that conceal the malicious code from any defensive antivirus software.
Lalabitch Ransomware – More Information
Once an infection with Lalabitch has commenced, the ransomware drops It’s payload files onto the compromised computer of the victims. The payload consists of different types of files:
- The main executable, named {random}.exe.
- Other support modules.
- The lalabitch.php ransom note file.
The files related to Lalabitch ransomware may be located in various different Windows system folders:
- %AppData%
- %Roaming%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %SystemDrive%
- %Windows%
- %System32%
After the malicious files are dropped on the victim’s computer, the malware begins to perform several other activities on the computer of the user. One of them is to possibly delete the shadow volume copies to eliminate any chance of restoring the files via backups. This is achieved by gaining administrative permissions in Windows and then executing the following commands in the background in Windows Command Prompt:
→ process call create “cmd.exe /c
vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet
bcdedit.exe /set {default} recoveryenabled no
bcdedit.exe /set {default} bootstatuspolicy ignoreallfailures
The Lalabitch ransomware may also add registry entries in the Run and RunOnce sub-keys in Windows Registry Editor. This is done with the sole purpose of running the malicious executable responsible for encrypting files on Windows boot.
Lalabitch Ransomware – The Encryption
The Encryption process of Lalabitch ransomware is conducted in a very specific way. The virus uses the Advanced Encryption Algorithm (AES) which is one of the strongest ciphers known to man. This cipher replaces the data of the original file with encrypted data. But it does not encrypt the whole file since it is faster to make files no longer openable by encrypting enough blocks of data (for example, the header).
The files which Lalabitch targets for the encryption process are the often used ones:
- Documents.
- Archives.
- Audio files.
- Video file types.
- PDF files.
- Other often used file types.
As soon as the virus has completed the encryption process it appends the .lalabitch file extension to the encrypted files, making them appear in a way similar to the image below:
As soon as the encryption process of Lalabitch has completed the virus makes sure the user finds the lalabitch.php ransom note which has the following message with instructions on how to pay a hefty ransom fee in BitCoins:
Your site is locked with Lalabitch Custom encryption method.
Please pay 0.5 btc to {criminals’ BTC address} for the Decryption key. Or else,
in 12 hours all of your files in this website will be deleted
– [lalabitch2017[at]yandex.com] –
———————————————-
This is a notice of ransomware.
How to restore the beginning?
Please contact us via email listed
Remove Lalabitch Ransomware and Restore .lalabitch Encrypted Files
For the removal process of Lalabitch ransomware to be successful, we recommend following the instructions below. Manual removal may work for you but It is the more risky option, since some system files may have been infected by Lalabitch ransomware and tampering with them increases the risk of your Windows breaking down. This is why we advise you to backup all your files, even though they are encrypted and then removing them automatically. Experts often advise users without experience to use an advanced anti-malware program in order to perform the removal process automatically and protect the computer against future ransomware infections without having to reinstall Windows.
For the file recovery process, we have summed up several methods which may be of help of you. These methods may assist you to recover at least some of your encrypted files but they are in no way 100% guarantee. The methods are suggested in step “2. Restore files encrypted by Lalabitch” below.
Ventsislav Krastev
Ventsislav is a cybersecurity expert at SensorsTechForum since 2015. He has been researching, covering, helping victims with the latest malware infections plus testing and reviewing software and the newest tech developments. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for learning new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management, Network Administration and Computer Administration of System Applications, he found his true calling within the cybersecrurity industry and is a strong believer in the education of every user towards online safety and security.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.
About the Lalabitch Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Lalabitch 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 Lalabitch 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.
References
1. How to Recognize Spam Emails with Ransomware
2. How Does Ransomware Encryption Work?
3. How to Decrypt Ransomware Files
4. Ransomware Getting Greedier and Bigger, Attacks Increase by 40%
5. 1 in 5 Americans Victim of Ransomware
How to Remove Lalabitch from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Lalabitch
1. Hold Windows Key + R.
2. The "Run" Window will appear. In it, type "msconfig" and click OK.
3. Go to the "Boot" tab. There select "Safe Boot" and then click "Apply" and "OK".
4. When prompted, click on "Restart" to go into Safe Mode.
5. You can recognise Safe Mode by the words written on the corners of your screen.
Step 2: Uninstall Lalabitch and related software 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:
1. Hold the Windows Logo Button and "R" on your keyboard. A Pop-up window will appear.
2. In the field type in "appwiz.cpl" and press ENTER.
3. This will open a window with all the programs installed on the PC. Select the program that you want to remove, and press "Uninstall"
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Lalabitch 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 Lalabitch there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
1. Open the Run Window again, type "regedit" and click OK.
2. When you open it, you can freely navigate to the Run and RunOnce keys, whose locations are shown above.
3. You can remove the value of the virus by right-clicking on it and removing it.
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: Scan for Lalabitch with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
1. Click on the "Download" button to proceed to SpyHunter's download page.
2. After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
3. After the update process has finished, click on the 'Malware/PC Scan' tab. A new window will appear. Click on 'Start Scan'.
4. After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the 'Next' button.
Video Guide for Automatic and Fast Removal
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Lalabitch.
Ransomware infections and Lalabitch 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
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.
Step 6: How to Restore Files Encrypted by Ransomware (Video Guide)
Get rid of Lalabitch from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Lalabitch and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
2. Find Activity Monitor and double-click it:
3. In the Activity Monitor look for any suspicious processes, belonging or related to Lalabitch:
4. Click on the "Go" button again, but this time select Applications. Another way is with the ⇧+⌘+A buttons.
5. In the Applications menu, look for any suspicious app or an app with a name, similar or identical to Lalabitch. If you find it, right-click on the app and select “Move to Trash
”.
6. Select Accounts, after which click on the Login Items preference.
Your Mac will then show you a list of items that start automatically when you log in. Look for any suspicious apps identical or similar to Lalabitch. Check the app you want to stop from running automatically and then select on the Minus (“-“) icon to hide it.
7. Remove any left-over files that might be related to this threat manually by following the sub-steps below:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Lalabitch via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
1: Click on "Go" and Then "Go to Folder" as shown underneath:
2: Type in "/Library/LauchAgents/" and click Ok:
3: Delete all of the virus files that have similar or the same name as Lalabitch. If you believe there is no such file, do not delete anything.
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Lalabitch.
Ransomware infections and Lalabitch 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.
1. Download the recommended Data Recovery software by clicking on the link underneath:
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Lalabitch FAQ
What is Lalabitch ransomware and how does it work?
Lalabitch 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 algorithm how 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.
How does Lalabitch ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Lalabitch Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of Lalabitch 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 .Lalabitch files?
You can't. At this point the .Lalabitch files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Lalabitch files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Lalabitch ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".Lalabitch" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Lalabitch files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of Lalabitch ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate Lalabitch ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Lalabitch files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Lalabitch ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.