Leeme Ransomware Virus
Leeme is a malicious piece of software known to act like a cryptovirus. Its purpose is to harass English and Spanish-speaking online users by encoding their important files and forcing them to pay a ransom.
The moment the payload file of Leeme ransomware lands on a computer system, the threat tries to activate it without being detected by any active security measures. Success enables the threat to damage essential computer settings and leave the infected system extremely vulnerable to additional malware attacks.
Unfortunately, ransomware infections like Leeme are programmed to encode personal files by which files remain out of order. Corrupted files could be recognized by the strange extension of four random letters appended to their original names. For their decryption extorts provide instructions on how victims can purchase the specialized tool. money for the decryption of valuable files. Trying the steps listed in the Leeme virus’ ransom note – leeme.txt, is highly inadvisable.
Leeme virus Summary
| Name | Leeme also known as Gen:Heur.Ransom.REntS.Gen.1 (BitDefender), Gen:Heur.Ransom.REntS.Gen.1 (B) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.MSIL.Agent.gen (Kaspersky), Ransom:MSIL/Cryptolocker.EV!MTB (Microsoft) |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Malicious Extension | Different random extensions consisting of four letters for each of the encrypted files. |
| Ransom Message | leeme.txt |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware that utilizes strong cihper algorithm to encrypt personal files stored on the infected computer. It demands a ransom for a decryption solution. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with different extensions of four random letters. Corrupted files remain unusable until their code is reverted back to the original state. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Corrupted Websites, Software Installers |
| Detection Tool |
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Leeme Virus – Specifics and Imact
How does Leeme virus obtain access to computer operating systems? Ransomware infections like Leeme are well-known for their spread via channels like email, social media and torrent sites. Several common techniques could be used for the delivery of the Leeme virus on targeted PCs.
The list could include:
- Spam emails that feature malicious attachments or links to hacked sites.
- Links to hacked sites shared on social media channels, forums, torrents networks, emails, etc.
- Fake software updates.
- Torrent files.
- Freeware programs.
- Compromised files that run malicious scripts and payload droppers.
Leeme virus belongs to the most devastating type of malicious software – ransomware. Similar to other ransomware detected in the wild – Efdc virus, Gray Hat virus, Lqqw virus, Leeme infects PCs by altering essential system and security settings. The threat aims to misuse system functionalities for the completion of some of its nasty operations.
The end goal of the Leeme virus is to blackmail its victims to pay a hefty ransom fee. Here is why the ransomware runs a scan of all drives to locate target types of files that are likely to store valuable information.
All target files get encoded by the threat. The encryption process leaves them completely inaccessible. Various malicious suffixes will appear after the original names of encrypted files. Unfortunately, these files will remain inaccessible until their code is reverted to its original state.
This impact of the Leeme virus helps hackers to make victims more prone to pay a hefty ransom fee. All hackers’ demands are revealed by the ransom message leeme.txt. The ransom message has English and Spanish versions which suggest that the ransomware targets people who live in countries where those two languages are official.
Here is the message presented by the leeme.txt ransom note:
Hola! / Hi!
Su equipo ha sido infectado por un Ransomware TODOS SUS ARCHIVOS HAN SIDO CIFRADOS / Your computer has been infected by a Ransomware ALL YOUR FILES HAVE BEEN ENCRYPTED
NO ENTRE EN PÁNICO! / DON’T PANIC!
Para recuperar sus archivos debe seguir estos pasos al pié de la letra, deberá enviar 250 dólares en BITCOIN al siguiente wallet,una vez haya realizado el pago deberá ponerse en contacto con nosotros a través del siguiente email recoveryscmyfiles@mail2tor.com en el ASUNTO del email deberá especificar PAGO CUMPLIDO en el mensaje deberá especificar el WALLET desde el que nos REALIZÓ el pago,para poder verificar que es correcto,una vez verifiquemos que usted efectuó el pago nosotros le enviaremos un email con la herramienta para recuperar sus archivos,junto a las instrucciones de uso
/
To recover your files you must follow these steps at the bottom of the letter, you must send 250 dollars in BITCOIN to the following wallet, once you have made the payment you must contact us through the following email recoveryscmyfiles@mail2tor.com in the SUBJECT of the email must specify PAYMENT COMPLETE in the message you must specify the wallet from which you MADE the payment to us, in order to verify that it is correct, once we verify that you made the payment we will send you an email with the tool to recover your files, along with the instructions for use
=======================================================================
WALLET : 17CqMQFeuB3NTzJ2X28tfRmWaPyPQgvoHV
=======================================================================Si usted no realiza el pago NADIE podrá recuperar sus archivos /
If you do not make the payment, NOBODY will be able to recover your files
If you want to prevent falling victim to cyber criminals once again, you should not act as they request. Instead of thinking how to send $250 in Bitcoins to the provided BTC wallet, you should better consider the help of secure ways to fix the PC and recover some of the corrupted files.
Remove Leeme Ransomware Virus and Attempt to Restore Files
The so-called Leeme virus is a ransomware program that has highly complex code. It disrupts system security to encrypt personal files. Hence, the infected system could be used securely only after the full removal of malicious files and objects. By completing the steps presented below you have the chance to clean the system and improve its security. Beware that manual ransomware removal is suitable for experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, navigate to the guide’s automatic part where you can find a download link for an advanced anti-malware tool. The guide provides data recovery information as well.
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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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.
How to Remove Leeme virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Leeme virus
Step 2: Uninstall Leeme virus 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Leeme 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 Leeme 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: Scan for Leeme virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Leeme virus.
Ransomware infections and Leeme 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of Leeme virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Leeme virus 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:
- 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 Leeme virus 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:
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 Leeme virus.
Ransomware infections and Leeme 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Leeme virus FAQ
What is Leeme virus ransomware and how does it work?
Leeme 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 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 Leeme virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Leeme virus 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 Leeme 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 .Leeme virus files?
You can't. At this point the .Leeme virus 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 .Leeme virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Leeme virus 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 ".Leeme virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Leeme virus 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 Leeme virus 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 Leeme virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Leeme virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Leeme virus 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.
