What Is LIKEAHORSE Virus?
LIKEAHORSE is the name of a cryptovirus that infects computer systems. Its main goal is to lock personal files and demand a ransom. Operating systems get corrupted entirely before the ransomware runs its data encryption module.
The modifications LIKEAHORSE virus applies to computer systems support its persistent presence on the infected PC. The complete removal of LIKEAHORSE ransomware demands specific skills. Note that the removal of the LIKEAHORSE virus won’t restore the encrypted files. Still, it is mandatory for the secure usage of the computer.
LIKEAHORSE Summary
| Name | LIKEAHORSE also known as Gen:Variant.Ransom.1312 (BitDefender), HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic (Kaspersky), Mal/Generic-S + Mal/Ransom-LX (Sophos) |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| File Extensions | .LIKEAHORSE |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware designed to plague system settings, utilize strong cihper algorithm and encrypt valuable files. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and a ransom message insists on payment in BitCoin for a decryption tool. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | #RECOVERY#.txt |
| Demanded Ransom | Varies |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Hacked Websites |
| Detection Tool |
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LIKEAHORSE Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
LIKEAHORSE ransomware is a computer virus propagated via common techniques. Direct email messages (the so-called malspam technique) enable hackers to spread the payload of the malicious software via massive campaigns. Users worldwide may be presented with emails that try to activate the ransomware.
Emails part of malicious spam email campaigns may be recognized by a few traits:
- They contain suspicious links that load compromised sites. The sites can trigger scripts that download automatically the malicious code. The URL addresses may show up as in-text links, banners, images, buttons, or raw forms of URLs.
- They may also feature attachments. Attachments may be presented as documents sent for an urgent review. The emails may pose as banking institutions, flight companies, employers, and so on. The opening of those files runs the ransomware on your PC.
Other methods that may be distributing LIKEAHORSE ransomware include malvertising, corrupted web pages, freeware installers, fake software updates, compromised software setups, malicious files shared on forums, and others.
LIKEAHORSE Virus – What Does It Do?
Infection with the LIKEAHORSE ransomware virus leads to the corruption of essential system settings that affect its security, performance as well as personal files. Every malicious change applied by this ransomware lowers system security and it remains extremely vulnerable to further malware attacks.
LIKEAHORSE needs to pass through a few attack stages in order to conduct an encryption process. When it finishes with the encryption of personal files, it shows a ransom note stored by the file #RECOVERY#.txt. Hackers expect victims to contact them via Discord in order to get the decryptor for their .LIKEAHORSE files. Here is what else the ransom note says:
Hello my dear friend
Unfortunately for you, a major IT security weakness left you open to attack, your files have been encrypted
If you want to restore them, install ICQ software on your PC hxxps://icq.com/windows/ or on your mobile phone search in Appstore / Google market ICQ
Write to our ICQ @likeahorse
hxxps://icq.im/LIKEAHORSE
Skype LIKEAHORSE DECRYPTION
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
We are always ready to cooperate and find the best way to solve your problem.
The faster you write, the more favorable the conditions will be for you.
Our company values its reputation. We give all guarantees of your files decryption
IF WE DONT SEE MESSAGES FROM YOU IN 48 HOURS – WE WILL SELL YOUR DATABASES AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO YOUR COMPETITORS,AFTER YOU WILL SEE IT AT OPEN SOURCE AND DARKNET
Start messaging with an incident ID and 2-3 test files up to 1mb
your unique ID
Like most infections of this type including the recently detected STOP ransomware strains Mljx virus and Hgsh virus, LIKEAHORSE ransomware renames compromised files with a malicious extension. The ransomware prevents the owners of .LIKEAHORSE from using them. The virus is also likely to delete all Shadow Volume Copies created by the Windows system in order to eliminate this data recovery option. At this point, the only free data recovery option is a recent backup on an external drive or cloud platform.
.LIKEAHORSE Files – What Are They?
During the data encryption stage, the LIKEAHORSE virus utilizes a cypher module to encode target files. The module scans system drives for types of files that are likely to store personal information. Windows system files won’t be corrupted. The infected system should remain intact when the attack ends. But all of the following files storing valuable data may be encrypted:
- Image files.
- Audio files.
- Document files.
- Video files.
- Backup files.
- Banking credentials, etc.
If any backups lack, then the only decryption solution remains the tool possed by hackers. Beware hackers may not act as they promise. For the sake of your personal and PC security, refrain from following their guidance. All the money received from ransom fees will stimulate cybercriminals to create more malicious programs and launch aggressive malware campaigns. Please act wisely and try to solve the problem with the help of the available security measures.
Remove LIKEAHORSE Ransomware and Try to Restore Files
What should you do when your PC and data have been hit by LIKEAHORSE ransomware? Here we will present the secure way to deal with LIKEAHORSE ransomware and similar infections. First, you have to ensure that no malicious files are still running on the infected operating system. For this purpose, you need to locate these malicious files and entries and remove them. This will prevent them from causing an impact on regular system performance.
Once you secure the system against nasty ransomware operations, you should back up encoded files to an external drive. Finally, you can proceed with the data recovery process. In the guide below we included alternative data recovery methods that may be efficient for some of your locked files. Bear in mind that these methods may be helpful to some degree. They do not guarantee the full recovery of all encoded files.
In the event that we spot a release of a free decryption tool for LIKEAHORSE ransomware, we will include all needed details in this ransomware removal guide. Keep in touch.
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 LIKEAHORSE with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall LIKEAHORSE 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 LIKEAHORSE 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 LIKEAHORSE 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 LIKEAHORSE
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by LIKEAHORSE.
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 LIKEAHORSE 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.
LIKEAHORSE-FAQ
What is LIKEAHORSE Ransomware?
LIKEAHORSE 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 LIKEAHORSE 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 LIKEAHORSE Infect?
Via several ways.LIKEAHORSE 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 LIKEAHORSE 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 .LIKEAHORSE files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .LIKEAHORSE 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 .LIKEAHORSE files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".LIKEAHORSE" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .LIKEAHORSE 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 LIKEAHORSE 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 LIKEAHORSE ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .LIKEAHORSE 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 LIKEAHORSE 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 LIKEAHORSE Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this LIKEAHORSE 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 LIKEAHORSE 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.
- Profile of the content creator.
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