What Is Lloo Virus
Lloo virus is the name of a ransomware sample that belongs to a notorious family of malware, called STOP/DJVU. This ransomware uses the .lloo extension which it ads after it encrypts your files, preventing you from opening them. Its main purpose of the activity is to get you to follow the instructions laid out in the _readme.txt ransom note which it leaves for you to see after it infects your computer. The end goal of ransomware operators is extorting you into paying a large ransom fee in Bitcoin in exchange for a decryption key. We strongly recommend that you refrain from trusting these criminals and look for other ways to get your files back.
Read this article if you want to learn how this ransomware works and how to remove it and try to restore your files.
N.B. One of the most common questions in ransomware infections is how to decrypt the encrypted files, as is the case with the Lloo virus STOP/DJVU variant.
Unfortunately, if your files have been encrypted by ransomware, it most probably means that the battle is lost. The chances to get your files restored on your own or with the help of a company/a professional that advertises decryption capabilities are nearly non-existent. What most such companies and professionals do is buy a decryption tool from the ransomware operators, and add a markup to the ransom amount upon charging you for their decryption services. In other words, trusting anyone, other than an officially released decrypter, with the decryption of your files is utterly pointless. We will update this article once we have more information on possible decryption, even though the chances are quite slim. What you should do for now is remove the ransomware from your system, so that it doesn’t reinfect you and it doesn’t spread further. Continue reading to get to the final part of the article where we provide technical removal instructions.
Lloo virus Summary
| Name | Lloo virus also known as Trojan.GenericKD.35978248, Trojan.Win32.Stop.j!c, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HIMQ, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.qq – VirusTotal |
| File Extension | .lloo |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
| Symptoms | This variant of STOP ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .wrui virus extension to them. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Torrent Files |
| Detection Tool |
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Lloo Ransomware – How Does It Work?
Lloo is part of a virus family with hundreds of variants, called “STOP Ransomware”.
Lloo virus may enter your computer via two main ways – by e-mail as part of a phishing campaign or if the malware is downloaded from some shady software download site or torrent site with a low reputation.
If the Lloo virus is downloaded from a risky website, it could pretend to be a file you were probably looking for in the first place, just had the bad luck to find it in this site. What the criminals do is they usually mask the infection file of this ransomware as one of the following files:
- Software activator.
- Key generator.
- Crack.
- Patch.
Lloo virus may also infect your computer by e-mail. If so, this nasty malware will arrive as an urgent message that contains an e-mail attachment that seems very important. Below you can see some examples of attachments used by cyber-criminals on virus e-mails:
- Invoice.
- Receipt.
- Document that is important.
Whatever the case of infection with Lloo virus may be, once you have triggered the infection file, it may connect to a command and control server and download the ransomware files directly in the following folders of your system drive:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
Among the files dropped is the ransom note of this virus, that is called _readme.txt and contains the extortionists’ message:
Then, this virus may assume administrator rights over your Windows computer and these may help it run its malicious files that may trigger the following virus activities on your computer system:
- Create mutexes.
- Obtain read and write permissions.
- Check if you are running in a virtual evironment or no.
- Check if it has previosly infected your PC and if so, the virus does not encrypt and shuts down.
The Lloo virus ransomware may scan your computer for the following types of files to encrypt:
- Document file types.
- Image files.
- Videos.
- Audio file formats.
In order to make the files no longer able to be opened, the Lloo ransomware virus may use the AES encryption algorithm. This replaces key data from the original file with data from the cypher, making its recovery impossible, unless you have a decryptor or the decryption key that corresponds to that file. The criminals want you to pay around $1000 and they promise to get you a free decryptor. But we strongly recommend not to trust these people and look for other means to get your files to work again.
Remove Lloo Virus and Try to Recover Data
Lloo can be removed from your computer system if you make sure to follow the removal instructions below. They are created so that they can provide adequate assistance in the elimination of the virus files this threat drops on your PC. For the most effective removal, security professionals recommend downloading an expert malware removal program. Such software will automatically detect and remove any malware that may currently be present on your computer and protect it in the future.
For the .lloo files recovery, we suggest that you wait for a WRUI decryptor to be released. When this virus encodes files, it makes them with offline and online decryption keys. Usually, Emsisoft researchers release a decryptor for free after a couple of weeks, so we suggest you NOT pay the ransom and wait to try out this decryption software. If your keys are online, then do not despair, because you might still be able to get your files back by trying our alternative file recovery methods listed below. They may not be a 100% solution to decrypt all your files, but with their help, you could get at least some of your files to work again.
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Step 1: Scan for Lloo Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Lloo 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 Lloo 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 Lloo 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 Lloo Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Lloo 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 Lloo 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.
Lloo Virus-FAQ
What is Lloo Virus Ransomware?
Lloo 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 Lloo 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 Lloo Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Lloo 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 Lloo 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 .Lloo Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Lloo 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 .Lloo Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Lloo Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Lloo 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 Lloo 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 Lloo Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Lloo 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 Lloo 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 Lloo Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Lloo 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 Lloo 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.
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.
Hola
Les agradezco de ante mano si pudieran ayudarme.
Al bajar un .exe para instalar un programa de diseño vectorial se infectó mi PC con un ramsonware que añadió a todos mis archivos la extensión .lloo.
He podido desinfectar mi ordenador después de un reinstalar de Windows, pero consigo restaurar mis archivos.
He probado los “decryptors” mencionados, sin remedio.
Por favor, necesito recuperar mis archivos, estoy en el paro y siguiendo una formación para encontrar trabajo.
Si ustedes conocen algún buen desencriptador que pueda usar, háganmelo saber.