What is Loki Locker Ransomware?
Your files have been encrypted with a .Loki, .Rainman, .PayForKey, or .BlackBit extension, a ransom note called Restore-My-Files.txt or info.hta appeared on the device, or a security tool identified Loki Locker ransomware. Read this full recovery guide before taking any action on the encrypted files.
Loki Locker is a file-encrypting ransomware first documented by the security research community in August 2021 and continuing to operate as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform distributed to a small number of carefully vetted criminal affiliates. It encrypts documents, images, videos, and productivity files across the infected system and renames every encrypted file by prepending the attacker contact email and a victim ID – for example: [recoverdata@onionmail.org][XXXXXXXX]originalfilename.Loki. Known extensions include .Loki, .Rainman, .PayForKey, .BlackBit, .Adair, .Boresh, .onion700, and .DATA, depending on the affiliate variant. The ransom notes instruct victims to contact recoverdata@onionmail.org or recoverdata@mail2tor.com for a price for the decryption tool. There is currently no free decryptor for Loki Locker. Security researchers and the ransomware community confirm that multiple victims who paid the ransom never received a working decryption tool – payment is not advisable.
Critical warning before you proceed: The Loki Locker ransom note and multiple community-confirmed cases warn that deleting the file named Cpriv.Loki causes permanent, irreversible data loss. Do not delete any .Loki files or modify encrypted files before reading the full recovery section of this guide.
Loki Locker Ransomware Short Overview
| Type | File-encrypting RaaS ransomware first documented August 2021. Known extensions: .Loki, .Rainman, .PayForKey, .BlackBit, .Adair, .Boresh, .onion700, .DATA. No free decryptor exists. Payment confirmed to not result in recovery in multiple documented cases. |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with [recoverdata@onionmail.org][ID] prefix and .Loki or variant extension. Restore-My-Files.txt and info.hta ransom notes appearing in every folder and launching automatically. Complete inability to open documents, images, videos, and productivity files. |
| Removal Time | Approximately 15 minutes for a full-system scan |
| Removal Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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How Did Loki Locker Get on My Computer?
- Malicious email attachments – A document, archive, or executable from a phishing or spam email executed the ransomware dropper when opened. Loki Locker campaigns frequently use fake invoices, shipping notifications, and business correspondence to trigger execution.
- Exploiting vulnerabilities in the operating system or installed software – Security researchers document Loki Locker attackers exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities in Windows and installed applications to achieve initial access without user interaction, particularly targeting internet-exposed systems and remote desktop services.
- Cracked software or pirated application installers – Cracked applications and unofficial repacks from file-sharing sites are a documented delivery vector for RaaS affiliates who embed ransomware alongside the claimed software.
- Compromised remote desktop or network access – Some Loki Locker deployments documented in the security community involve initial access through brute-forced or credential-stuffed remote desktop connections, allowing the attacker to manually deploy the ransomware across the network.
What Does Loki Locker Ransomware Do?
- Encrypts all accessible documents, images, videos, and productivity files – Loki Locker targets .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .pdf, .jpg, .png, .mp4, and a wide range of other file types across all accessible drives, renaming each one with the attacker email, victim ID, and .Loki (or variant) extension.
- Disables Windows Error Recovery and Windows Firewall – Security researchers confirm Loki Locker actively disables Windows Error Recovery and the Windows Firewall as part of its execution to complicate incident response and reduce recovery options.
- Drops ransom notes in every encrypted folder and in Temp – Both Restore-My-Files.txt and info.hta (an HTML application file) are placed in every folder containing encrypted files, and additional copies are placed in the Temp directory. The info.hta file launches automatically and displays a ransom payment instruction page.
- Operates offline using hardcoded RSA keys when no server connection is possible – Security research confirms Loki Locker contains five hardcoded RSA public keys that allow it to complete encryption even when the infected device cannot reach the attacker command-and-control infrastructure, making network isolation alone insufficient to stop an in-progress encryption.
- Attempts to delete Shadow Volume Copies and backup files – Like most modern ransomware, Loki Locker attempts to delete Windows Shadow Volume Copies and accessible backup files to prevent easy recovery without paying the ransom.
Removal and Recovery Guide
- Step 1 – Isolate the infected device immediately – Disconnect from all networks: unplug ethernet and disable Wi-Fi. If other devices on the same network may be infected, isolate them as well. Do not reconnect until cleanup is confirmed complete.
- Step 2 – Do not pay the ransom and do not delete Cpriv.Loki – Payment does not guarantee decryption – the security community has confirmed multiple cases of payment with no recovery. Paying funds further criminal operations. Do not delete Cpriv.Loki or any other .Loki extension files – doing so causes permanent data loss as documented in the ransom note itself and confirmed by victims.
- Step 3 – Identify the exact variant using ID Ransomware – Upload one encrypted file and the ransom note to ID Ransomware to confirm the specific Loki Locker variant. This helps match future decryptors if one is released.
- Step 4 – Check NoMoreRansom for a free decryptor – Visit NoMoreRansom.org – the joint Europol and law enforcement project – to check whether a decryptor for your specific variant has been released since this guide was published. Law enforcement has recovered keys from ransomware operators in past operations; a decryptor may become available in the future even if none exists today.
- Step 5 – Restore from clean backup – If a clean, offline backup exists from before the infection, restoring from it is the most reliable recovery method. Verify that the backup storage was not accessible to the infected device during the attack before restoring.
- Step 6 – Check Shadow Volume Copies – Despite Loki Locker attempting to delete Shadow Volume Copies, some environments preserve them through VSS protection or backup software. Check using a file recovery tool such as ShadowExplorer to see whether previous versions of files are accessible. This is not guaranteed to succeed but is worth attempting before all other options are exhausted.
- Step 7 – Save encrypted files before attempting recovery – Before running any recovery software, copy all encrypted files to a separate external drive. A future decryptor or law enforcement key release may make recovery possible, but only if the encrypted files are preserved intact.
- Step 8 – Remove the ransomware from the system – Boot into Safe Mode and run a full scan with SpyHunter or Malwarebytes to identify and remove all Loki Locker components, dropped files, scheduled tasks, and any secondary payloads. Do this after saving encrypted files – removal does not decrypt files but is required before restoring the system to safe operation.
- Step 9 – Rebuild or restore the operating system – For business environments or severe infections, a full OS reinstall from a clean image is the most reliable path to a confirmed-clean system. Patch all vulnerabilities before reconnecting the device to any network.
Follow the complete removal and recovery guide below this article for the full step-by-step process.
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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Step 1: Scan for Loki Locker Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Loki Locker Ransomware 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 Loki Locker Ransomware 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 Loki Locker Ransomware 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 Loki Locker Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Loki Locker Ransomware.
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 Loki Locker Ransomware 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.
Loki Locker Ransomware-FAQ
What is Loki Locker Ransomware Ransomware?
Loki Locker Ransomware 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 Loki Locker Ransomware 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 Loki Locker Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways.Loki Locker Ransomware 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 Loki Locker Ransomware 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 .Loki Locker Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Loki Locker Ransomware 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 .Loki Locker Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Loki Locker Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Loki Locker Ransomware 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 Loki Locker Ransomware 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 Loki Locker Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Loki Locker Ransomware 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 Loki Locker Ransomware 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 Loki Locker Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Loki Locker Ransomware 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 Loki Locker Ransomware 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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