This article will help you remove the .Loptr File Virus effectively. Follow the ransomware removal instructions provided at the end.
.Loptr File Virus is actually a new Locky ransomware variant that puts that extension to locked files. The new variant gets inside your computer system via spam e-mails with PDF attachments. Opening such an attachment loads a Microsoft Word document with a hidden macro command inside, that if you enable, the malware will infect your PC and encrypt your files. No real changes are present in the ransom note as you can see on the right of this paragraph. Continue to read and see if you can potentially restore your files.
Threat Summary
| Name | .Loptr File Virus (Locky) |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | .Loptr file virus is a new variant of Locky ransomware. The cryptovirus has changes in its infection method, but not in its ransom note. |
| Symptoms | Your files are encrypted and have the .loptr extension attached to them. You see a ransom note with instructions that states that the encryption which is used is both RSA and AES (with links to Wikipedia information). |
| Distribution Method | Botnet, Spam Emails with PDF Attachments, MS Document Macro Execution |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .Loptr File Virus (Locky). |
| 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. |
.Loptr File Virus – Distribution Methods
.Loptr File Virus as a new iteration of Locky ransomware, also has new ways to distribute itself. The most prominent and widespread distribution way is quite complex. Although it requires social engineering to complete the attack, it is still effective. That method starts with the spread of the malware via spam e-mails. Such an e-mail will contain a 58 KB file that seems like a PDF document. You can see examples below:
Image Source: FireEye.com
Upon opening the PDF file, you will find out that there is a Microsoft Word document embedded inside, which looks like the following:
Clicking on “Enable Editing” and then on “Enable Content” will activate a hidden macro command and a PowerShell command, too. The PowerShell command will ping a Command&Control (C2) Server, and that server will download Locky’s malicious executable in an encrypted form so it can try to bypass Antivirus programs.
However, AV vendors have already taken precautions against the latest files that have been detected to be associated with the .Loptr File Virus threat as you can see from the images down here:
Before opening any file from the Internet, always perform a scan with a security program. You should read the ransomware preventing tips in our forum to educate yourself better about methods for fighting such malware threats.
.Loptr File Virus – Technical Information
The .Loptr File Virus is actually the latest variant of Locky ransomware. Dubbed after the extension .loptr that it places to encrypted files, this version of the nefarious cryptovirus has been discovered to spread not only with the help of its old malicious domains, but with many newly-set ones.
The Locky ransomware also makes entries in the Windows Registry to achieve a higher level of persistence. Registry entries of that caliber are typically designed to start the virus automatically with every launch of the Windows Operating System or even repress and tamper with processes.
The message with the ransom payment instructions appears to be unchanged and is stored in two files yet again – one in a .jpg, the other in a .html. Both have identical names that begin with loptr- and end with 4 symbols. You can preview the picture that is placed as your Desktop background below:
The ransom message reads the following:
=*~*I+_=
-+H=I-~I_-=+*$
-=~$*I_=.*
!!! IMPORTANT INFORMATION !!!!
All of your files are encrypted with RSA-2048 and AES-128 ciphers.
More information about the RSA and AES can be found here:
https://en.wildpedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_StandardDecrypting of your files is only possible with the private key and decrypt program, which is on our secret server.
To receive your private key follow one of the links:
If all of this addresses are not available, follow these steps:
1. Download and install Tor Browser: https://www.torproject.org/downIoad/download-easy.html
2. After a successful installation, run the browser and wait for initialization.3. Type in the address bar: g46mbrrzpfszonuk.onion
4. Follow the instructions on the site.
!!! Your personal identification ID: !!!
-=_+~_=~=
~*$~l.$*._
You can preview the .html version of that note in the picture down here:
How the TOR payment page looks like:
Here is what it says on that payment page:
Locky Decryptor™
We present a special software – Locky Decryptor™ –
which allows to decrypt and return control to all your encrypted files.How to buy Locky Decryptor™?
You can make a payment with BitCoins, there are many methods to get them.
You should register BitCoin wallet:
Simplest online wallet or Some other methods of creating wallet
Purchasing Bitcoins, although it’s not yet easy to buy bitcoins, it’s getting simpler every day.Here are our recommendations:
localbitcoins.com (WU) Buy Bitcoins with Western Union.
coincafe.com Recommended for fast, simple service.
Payment Methods: Western Union, Bank of America, Cash by FedEx, Moneygram, Money Order. In NYC: Bitcoin ATM, in person.
localbitcoins.com Service allows you to search for people in your community willing to sell bitcoins to you directly.
cex.io Buy Bitcoins with VISA/MASTERCARD or wire transfer.
btcdirect.eu The best for Europe.
bitquick.co Buy Bitcoins instantly for cash.
howtobuybitcoins.info An international directory of bitcoin exchanges.
cashintocoins.com Bitcoin for cash.
coinjar.com CoinJar allows direct bitcoin purchases on their site.
anxpro.com
bittylicious.com
Send 0.5 BTC to Bitcoin address:Note: Payment pending up to 30 mins or more for transaction confirmation, please be patient…
Date Amount BTC Transaction ID Confirmations
not found
Refresh the page and download decryptor.
When Bitcoin transactions will receive one confirmation, you will be redirected to the page for downloading the decryptor.
As clearly seen from the Tor payment page, the .Loptr file virus wants you to pay 0.5 Bitcoin, which equals to nearly 926 US dollars at the moment of writing this article. However, you should NOT under any circumstances pay anything to the cybercriminals. Nobody can guarantee that you will get your files restored upon payment, nor that you won’t get your PC infected again in the future. Furthermore, financially supporting cybercriminals could motivate them to keep doing crimes, such as the creation of ransomware viruses (as it has in the past with these malware developers).
.Loptr File Virus – Encryption Process
The .Loptr File Virus is dubbed like that by users, because it appends the .loptr extension to all encrypted files. As malware researchers have confirmed that it is indeed a new variant of the Locky Ransomware, it is most likely seeking to encrypt files with extensions such as its previous iterations, namely:
→.001, .002, .003, .004, .005, .006, .007, .008, .009, .010, .011, .123, .1cd, .3dm, .3ds, .3fr, .3g2, .3gp, .3pr, .602, .7z, .7zip, .ARC, .CSV, .DOC, .DOT, .MYD, .MYI, .NEF, .PAQ, .PPT, .RTF, .SQLITE3, .SQLITEDB, .XLS, .aac, .ab4, .accdb, .accde, .accdr, .accdt, .ach, .acr, .act, .adb, .adp, .ads, .aes, .agdl, .ai, .aiff, .ait, .al, .aoi, .apj, .apk, .arw, .asc, .asf, .asm, .asp, .aspx, .asset, .asx, .avi, .awg, .back, .backup, .backupdb, .bak, .bank, .bat, .bay, .bdb, .bgt, .bik, .bin, .bkp, .blend, .bmp, .bpw, .brd, .bsa, .cdf, .cdr, .cdr3, .cdr4, .cdr5, .cdr6, .cdrw, .cdx, .ce1, .ce2, .cer, .cfg, .cgm, .cib, .class, .cls, .cmd, .cmt, .config, .contact, .cpi, .cpp, .cr2, .craw, .crt, .crw, .cs, .csh, .csl, .csr, .css, .csv, .d3dbsp, .dac, .das, .dat, .db, .db3, .db_journal, .dbf, .dbx, .dc2, .dch, .dcr, .dcs, .ddd, .ddoc, .ddrw, .dds, .der, .des, .design, .dgc, .dif, .dip, .dit, .djv, .djvu, .dng, .doc, .docb, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .drf, .drw, .dtd, .dwg, .dxb, .dxf, .dxg, .edb, .eml, .eps, .erbsql, .erf, .exf, .fdb, .ffd, .fff, .fh, .fhd, .fla, .flac, .flf, .flv, .flvv, .forge, .fpx, .frm, .fxg, .gif, .gpg, .gray, .grey, .groups, .gry, .gz, .hbk, .hdd, .hpp, .html, .hwp, .ibank, .ibd, .ibz, .idx, .iif, .iiq, .incpas, .indd, .iwi, .jar, .java, .jnt, .jpe, .jpeg, .jpg, .js, .kc2, .kdbx, .kdc, .key, .kpdx, .kwm, .laccdb, .lay, .lay6, .lbf, .ldf, .lit, .litemod, .litesql, .log, .ltx, .lua, .m2ts, .m3u, .m4a, .m4p, .m4u, .m4v, .mapimail, .max, .mbx, .md, .mdb, .mdc, .mdf, .mef, .mfw, .mid, .mkv, .mlb, .mml, .mmw, .mny, .moneywell, .mos, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpeg, .mpg, .mrw, .ms11, .msg, .myd, .n64, .nd, .ndd, .ndf, .nef, .nk2, .nop, .nrw, .ns2, .ns3, .ns4, .nsd, .nsf, .nsg, .nsh, .nvram, .nwb, .nx2, .nxl, .nyf, .oab, .obj, .odb, .odc, .odf, .odg, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt, .ogg, .oil, .onetoc2, .orf, .ost, .otg, .oth, .otp, .ots, .ott, .p12, .p7b, .p7c, .pab, .pages, .pas, .pat, .pcd, .pct, .pdb, .pdd, .pdf, .pef, .pem, .pfx, .php, .pif, .pl, .plc, .plus_muhd, .png, .pot, .potm, .potx, .ppam, .pps, .ppsm, .ppsx, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx, .prf, .ps, .psafe3, .psd, .pspimage, .pst, .ptx, .pwm, .py, .qba, .qbb, .qbm, .qbr, .qbw, .qbx, .qby, .qcow, .qcow2, .qed, .r3d, .raf, .rar, .rat, .raw, .rb, .rdb, .re4, .rm, .rtf, .rvt, .rw2, .rwl, .rwz, .s3db, .safe, .sas7bdat, .sav, .save, .say, .sch, .sd0, .sda, .sdf, .sh, .sldm, .sldx, .slk, .sql, .sqlite, .sqlite3, .sqlitedb, .sr2, .srf, .srt, .srw, .st4, .st5, .st6, .st7, .st8, .stc, .std, .sti, .stm, .stw, .stx, .svg, .swf, .sxc, .sxd, .sxg, .sxi, .sxm, .sxw, .tar, .tar.bz2, .tbk, .tex, .tga, .tgz, .thm, .tif, .tiff, .tlg, .txt, .uop, .uot, .upk, .vb, .vbox, .vbs, .vdi, .vhd, .vhdx, .vmdk, .vmsd, .vmx, .vmxf, .vob, .wab, .wad, .wallet, .wav, .wb2, .wk1, .wks, .wma, .wmv, .wpd, .wps, .x11, .x3f, .xis, .xla, .xlam, .xlc, .xlk, .xlm, .xlr, .xls, .xlsb, .xlsm, .xlsx, .xlt, .xltm, .xltx, .xlw, .xml, .ycbcra, .yuv, .zip
The encryption algorithm that is claimed to be used by Locky in all of its ransom notes is RSA-2048 with AES 128-bit ciphers.
The Locky cryptovirus is probably set to delete the Shadow Volume Copies from the Windows Operating System by executing the following command:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
The command eliminates one of the prominent ways for file restoration on your computer system, thus making the encryption process even more viable.
Remove .Loptr File Virus and Restore Your Files
If your computer got infected with the .Loptr File Virus, you should have a bit of experience in removing malware. You should get rid of this ransomware as quickly as possible before it can have the chance to spread further and infect other computer systems. You should remove the ransomware and follow the step-by-step instructions guide provided below.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .Loptr File Virus (Locky) with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .Loptr File Virus (Locky) 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 .Loptr File Virus (Locky) 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 .Loptr File Virus (Locky) 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 .Loptr File Virus (Locky)
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .Loptr File Virus (Locky).
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 .Loptr File Virus (Locky) 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.
.Loptr File Virus (Locky)-FAQ
What is .Loptr File Virus (Locky) Ransomware?
.Loptr File Virus (Locky) 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 .Loptr File Virus (Locky) 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 .Loptr File Virus (Locky) Infect?
Via several ways..Loptr File Virus (Locky) 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 .Loptr File Virus (Locky) 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 ..Loptr File Virus (Locky) files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..Loptr File Virus (Locky) 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 ..Loptr File Virus (Locky) files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..Loptr File Virus (Locky)" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..Loptr File Virus (Locky) 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 .Loptr File Virus (Locky) 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 .Loptr File Virus (Locky) ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..Loptr File Virus (Locky) 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 .Loptr File Virus (Locky) 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 .Loptr File Virus (Locky) Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .Loptr File Virus (Locky) 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 .Loptr File Virus (Locky) 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.
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