Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by LTML Virus and other threats.
Threats such as LTML Virus may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
This article has been created to explain what is the purpose of the .LTML files virus and how to remove this infection from your PC plus how to try and restore files that have been encrypted by it on your computer.
Coming from the abbreviation Long Term Memory Loss, this ransomware infection aims to use the AES encryption algorithm to encrypt the important files on the computers infected by it and then demand a hefty ransom fee from it’s victim In order for the files to be restored back to their original state. In the event that your computer has been infected by the .LTML ransomware virus, in case it has begun infecting victims, your files are likely to have the .LTML file extension added to them. If this is the case, we recommend that you read the following article to learn how to remove this ransomware infection from your computer and how to restore files that have been encrypted by .LTML ransomware on your PC.
Threat Summary
Name
LTML Virus
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
Aims to encrypt the files on the victim computer via AES encryption algorithm. Developed in Visual Studio 2017
Symptoms
One of the main symptoms is the files encrypted with an added .LTML file suffux to them.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by LTML Virus
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.
.LTML Files Virus – How Did I Get Infected
In order to become a victim of this ransomware virus, several scenarios may be possible, the most likely of which is to open a malicous e-mail attachment sent to your computer as a result of becoming tricked by a spam e-mail message. Such messages often contain deceitful texts, aiming to convince users that their attachments are important documents from the likes of:
Invoices.
Receipts.
Order confirmation.
Other important file.
In addition to this, the e-mails may also pretend to come from large companies as well, such as:
FedEx.
PayPal.
Dropbox.
eBay.
Amazon.
The attachments themselves are usually executable files or documets for Microsoft Office which could contain malicious macros embedded within them which trigger the infection process. It is always advisable to scan such e-mail attachments prior to actually opening them.
In addition to via e-mail, this ransomware infection may also be spread via other methods, such as:
Fake setup of software.
Fake software activation program.
Key generator (keygen).
Crack fix for programs or games.
License activators for various programs.
.LTML Ransomware – More Information and Activity
The .LTML ransomware is still in development stage but may have started infecting victims already. The malware may begin the infection process by connecting to a remote host and downloading it’s malicious payload. This payload consists of several module files that help the ransomware virus to escalate it’s privileges and conduct it’s malicious activities while uninterrupted. The files may be under different names, like:
A name, imitating a program on your computer.
A completely random Alpha-Numerical name that has uppercase and lowercase letters as well.
Name of the ransomware virus (LTML).
The files may be located in various different folders in Windows, but the most targeted of those are the following:
%AppData%
%Roaming%
%Local%
%Temp%
%LocalLow%
%Windows%
%System32%
In addition to this, the LTML ransomware may also create registry entries in the following Windows registry sub-keys:
This is likely done with the purpose to make it possible so that the malicious files of the LTML ransomware run automatically on your computer system as soon as Windows is booted up. In addition to those keys, the virus may also add registry entries in the following sub-keys as well in order to escalte several of it’s privileges:
Furthermore, the LTML virus may also delete shadow volume copies on the infected compute by running the following administrative commands in Windows Command Prompt without you noticing this:
As soon as the malicious files of this ransomware virus are ran, it begins it’s encryption procedures.
LTML Ransomware – Encryption
In order to encrypt the files on the computers that have been infected by it, the LTML ransomware virus may begin scanning for various types of files that are used very often on the victim’s computer. Such files include:
Documents.
Videos.
Images.
Archives.
Virtual Drive files.
Adobe files.
The virus scans for the file extension of the files, which means that the following file types may be endangered of encryption, if your computer becomes infected by LTML:
In order to encrypt the files on the infected computer, the LTML ransomware virus uses one of the strongest publicly available encryption algorithms out there, known as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). It generates an automatic file encryption and symmetric decryption keys that are random for each infection. The information then may be sent to the cyber-criminals whose primary purpose is to sell you a decrypter in order to get you to pay a hefty ransom fee in order to get it. The encrypted files may have the .LTML file extension and may appear like the image below:
How to Remove LTML Ransomware and Restore Your Files
In order to remove ransowmare viruses like LTML, it is important to isolate them from being operational. To do this, we recommend to follow the removal instructions down below. They are separated in automatic and manual removal instructions. If you lack the experience in malware removal, reccomendations are to remove LTML ransowmare automatically preferrably by downloading an advanced anti-malware software. Such will ensure that your computer is free from all malware without you having to reinstall your Windows and will protect your computer against infections like LTML in the future too.
If you want to restore files that have been encrypted by the LTML ransomware infections, we strongly advise that you focus on trying out our alternative ransomware recovery methods in step “2.Restore files encrypted by LTML Virus” below. These methods are not 100% guarantee that you will be able to restore all files encrypted by this virus, but they may help you recover at least some of the encoded data.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by LTML Virus and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as LTML Virus. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove LTML Virus follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove LTML Virus files and objects
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by LTML Virus on your PC
Find files created by LTML Virus
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove LTML Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for LTML Virus and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove LTML Virus. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by LTML Virus
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by LTML Virus
Ransomware infections and LTML Virus aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
This article has been created to explain what is the purpose of the .LTML files virus and how to remove this infection from your PC plus how to try and restore files that have been encrypted by it on your computer.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for LTML Virus and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
