Here you will find information about a ransomware infection called Lucifer as well as proper steps to remove malicious files from the infected system. The guide at the end will also show you how to potentially recover .lucifer files.
Lucifer Virus
Do you see important files locked and renamed with the creepy extension .lucifer? We have bad news for you. Your PC has been infected by a ransomware virus. Such type of software aims to interfere with essential system settings and evade all active security measures. Its end goal, however, is to encrypt personal files stored on the drives and request a ransom fee for their recovery.
Currently, the threat is lurking across the web in the form of executable files with different names. Currently, the attack campaigns are live and try to enter the machines of people worldwide.
Lucifer Virus Summary
| Name | Lucifer |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Malicious Extension | .lucifer |
| Ransom Demanding Notes | HELP_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.txt HELP_DECRYPT_YOUR_FILES.html |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware designed to damage computer systems and encrypt valuable personal fles. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked with strong cipher algorithm and renamed with the .lucifer extension. Two ransom messages try to convince victims to pay a ransom for the decryption tool that would probably recover files. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Corrupted Sites |
| Detection Tool |
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Malware Removal Tool
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Lucifer Ransomware – Distribution and Impact
The horrible computer infection named Lucifer has been reported to operate as a typical data locker ransomware. This malicious software is a newly discovered one.
However, it is very likely to act as the majority of ransomware threats. Let’s start by saying that the malicious files which are capable of triggering the Lucifer virus are probably lurking around the web in the form of malicious spam attachments, freeware installers, torrent files, fake software updates, and files uploaded on hacked sites.
Lots of ransomware infections appear on the malware scene on a daily basis. Some recent examples are the MILIHPEN, Cukiesi and TomLe. So we should all be careful and follow all basic online security rules if we want to keep our machines safe from nasty malware threats.
Regarding the Lucifer ransomware attack, it begins the moment its payload file loads on a target computer system. The attack includes lots of malicious operations. Most of them lower the overall system security. Eventually, the virus reaches valuable personal files and encodes them with a complex cipher algorithm.
All changes applied to files’ original code prevent you from using them once the attack is over. All files that remain could be accessed again after a decryption process. Unfortunately, the only decryptor available for now is the one possessed by hackers. Security researchers are still investigating Lucifer’s samples in an attempt to find weaknesses in its code that will help them to construct a free decryption tool.
Cybercriminals claim that they offer an effective decryption solution for .lucifer files. Here is what the ransom messages dropped by their threat state:
All of your important files encrypted with AES-256, RSA-2848 , is a powerful cryptography algorithm
For more information you can use Wikipedia
*attention: Don’t rename or edit encrypted files because it will be impossible to decrypt your files
This is a private ransomware developed by our team and there is no decryption file for itFor Trust You can Send us Test Files And We Decrypt That And Send To You.
*How do I contact you?
The only way to communicate is through a secure Telegram messenger
Telegram ID : hxxps://t.me/How_Decrypt_Files
Your unique Id : –How To Access Telegram
To access Telegram, you Lucifer install the version related to your platform
You can download Telegram from hxxps://telegram.org#How to recover files?
How files are decrypted? What is the decryption file like? Watch file Watch-me.mp4 on each drive and desktop
You need two key
1-Public key: you need it for encryption
2-Private Key: you need it for decryption
So you need Private key to recover your files.
All of your network computers files is encrypted with one public key. So you need just one Private key to recover all computers files
The private Key that we will send works on all your computers#How to use private Key?
We send you a simple software with private Key
And you just need run this software on each computer that encrypted and all affected files will be decrypted*What are the guarantees that I can decrypt my files after paying the ransom?
Your main guarantee is the ability to decrypt test files.
This means that we can decrypt all your files after paying the ransom.
We have no reason to deceive you after receiving the ransom, because it harms our business
You Have 24 hours to Decide to Pay
after 48 hours Decryption Price will Be Double
And after 72 hours it will be triple Try to Contact late and You will know
Therefore, we recommend that you make payment within a few hours.#deadline
You just have 72 hours to send us the Bitcoin after 72 hours we will remove your private key and it’s impossible to recover your files#What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is an innovative payment network and a new kind of money.
You can create a Bitcoin account at hxxps://blockchain.info/ and deposit some money into your account and then send to us#How to buy Bitcoin?
There are Many way to buy Bitcoin and deposit it into your account,
You can buy it with WesternUnion, Bank Wire, International Bank transfer, Cash deposit and etc
hxxps://localbitcoins.com —> Buy Bitcoin with WesternUnion or MoneyGram
hxxps://coincafe.com —> Buy Bitcoin fast and Secure with WesternUnion and Cash deposit
hxxps://www.bitstamp.net —> Buy Bitcoin with bank wire, International bank transfer, SEPA payment
hxxos://www.kraken.com —> Buy Bitcoin with bank wire, International bank transfer, SEPA payment
hxxps://www.kraken.com —> Buy Bitcoin with bank wire, International bank transfer, SEPA payment
hxxps://www.ccedk.com —> Buy Bitcoin with bank wire, International bank transfer, SEPA payment
hxxps://bitcurex.com/ —> Buy Bitcoin with bank wire, International bank transfer, SEPA payment
If you want to pay with your Business bank account you should create a business account in exchangers they don’t accept payment from third party
We know that you need to restore .lucifer files but we recommend that you refrain from transferring money to cybercriminals. Otherwise, you risk losing both your valuable files and money. For the sake of your security, it is advisable to clean your infected computer from present malicious files and consider the help of alternative data recovery methods.
Remove Lucifer Virus
The so-called Lucifer ransomware virus is a threat with highly complex code that heavily damages both essential system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system securely again is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For the purpose, you could follow our step-by-step removal guide.
In the event that you want to attempt to restore .lucifer files with the help of alternative data recovery methods, do check step four – Try to Restore files encrypted by Lucifer. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before the recovery process.
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 Lucifer Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Lucifer 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 Lucifer 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 Lucifer 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 Lucifer Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Lucifer 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 Lucifer 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.
Lucifer Virus-FAQ
What is Lucifer Virus Ransomware?
Lucifer 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 Lucifer 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 Lucifer Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Lucifer 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 Lucifer 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 .Lucifer Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Lucifer 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 .Lucifer Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Lucifer Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Lucifer 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 Lucifer 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 Lucifer Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Lucifer 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 Lucifer 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 Lucifer Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Lucifer 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 Lucifer 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.