What Is LyDark Virus?
LyDark virus is the name of a ransomware infection. This means that it enters your computer without you realizing and attacks your files, preventing you from opening them.
LyDark virus is part of the Xorist ransomware virus family as identified on VirusTotal. These are a family of crypto viruses whose main purpose is to encrypt your documents and add a custom file extension. In this case, it is .LyDark. Then, this infection drops a ransom note file that has the instructions of the perpetrators who have created this virus. They often want you to pay a lot of money to them in the form of BitCoin if you want to access the files again. If your computer has been infected by the LyDark virus, we strongly advise that you read this article as it contains more information on how to remove the virus and get your files back for free.
LyDark Summary
Name | LyDark, also known as Xorist Ransomware, Trojan.Ransom.AIG, Win32:Filecoder-M [Trj], TR/Ransom.Xorist.EJ, Trojan[Ransom]/Win32.Xorist, TrojWare.Win32.Kryptik.ER@4o1ar2, Trojan.TR/Ransom.Xorist.EJ, Trojan.Win32.A.Xorist.1268736 |
File Extension | .LyDark |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The LyDark ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .LyDark extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
See If Your Computer Has Been Affected by LyDark
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss LyDark. |
LyDark Virus – More Information
LyDark ransomware, belongs to the Xorist family of infections, meaning they share the same code. Other variants also include .cat Virus, Flubo Virus and Snopy ransomware.
Viruses, like LyDark, use the typical malware distribution channels. This means that it could infect your computer in two main ways:
- By posing as a seemingly legitimate e-mail attachment.
- By pretending to be an installer of some sort or a portable program, crack, patch, etc.
If it infects your computer by posing as an e-mail attachment, the malware may pretend to be a really important file of some sort. Such files often end up being plane tickers, fake invoices for a revoked purchase, or anything that will get you to download and open the file. The infection usually happens with a .pdf or .docx document that is in an archive and has malicious macros code embedded in it.
If the virus infects your computer by posing as a program then you have most likely downloaded it from the wrong website.
Either way, once LyDark is in your computer, it may begin scanning it for these types of files to encrypt:
- Your documents.
- Videos.
- Pictures.
- Music.
- Archives.
- Database files.
- Other often-used files.
The virus scans the files based on their file extensions, for example .jpg, .docx, .rar, etc. It is very careful not to encrypt files in the Windows directory so it won’t damage Windows itself.
After encryption, the LyDark virus ads the .LyDark file extension and the following note:
.LyDark Files
The files that are encrypted by this virus receive the .LyDark extension and they start to look like this:
IMPORTANT! Do not try to remove the .LyDark extension from the files. It may damage them even more! Instead, we recommend that you read the removal and decryption segment below to learn how to get the files back.
Remove LyDark Virus and Try Decrypt Files for Free
Before starting any file recovery or removal, always do a fresh backup of your files somewhere else, even if they are encrypted. Handling such malware is risky and often takes experienced professionals to do, but now we will show you how to do it yourself.
To remove the virus, please follow the removal steps below. In case you feel unsure about removing this ransomware manually, then you should do what professionals advise – download and run a scan using anti-malware software. Such a program will automatically detect and take care of this nasty virus from your computer.
To try and decrypt the files, please download the Xorist Decryptor by Kaspersky – this is a free tool that is developed by malware researchers to help victims of ransomware viruses from the Xorist family, which is LyDark. We hope this helps! If you have any inquiries, please leave a comment below. Our SensorsTechForum support team will try to answer as fast as possible.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for LyDark with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall LyDark 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by LyDark 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 LyDark there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 LyDark
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by LyDark.
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 LyDark 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.
LyDark-FAQ
What is LyDark Ransomware?
LyDark 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 LyDark 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 LyDark Infect?
Via several ways.LyDark 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 LyDark 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 .LyDark files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .LyDark 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 .LyDark files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".LyDark" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .LyDark 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 LyDark 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 LyDark ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .LyDark 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 LyDark 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 LyDark Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this LyDark 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 LyDark 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.