This article is created to help users infected by LazagneCrypt ransomware through the removal and the recovery process of .encr files.
LazagneCrypt ransomware aims to locate predefined types of files stored on the compromised machine and then encrypts them. For the purpose, it uses strong cipher algorithm. Corrupted files have the extension .encr and are completely unusable until a ransom for their decryption is paid to hackers. On top of that LazagneCrypt ransomware can steal all credentials stored on the infected machine. Thus, the ransomware has to be removed instantly.
Threat Summary
| Name | LazagneCrypt |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Aims to encrypt particular files that store imortant information and demands a ransom for their decryption. |
| Symptoms | The ransomware appends the .locked file extension to the corrupted files. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
| Detection Tool | See If Your System Has Been Affected by LazagneCrypt Download Malware Removal Tool | User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss LazagneCrypt. |
| 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. |
LazagneCrypt Ransomware – Ways of Distribution
The analyses of LazagneCrypt ransomware samples reveal that an executable file called brc.exe triggers the infection. That malicious file may be distributed via different methods. Among the most preferred are email spam attachments, compromised links and software bundles.
There are several known traits of the emails that are trying to deliver a ransomware infection. First, they need to look legitimate so they often use the names of popular services, websites, stores and governmental institutions. The senders pretend to be representatives of these companies and the message is trying to provoke your emotional triggers. Such emails aim to convince you that the information of an attached file is extremely important and you should view it as soon as possible. However, once you open the file on your PC, it causes an infection with LazagneCrypt ransomware.
In an attempt to deliver the ransomware payload hackers may create colognes of particular web pages and inject the malicious script into their source code. What lefts is the spread of the corrupted links across the net. This may happen via emails, instant messages, social media channels and malvertising campaigns.
What is typical for the software bundles is that the installers of supposedly useful apps contain additional components that may remain hidden in the Advanced or Custom options. As these parts are usually set for installation by default you may unknowingly infect your system with LazagneCrypt ransomware.
LazagneCrypt Ransomware – In-Depth Analysis
Once the malicious executable brc.exe is running on the system it starts the infection process of LazagneCrypt ransomware. A sequence of harmful actions leads to the total corruption of the computer system and all the important files of yours.
In case that the ransomware needs additional malicious components it can connect to its command and control server to download them. There are several folder locations where LazagneCrypt crypto virus might drop its files. Below you can see them:
Among the observed impacts are believed to be modifications of some important registry keys. Commonly ransomware infections like LazagneCrypt target the Run and RunOnce registry keys as they contain information which programs should run each time a user logs on the system. By adding specific entries under these keys the ransomware can start each time you turn log on your system profile. The exact location of these keys is:
→ 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
The analysis conducted by the security researcher Karsten Han has discovered a devastating fact about LazagneCrypt ransomware. As explained the threat can steal passwords from the compromised machine and then send them to hackers.
For the purpose, LazagneCrypt employs the LaZagne password recovery tool. The tool can retrieve passwords stored by commonly-used software apps that are installed on the compromised computer. The password dumps are then uploaded to hackers’ controlled account via the service SwissDisk.
A specific trait of LazagneCrypt crypto virus is a file that contains a ransom message. The file is likely to be dropped on the Desktop. It aims to inform you that your data is encrypted with strong cipher and you need to pay a ransom probably in Bitcoin. The amount may vary from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars.
LazagneCrypt Ransomware – Encryption Process
The primary aim of LazagneCrypt ransomware is to find particular files stored on the compromised device and modify their original code with the help of strong cipher algorithm. As a result the corrupted files recieve the extenson .encr and connot display the data they store.
Being based on the code of the HiddenTear project the LazagneCrypt ransomware is likely to target the following types of files for encryption:
→.txt, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx, .odt, .jpg, .png, .csv, .sql, .mdb, .hwp, .pdf, .php, .asp, .aspx, .html, .xml, and .psd
In addition, the crypto virus might delete the Shadow Volume Copies stored on the system as they may be used for the recovery of .encr files. This happens after the following command is entered in the CommandPrompt:
→vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /Quiet
Remove LazagneCrypt Ransomware and Restore .encr Files
To remove LazagneCrypt ransomware you can follow the step-by-step removal guide provided below. It provides help for the removal of all malicious files and objects associated with LazagneCrypt ransomware. Due to the complexity of ransomware code, security specialists always recommended the help of an anti-malware tool. Such a tool will easily locate all malicious files so you can then delete them with a few mouse clicks.
Before you continue with the data recovery process be sure to have copies of all corrupted .encr files stored on an external drive.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by LazagneCrypt 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 LazagneCrypt.
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 LazagneCrypt follow these steps:
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.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for LazagneCrypt and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Gergana Ivanova
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
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