What Is Leex Virus?
Leex virus is a cryptovirus which belongs to the ransomware type of malware. This infection is part of a notorious family of threats known as STOP/DJVU viruses. Its main purpose is to get into your Windows and scan for important files to encrypt them, adding the .leex extension in the process. Then, this virus drops the _readme.txt note, which contains instructions on how to pay a ransom “fee” to the cyber-criminals who are behind this malware. The fee is to be paid in BitCoin after the victims contact these crooks and negotiate the payment via e-mail – something we do not advise you to do.
Read this article to learn how to get rid of the Leex and try to get your files to work once again.
Leex Summary
Name | Leex also known as Trojan.GenericKD.35978248, Trojan.Win32.Stop.j!c, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, Trojan.Ransom.Stop, A Variant Of Win32/Kryptik.HIMQ, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.qq – VirusTotal |
File Extension | .leex |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | This variant of STOP ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .mppq virus extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Torrent Files |
Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by Leex Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
Leex Ransomware – How Does It Work?
Leex is very similar virus to its predecessors from this ransomware family, like .piiq, .sspq and .neer variants. The malware’s main idea is to enter your computer unnotices as a legitimate file and cause the infection to encrypt your files and extort you for their decryption.
One of the most reported methods by the victims of this virus indicates that files downloaded online are the main reason how it may be spread on your computer. These files include:
- Cracks for software.
- Key generators or keygens.
- Patches for games or software.
- Software activation files.
Leex virus may also be sent to you in the form of a very serious e-mail that may contian seemingly important document that often appears urgent. The most commonly imitated such documents include:
- Flight or train tickets invoices.
- Invoices for purchases you do not remember making.
- Documents that are important for you.
- Receipts for orders.
Once Leex virus causes an infection on your computer, it may set registries to run automatically each time you start Windows. These registries come as values added in the following registry sub-keys:
- Run
- RunOnce
The main files of this ransomware are often randomly named files that may be dropped in some of the Windows system directories, such as:
- %Roaming%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
The virus also makes sure that you notice its _readme.txt ransom note, that when dropped may contain the following text message:
.leex Files
The files that are encrypted by this ransomware virus may be of the following types:
- Image file types (.jpg, .bmp, .png).
- Video file types.
- Database files
- Document files.
- Backups of Windows.
- Audio file kinds.
- Archive types of files.
What the malware does is scans for each of the files based on the file extension it has, while Leex skips all the driver and Windows system directories so only the most important files that you use are encrypted.
After encryption, the virus leaves the files with changed file structure and the added .leex file extension, looking like the example below shows:
Document.doc.leex
The virus also makes sure that either offline or an online decryptor key is generated. If the key generated after encryption is from the online kind, then your chances to restore the files drop significantly.
Delete Leex Virus and Try to Restore Data
Leex is the kind of ransomware infection that has been created with the main idea to be hard to remove. The malware creates files and registry entries on your computer and we have prepared the guide below to help you use the information we provided in this article and hopefully detect the files and remove them using the steps, specifically made to deal with threats, like Leex. For the most effective removal, it is strongly suggested that you download and scan your computer using an advanced anti-malware program. Such a software is specifically created with the main idea to best help you in detecting and removing all of the files and objects set by this virus automatically.
For the best file recovery methods that are alternative to direct decryption, we advise that you check the alternative restore methods posted below. They are not a 100% effective method but have worked for some of our readers as they report in our comments and in comments on our YouTube channel.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Leex Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Leex 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Leex 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 Leex Virus 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 Leex Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Leex 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 Leex 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.
Leex Virus-FAQ
What is Leex Virus Ransomware?
Leex 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 Leex 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 Leex Virus Infect?
Via several ways.Leex 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 Leex 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 .Leex Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Leex 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 .Leex Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Leex Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Leex 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 Leex 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 Leex Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Leex 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 Leex 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 Leex Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Leex 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 Leex 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.