Leitkcad Ransomware
A ransomware infection dubbed Leitkcad has been detected in active attack campaigns. This threat is developed to infect computer operating systems by installing malicious files without generating any notifications. Its presence on an infected PC can be noticed at the end of its attack – when it is too late for taking some prevention steps. The moment its ransom message (help-leitkcad.txt) appears somewhere on the system, it means that the ransomware has successfully encrypted your personal files and renamed their names with the .leitkcad extension. Since ransomware infections like Leitkcad tend to use complex cipher algorithms for data encryption, these programs leave files completely inaccessible.
Even though hackers insist on paying them a hefty ransom fee, we advise you to avoid following their instructions and try to remove malicious files from the infected PC with the guide that follows.
Leitkcad Summary
| Name | Leitkcad |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Ransom Note | help-leitkcad.txt |
| Short Description | Severe malware that is designed to encrypt valualbe files stored on compromised computers so that it can then extort ransom fee from victims. |
| Symptoms | Files are encrypted and their named are changed to randomly generated characters followed by the malicious extension .leitkcad Ransom message extorts a payment for files recovery. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by Malware Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Leitkcad. |
| 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. |
Leitkcad Ransomware – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
The Leitkcad ransomware is a malicious piece of code that has recently been released in the wild. It may land on computer operating systems via freeware installers, fake software updates, email attachments, advertisements, etc.
The moment the payload file of Leitkcad ransomware runs on a target operating system, it triggers a long sequence of malicious operations that enable it to evade detection, misuse system functionalities, and eventually encode valuable personal files.
Due to the complexity of the changes applied to your files, they remain inaccessible until their code is reverted back to its original state. Unfortunately, you may not be able to view the information stored by the following files of yours:
- Audio files
- Video files
- Document files
- Image files
- Backup files
- Banking credentials, etc
One way to recognize a file that is encrypted by this nasty ransomware is its changed name. This ransomware is set to append the malicious extension .leitkcad to corrupted files’ names.
After Leitkcad ransomware encrypts files, it drops a ransom note on the system. This note is a text file named help-leitkcad.txt. You can see what the note reads right below:
Caution!!!
Your files on this computer have been encrypted due to security issues.
To restore it you should write to the online chat.To decrypt files follow the instructions below:
1. Open in any browser the link: {URL}.
2. Or download and install TOR browser (if TOR blocked in your country you need to install VPN and download it) and follow the link: {.onion_URL}
3. To chat with operator you need to fill the next information on chat page:
– your ID:
– personal key:
– your E-MailAttention!
Do not try to reload your PC.
Do not try to recover information using third party software.
Do not attempt to use antivirus.
Do not try to uninstall programs.
All these actions will lead to data loss and unrecoverable.!
We know that you need to restore .leitkcad files but we advise against transferring money to cybercriminals. Your files may not get recovered, and nobody could give you a guarantee for that. Adding to that, giving money to cybercriminals will most likely motivate them to create new ransomware viruses or commit different criminal activities.
For the sake of your security, we recommend you to clean your computer from present malicious files and wait for an eventual release of a free decryption tool. Meanwhile, you may want to consider the help of alternative data recovery methods.
Remove Leitkcad Ransomware Virus and Attempt to Restore Data
The so-called Leitkcad ransomware 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 this purpose, you could follow our step-by-step removal guide.
In the event that you want to attempt to restore .leitkcad files with the help of alternative data recovery methods, do check the step – Try to Restore files encrypted by Leitkcad Ransomware. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before you begin with 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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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
How to Remove Leitkcad from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Leitkcad
Step 2: Uninstall Leitkcad and related software 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 uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Leitkcad 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 Leitkcad 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: Scan for Leitkcad with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Leitkcad.
Ransomware infections and Leitkcad 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of Leitkcad from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Leitkcad and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove Leitkcad via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Leitkcad.
Ransomware infections and Leitkcad 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Leitkcad FAQ
What is Leitkcad ransomware and how does it work?
Leitkcad 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 algorithm how 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.
How does Leitkcad ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Leitkcad Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of Leitkcad 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 .Leitkcad files?
You can't. At this point the .Leitkcad files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Leitkcad files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Leitkcad ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".Leitkcad" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Leitkcad files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of Leitkcad ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate Leitkcad ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Leitkcad files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Leitkcad ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
