What are .lock files? What is .lock ransomware virus? How to remove the .lock files ransomware from your computer? How to try and restore .lock encrypted files?
A ransomware infection has been detected by researcher Petrovic(@petrovic082) to encrypt the files on the computers of victims and then set the .lock extension on the encrypted files. The end goal of the .lock Ransomware virus, which is believed to be written in Python is to get victims to pay 100$ to the BitCoin wallet of the cyber-criminals behind it. The ransomware drops a Read Me.txt file, which has the ransom note, asking to either pay or contact the crooks directly via anonymous e-mail. In case your computer has been infected by the .lock Python ransomware, then we suggest that you read this article.
Threat Summary
Name | .lock Ransomware |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | Aims to encrypt the files and prevent victims from opening them until they pay ransom of $100 in BitCoin. |
Symptoms | Files are encrypted with an added .lock file extension and several enumerated “ReadMe.txt” files are dropped on the desktops of victimized computers. |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable files |
Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .lock Ransomware. |
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. |
.lock Ransomware – How Did I Get It and What Does It Do?
There are several different types of methods used to spread the .lock ransomware virus. They all involve getting victims to either click on a malicious URL or manually download and run the virus infeciton file. One of the methods used to spread this malware is likely by uploading it on a site, where it may pretend to be a program of some sort, like a license activator, crack, patch, key generator, portable program or other form of software. These programs could be on a compromised site, where you may be tricked into manually downloading them, thinking they are useful. One such file could end up to be the main infection file of the .lock virus:
→ SHA256: 7bdbbfcd53c33ae24d81ca5459b6cc15b9572a3df31e6c6a12a91b0181939bb4
Name: 123.exe
In addition to this, the .lock malware may also come on your computer via being sent over as an e-mail attachment. There, the virus may appear as if it is a legitimate document that is very important, like a letter from your bank, an invoice or a purchase receipt.
Whatever the case may be, once you run the malicious file, infection is inevitable. The 123.exe file may spawn a file, called dll.exe. This file may perform series of modifications on your compromised computer, including the following activities:
- Interfere with your Windows Registry Editor.
- Check if it has infected your PC before.
- Delete backups and shadow copies from your PC.
- Bypass and disable Windows Recovery and other services.
Among the activities of the .lock ransomware is to also drop a ransom note file, called ReadMe.txt. It has the following contents:
ENGLISH
Your files have been encrypted!
If you want to decrypt your files, send 100$ for this Bitcoin Wallet:
3CU67cnSDShTCGfcRic8bki1LGfRqM1vdw
Then send me Transaction ID:
EMAIL: hm3edn+aajyjnn64htaosrk@sharklasers.com
The files that are encrypted by the .lock ransomware appear like the following:
The virus may target documents, images, audio files, videos and many other often used types of files. It is written in the language Python and may use advanced encryption in order to overwrite blocks of data from the files. After encryption, the .lock ransomware may generate decryption keys, which are only available to victims who pay the ransom – something which we would advise you against doing.
Remove .lock Ransomware and Try to Restore Encrypted Files
To get rid of this virus, you can follow the removal instructions below. For maximum effectiveness, we recommend using an advanced anti-malware software, that can do the removal for you and save a lot of time. To try and restore your files, you can see the alternative file recovery methods in the step “Try to restore” underneath. They may not be 100% effective, but with their help, you could be able to restore at least some of your files.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for .lock Ransomware with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .lock Ransomware 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 .lock Ransomware 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 .lock Ransomware 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 .lock Ransomware
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .lock Ransomware.
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 .lock Ransomware 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.
.lock Ransomware-FAQ
What is .lock Ransomware Ransomware?
.lock Ransomware 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 .lock Ransomware 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 .lock Ransomware Infect?
Via several ways..lock Ransomware 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 .lock Ransomware 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 ..lock Ransomware files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..lock Ransomware 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 ..lock Ransomware files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..lock Ransomware" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..lock Ransomware 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 .lock Ransomware 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 .lock Ransomware ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..lock Ransomware 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 .lock Ransomware 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 .lock Ransomware Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .lock Ransomware 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 .lock Ransomware 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.