LOTUS Ransomware
Do you happen to see all your valuable files locked and renamed with a few extensions? The extension .LOTUS signifies for an infection with a ransomware of the same name LOTUS. It has been identified as a strain of the Dharma/CrySiS cryptovirus.
Unfortunately, once activated on your PC, this threat corrupts essential system settings and lowers PC security. Regarding the files it encrypts, they remain unusale until their code is reverted back to the original state.
This nasty impact is misused by hackers for the extortion of a ransom fee. Their threat drops two ransom messages that contain intrusctions on the ransom payment process. The email address paymei@cock.li can be noticed in these messages. We advice all victims to refrain from contacting hackers.
Here you will find detailed guide how to remove all malicious files installed by LOTUS ransomware. After the removal you can try to recover some of the encrypted .LOTUS files with the help of alternative data recovery methods.
LOTUS Virus Summary
| Name | LOTUS also known as Trojan/Win32.Crysis.R213980, Trojan.Ransom.Crysis.E, Win.Trojan.Dharma-6668198-0, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crusis.to, Ransom:Win32/Wadhrama!hoa |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Ransom Note | FILES ENCRYPTED.txt supported by a pop-up window with a different message. |
| Short Description | A data locker ransomware designed to compromise computer operating systems and encrypt valuable personal fles stored on the drives. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with a string of a few extensions. The last one is the .LOTUS extension. Two different ransom message appear to demand a ransom payment. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Hacked Websites |
| Detection Tool |
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LOTUS Virus (Dharma Ransomware) – Distribution and Impact
The ransomware LOTUS is based on the code of another threat of the same type Dharma/CrySiS. It has recently been released in the wild. The techniques that are spreading its malicious payload are likely to be malspam, malvertising, freeware installers, fake software update notifications, and corrupted web pages. The malspam is supposed to be the primary one.
This technique represents email spam messages that pose as representatives of popular companies. The main purpose is to trick people to download and open an attached file that contains a malicious code. The malware could also be dropped on the device by a hacked website. Hacked sites contain harmful scripts that can download and install different programs in the background of all other active programs.
When the LOTUS ransomware runs on a computer, it becomes able to implement various malicious changes that disrupt system security. Infected may be the settings of the Registry Editor. This system component is responsible for the proper system performance. The registry keys RUN and RUNONCE may contain malicious values. These values will enable the ransomware to run automatically every time you start the infected system.
All initial malicious changes aim to help the ransomware to reach target files unnoticeably and encrypt them with a complex cipher algorithm called AES. The data encryption process leaves files inaccessible until their code is reverted back to the original state. Unfortunately, the ransomware may prevent you from accessing your:
- Audio files.
- Video files.
- Document files.
- Image files.
- Backup files.
- Banking credentials, etc.
A file encrypted by LOTUS ransomware display the extension .LOTUS appended to their names. Additionally, they have two other extensions – an ID and one that is the hackers’ contact email address (paymei@cock.li). The same email address could also be noticed in the ransom message that appears at the end of the infection process.
Here is a copy of what it states:
YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don’t worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email paymei@cock.li YOUR ID –
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:paymei@cock.li
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
We know that you need to restore encrypted files but we recommend that you refrain from transferring money to cybercriminals. Otherwise, you risk losing both your valuable files and money. For the sake of your security, it is advisable to clean your infected computer from present malicious files and consider the help of alternative data recovery methods.
Remove LOTUS File Virus and Restore Data
The so-called LOTUS virus is a threat with highly complex code that heavily damages essential system settings and valuable files. So the only way to use securely your infected computer system is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For this purpose, you should complete a specific removal guide. The ransomware removal guide that follows reveals how to clean the virus from the system – manually and automatically. If you don’t feel quite comfortable with the manual steps, it will be better to download the presented advanced anti-malware tool as it will do the job for you.
In the event that you want to attempt to restore .LOTUS files check step five – Try to Restore files encrypted by Elder Virus that reveals reliable alternative data recovery methods. We remind you that copies of all encrypted files should be kept on an external drive. This measure will prevent their inevitable loss.
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 LOTUS Virus from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove LOTUS Virus
Step 2: Uninstall LOTUS Virus 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 LOTUS 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 LOTUS Virus 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 LOTUS Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by LOTUS Virus.
Ransomware infections and LOTUS 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 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 LOTUS Virus from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall LOTUS Virus 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 LOTUS Virus 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 LOTUS Virus.
Ransomware infections and LOTUS 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
LOTUS Virus FAQ
What is LOTUS Virus ransomware and how does it work?
LOTUS 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 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 LOTUS Virus ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.LOTUS Virus 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 LOTUS 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 .LOTUS Virus files?
You can't. At this point the .LOTUS Virus 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 .LOTUS Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by LOTUS Virus 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 ".LOTUS Virus" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .LOTUS Virus 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 LOTUS Virus 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 LOTUS Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .LOTUS Virus files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like LOTUS Virus 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.
