In this article, you will find out how to remove .luces files virus from an infected system as well as alternative data recovery ways.
As identified by security researchers the so-called .luces files virus is a version of STOP ransomware. In case it infects your computer, it will restrict your access to valuable files. You could recognize these files by the extension .luces appended to their names. In addition, the threat will present you a ransom message in an attempt to convince you to contact hackers for more details on ransom payment.
Threat Summary
| Name | .luces Files Virus |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| Short Description | Created to encrypt valuable user files and then ask victims to pay ransom for a decryption tool. |
| Symptoms | Important files are locked and renamed with .luces extension. A ransom note file demands victims to pay hefty ransom to restore their files. |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
See If Your System Has Been Affected by malware
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Malware Removal Tool
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss .luces Files Virus. |
| 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. |
.luces Files Virus – Distribution
The distribution of .luces files virus is likely to happen with the help of commonly used techniques such as malspam, corrupted freeware installers, software cracks, infected web pages, fake software update notifications and other.
It is believed that the most preferred method of distribution is malspam. Since it is a well-known fact that almost every online user has an email address where he receives a large number of emails on a daily basis, hackers often attempt to deliver their ransomware by the use of spam email campaigns.
The ransomware payload is usually disguised as an important document, shopping offer, or payment notification. The corrupted file is often attached to emails that pose as representatives of popular businesses, frequently used services, and governmental institutions. As you might guess by loading such a file on your device you automatically infect it with the malicious code embedded in the code of this file.
Another way for hackers to disguise their ransomware activator is by injecting it into the code of any web page and set this page to trigger an automatic download whenever loaded in a web browser. URLs to infected pages could be again presented in emails that attempt to deliver the malicious code on your device, tied to online advertisements, shared in forum communities or displayed on social media channels.
.luces Files Virus (STOP Ransomware) – Overview
Analyses of this STOP ransomware strain reveal that the malicious executable files Padonok.exe and load1903.exe have been utilized in recent attack campaigns. Once one of these files is started on a target machine, it becomes able to disrupt system security by altering some of its essential settings.
Along with this payload file, .luces ransomware establishes a few more malicious files that support the attack. For the purpose, the threat could be either set to connect a remote server and download them or create them directly on the system. As their locations, .luces files virus may choose some of the following folders:
- %AppData%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %Roaming%
- %Temp%
When all needed files are established on the device the ransomware starts executing them in a predefined order which enables it to pass through several attack stages. During the attack, it could automatically obtain administrative rights and this way gains the permission to misuse system resources for malicious purposes.
Affected could be the Windows Registry as well. Since it stores important low-level system settings and apps’ permissions, crooks often configure their ransomware viruses to access this database. So in order to misuse some registry functionalities, .luces STOP ransomware could add malicious values under certain registry sub-keys. It is very likely that it will attempt to exploit RUN and RUNONCE keys as they could help it to automatically load malicious files on each system start.
Furthermore, by corrupting the RUNONCE registry key, .luces ransomware could accomplish the final attack stage. For it the threat needs to load a previously dropped ransom note file on the screen. Similar to its predecessors (.promorad2, .pulsar1, .promorad, etc.) .luces could present the following message:
———————————————- ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED ———————————————–
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files documents, photos, databases and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees do we give to you?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information
Don’t try to use third-party decrypt tools because it will destroy your files.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours.
—————————————————————————————————————————
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
blower@firemail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
blower@firemail.cc
Your personal ID:
[redacted 43 alphanumeric chars]
This message aims to blackmail you into transferring hackers a ransom fee in exchange for a data decryption tool. Even though, the message does not specify the amount of the ransom, it is likely to vary from $50 to a few hundred dollars.
Beware that a successful ransom payment does not guarantee the recovery of .luces files. On one hand, hackers could send you a broken decryptor. On the other hand, they could skip answering you at all.
.luces Files Virus – Encryption Process
The main goal of .luces files virus is to encrypt files stored on your infected machine. To make you more prone to pay a ransom fee, the ransomware targets only files that are used very often. Such files are:
- Documents.
- Videos.
- Images.
- Archives.
- Virtual Drive files.
- Audio files.
- Other files, belonging to often-used programs.
The encryption process transforms the original code of target files and renders them inaccessible. It is realized with the help of one or two encryption ciphers. As a result, the files are renamed with the extension .luces
Remove .luces Files Virus (STOP Ransomware) and Attempt to Restore Data
The so-called .luces files virus is a threat with highly complex code designed to corrupt both system settings and valuable data. So the only way to use your infected system in a secure manner again is to remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. For the purpose, you could use our removal guide that reveals how to clean and secure your system step by step. In addition, in the guide, you will find several alternative data recovery approaches that may be helpful in attempting to restore .luces files. We remind you to back up all encrypted files to an external drive before 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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Step 1: Scan for .luces Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall .luces Files 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:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by .luces Files 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 .luces Files 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: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .luces Files Virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .luces Files 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 .luces Files 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.
.luces Files Virus-FAQ
What is .luces Files Virus Ransomware?
.luces Files 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 .luces Files 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 .luces Files Virus Infect?
Via several ways..luces Files 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 .luces Files 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 ..luces Files Virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the ..luces Files 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 ..luces Files Virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore "..luces Files Virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore ..luces Files 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 .luces Files 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 .luces Files Virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important ..luces Files 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 .luces Files 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 .luces Files Virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this .luces Files 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 .luces Files 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.
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