| Name | Trojan.LockScreen |
| Type | Ransomware, Trojan |
| Short Description | May encrypt important files and gives decryption keys upon paying ransom which is usually financial compensation. |
| Symptoms | Appearing of different objects in various user folders or the Desktop or on startup. Files encoded with unfamiliar extensions |
| Distribution Method | Spam mails. MiTM attacks, malicious redirects. |
| Detection tool | Download SpyHunter, to See If Your System Has Been Affected By Trojan.LockScreen |
| 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. |
This type of trojan horse is connected closely with Police Association Ransomware, FBI Moneypak ransomware and ‘Votre ordinateur est bloque en raison du delit de la loi de la France ‘ ransomware infections. It is a mix of different Trojans and is created with the sole purpose of treating users for ransom and steal their money.
What Is Trojan.LockScreen?
The .LockScreen family of Trojans is familiar in the IT security world with the behavior of targeting PCs mainly in te European Union and displaying different ransomware messages with demands. Such Trojans threaten the average users with the pretext their files are encrypted. The only mean to decrypt them is if they pay ransom money, usually in bitcoin via an integrated application in the message, situated directly on the computer or by using the anonymous Tor browser. The messages may include claiming that the files have been encrypted by law enforcement (FBI, NSA, etc.) for security purposes.
In case you discover a threatening pop-up message or a message set as your wallpaper along with your homepage, it is a clear signal that this threat has infected you.
Trojan.Lockscreen – How Did I Become Infected?
There are many means of infection which the .Lockscreen family of Trojans may employ. The most successful may be email spoofing. This method conceals the email address of the attacker, changing it to a familiar address to the user along with an attached file. For example, if your boss’s email is yourboss@ifirepeopleforfun.com the attacker may assume this mail along with an attachment document that may carry a malicious virus that could install the ransomware on the computer by replicating executable files.
After it is on your computer, the Trojan may detect your IP address. Then it will begin to modify system settings that give it certain permissions to make changes in Windows. Some of those changes may include new entries in the Windows Registry Editor that may allow it to close any antivirus programs, Windows Firewall, and other defenses. This is why experts recommend to disconnect immediately from the internet and download an advanced anti-malware program from an uninfected device and then perform an offline scan to remove all associated files with Trojan.Lockscreen.
Other changes this threat may do is modify certain settings that may allow it to start up automatically with Windows. More so, the risk is believed to connect to a remote server that may belong to the attackers. This may give them additional permissions, which could be the deletion of user files at any point in time. Also it provides them with the ability to conduct attacks using the victim PCs credentials, making it look like it came from this machine. Cyber criminals have networks of such computers, called botnets or ‘zombie’ networks. This is less likely, but the Trojan may be modified to do it to perform a larger ransomware campaign simultaneously.
The ransom note may include various demands, mainly in bitcoins, ranging from 100 euros to much more. Some believe that the ransom amount is connected with the importance of the content of the files that are encrypted. The files are usually locked with either AES or RSA encryption algorithms that both take a lot of time to decrypt. However, experts advise never to comply with attackers’ requests since these files may be different files with the same name but only may look encrypted. Another reason not to comply is that there is no guarantee that you will receive your decrypting key after paying the ransom.
How To Remove Trojan.Lockscreen?
In case you are looking to remove Trojan.Lockscreen the first thing you should do is isolate the threat. To do this immediately disconnect your equipment from the internet and then follow the step-by-step guide below. It will assist you with booting your PC in an safe offline mode where you can scan and eliminate the threat with a particular powerful anti-malware program. It is not advisable to do it manually since you can crash your OS, and it is also not a guarantee that you will remove all files associated with Trojan.Lockscreen completely. An anti-malware program looks not only for files in its definitions, but also new objects that out of the ordinary and this is why you should download and install such software as fast as possible from a safe PC and use an USB stick to input it on your computer.
Pro tip: Make sure you either download an offline installer or boot in safe mode with networking so you can update the anti-malware program to its latest definitions for a better result. Also, make sure you extract the encrypted files so you can deal with them at a later state. For best results, you should follow the guide below.
Spy Hunter scanner will only detect the threat. If you want the threat to be automatically removed, you need to purchase the full version of the anti-malware tool.Find Out More About SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool / How to Uninstall SpyHunter
1. Start Your PC in Safe Mode to Remove Trojan.LockScreen.
For Windows XP, Vista, 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu.
2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 systems:
Step 1: Open the Start Menu
Step 2: Whilst holding down Shift button, click on Power and then click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, the aftermentioned menu will appear. From there you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu you can choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: Click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You should choose Safe Mode by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
2. Remove Trojan.LockScreen automatically with Spy Hunter Malware – Removal Tool.
To clean your computer with the award-winning software Spy Hunter –
It is highly recommended to run a system scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter.
Trojan.Lockscreen – How To Protect Your Files?
In case you have seen ransomware attacks, you might want to back up your data. To perform this action, you should guide yourself by the after mentioned manual.
Security engineers recommend that you back up your files immediately, preferably on an external memory carrier in order to be able to restore them. In order to protect yourself from Trojan.LockScreen (For Windows Users) please follow these simple instructions:
For Windows 7 and earlier:
1-Click on Windows Start Menu
2-Type Backup And Restore
3-Open it and click on Set Up Backup
4-A window will appear asking you where to set up backup. You should have a flash drive or an external hard drive. Mark it by clicking on it with your mouse then click on Next.
5-On the next window, the system will ask you what do you want to backup. Choose the ‘Let Me Choose’ option and then click on Next.
6-Click on ‘Save settings and run backup’ on the next window in order to protect your files from possible attacks by Trojan.LockScreen.
For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10:
1-Press Windows button + R
2-In the window type ‘filehistory’ and press Enter
3-A File History window will appear. Click on ‘Configure file history settings’
4-The configuration menu for File History will appear. Click on ‘Turn On’. After its on, click on Select Drive in order to select the backup drive. It is recommended to choose an external HDD, SSD or a USB stick whose memory capacity is corresponding to the size of the files you want to backup.
5-Select the drive then click on ‘Ok’ in order to set up file backup and protect yourself from Trojan.LockScreen.
Enabling Windows Defense Feature:
1- Press Windows button + R keys.
2- A run windows should appear. In it type ‘sysdm.cpl’ and then click on Run.
3- A System Properties windows should appear. In it choose System Protection.
5- Click on Turn on system protection and select the size on the hard disk you want to utilize for system protection.
6- Click on Ok and you should see an indication in Protection settings that the protection from Trojan.LockScreen is on.
Restoring a file via Windows Defense feature:
1-Right-click on the encrypted file, then choose Properties.
2-Click on the Previous Versions tab and then mark the last version of the file.
3-Click on Apply and Ok and the file encrypted by Trojan.LockScreen should be restored.
Milena Dimitrova
An inspired writer and content manager who has been with SensorsTechForum since the project started. A professional with 10+ years of experience in creating engaging content. Focused on user privacy and malware development, she strongly believes in a world where cybersecurity plays a central role. If common sense makes no sense, she will be there to take notes. Those notes may later turn into articles! Follow Milena @Milenyim
Follow Me:
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.
- Guide 1: How to Remove Trojan.LockScreen from Windows.
- Guide 2: Get rid of Trojan.LockScreen from Mac OS X.
How to Remove Trojan.LockScreen from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Trojan.LockScreen
Step 2: Uninstall Trojan.LockScreen 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 Trojan.LockScreen 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 Trojan.LockScreen 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 Trojan.LockScreen with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Trojan.LockScreen.
Ransomware infections and Trojan.LockScreen 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 Trojan.LockScreen from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall Trojan.LockScreen 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 Trojan.LockScreen 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 Trojan.LockScreen.
Ransomware infections and Trojan.LockScreen 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.
Trojan.LockScreen FAQ
What is Trojan.LockScreen ransomware and how does it work?
Trojan.LockScreen 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 Trojan.LockScreen ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.Trojan.LockScreen 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 Trojan.LockScreen 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 .Trojan.LockScreen files?
You can't. At this point the .Trojan.LockScreen 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 .Trojan.LockScreen files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by Trojan.LockScreen 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 ".Trojan.LockScreen" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Trojan.LockScreen 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 Trojan.LockScreen 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 Trojan.LockScreen ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Trojan.LockScreen files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like Trojan.LockScreen 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.
