Looy – General Info
Looy is a malicious software application functioning as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known virus researcher, very first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.
Looy was developed for the sole function to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as soon as the file encryption is effectively achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Looy virus includes its own “.looy” to all the encrypted data. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, when crypted by Looy, will be entitled as “price_list.xls.looy”. When the file encryption is achieved, Looy puts its own distinct text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.
The alert stated by text file requesting for the random os really comparable to the notifications offered by other ransomware hazards coming from the DJVU family. The caution essentially indicates that the information has been secured and the only service to get access to it is to use a special standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is absolutely real.
The method to secure the files utilized by Looy is not totally researched. However, there is no doubt that each computer system owner might be released an unique decryption key, which is absolutely special. It is incredibly tough to recuperate the information without the appropriate type in place.
“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:
One more peculiarity of the Looy infection is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the total control by the criminals who have actually launched the Looy virus into the web. In order to obtain the key and bring back the essential information, the users are informed to contact the scams by means of email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the quantity of $980.
The message likewise says that the people must contact the Looy authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information file encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so individuals will get a 50% discount, for that reason, the ransom amount drops down to $490.
Looy encrypted your data, nevertheless, it may not be the only danger on your PC. Plus, the ransomware may be hidden deep in the system. To detect and delete the risk entirely, we recommend you to describe the assistance of GridinSoft Anti-Malware app.
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No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we highly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no warranty that these online criminals will keep their promises, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the file encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is received into their accounts. For this reason, paying ransom frequently does not result in a successful healing. So, the users might just lose their money for absolutely nothing.
Likewise, we prompt you not to get in touch with the scams as they advise. Do not transfer money into their wallets. There are no applications that might break the Looy ransomware or restore the data at no cost. Therefore, the only proper decision is to bring back the data from possible backups (if readily available).
Virus Summary
| Name | Looy Ransomware |
| File Extension | looy |
| Type | Ransomware |
| Family | DJVU |
| Short Description | The ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files. |
| Symptoms | File encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .looy extension to all the files modified by it. |
| Distribution Method | Adware bundles and software cracks |
| Similar Infections | Lokas, Besub, Nusar |
| Looy Removal Tool | GridinSoft Anti-Malware |
| Looy Decryption Tool | Emsisoft Djvu Decryptor |
Do not forget that the Web is now loaded with infections similar to the Looy virus. For example, this particular danger is basically similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful energies have been established in order to encrypt the crucial information and reveal the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to produce the specific key for effective files decryption.
Unless the Looy ransomware is still under the advancement process or has actually got some concealed bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information by hand. Thus, the only working solution to avoid the loss of your essential information is to regularly preserve up-to-date backups of all your crucial documents.
Another important piece of suggestions is to store the backups on special storage not connected to your main device. For instance, you may store it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external hard disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your routine drive is really dangerous, given that the backup may also be encrypted by the Looy virus.
Leaks for the Looy ransomware attack.
Looy utilizes many paths to penetrate the susceptible computer systems. It is not certain what particular approach was used in your case, nevertheless, the intrusion may occur by means of the following channels:
- bundling with third-party programs, primarily freeware;
- spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
- websites supplying complimentary hosting;
- P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.
There are times when the Looy virus might disguise itself as some authentic application, for example, through the deceptive alerts demanding setup of some software upgrade. This is the most typical technique used by the scams to inject the Looy ransomware files into the system. This way users partly take part in its installation, without plainly understanding the risk.
In addition, the frauds may send unsolicited spam e-mail with challenging alerts encouraging individuals to open suspicious accessories or click some download links, for example, those motivating the people to open certain pictures, text files, tax documents and other info.
No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the harmful links might basically damage the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in the Looy ransomware seepage. Likewise, downloading the broken software might additionally contain the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, installation of Looy may happen through some Trojan horses that may be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct consent or even authorization.
Preventing the Looy virus attack.
Of course, there is no absolute assurance that your computer will be always devoid of any malware attacks, nevertheless, we would like to share some helpful ideas with you to make it more secure. Make certain to pay extremely close attention while searching the web and particularly while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any suspicious e-mail attachments, particularly if the sender is not known to you.
Do not forget that specific freeware installer may also include some other additional apps in the bundle. These additional applications may be extremely destructive. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software and your operating system in basic to be constantly appropriately updated.
It is rather sensible that downloading cracked software is unlawful, nevertheless, furthermore, such unauthorized apps usage may also bring severe damage to your computer. For this reason, do not download any split programs. Plus, the truth that your existing anti-virus did not secure the system from the Looy ransomware is a great factor for you to reevaluate your choices and change to another program that can render the safeguarding functions on a much better level.
Below please find the quotation from the Looy text file:
ATTENTION! Don't worry, you can return all your files! All your files like photos, databases, documents 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 you have? 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. You can get and look video overview decrypt tool: https://we.tl/t-2P5WrE5b9f Price of private key and decrypt software is $980. Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490. Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment. Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours. To get this software you need write on our e-mail: restorealldata@firemail.cc Reserve e-mail address to contact us: gorentos@bitmessage.ch Our Telegram account: @datarestore
Screenshot of files with “.looy” extension added by the ransomware:”
Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Looy ransomware from your computer
1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:
2. Double-click on the setup file.
When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.
3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.
4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
5. Click on “Clean Now”.
When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
Use Emsisoft Decryptor for restore looy files
You can get Emsisoft Decryptor by clicking the button below:
- Run the decryptor as an administrator. The license terms will show up, which you have to agree to by clicking the “Yes” button.
- Once the license terms are accepted, the primary decryptor user interface opens.
- By default, the decryptor will pre-populate the locations to decrypt with the currently connected drives and network drives. Additional locations can be added using the Add” button.
- Decryptors typically offer various options depending on the particular malware family. The available options are located in the Options tab and can be enabled or disabled there. You can find a detailed list of the available Options below.
- After you have added all the locations you want to decrypt to the list, click the “Decrypt” button to start the decryption process. The screen will switch to a status view, informing you about the current process and decryption status of your files
- The decryptor will inform you once the decryption process is finished. If you require the report for your personal records, you can save it by clicking the “Save log” button. You can also copy it straight to your clipboard to paste it into emails or forum posts if you are asked to.
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