Lotej Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .lotej files) – DJVU Ransomware

Lotej Virus – Details

The Lotej stands for a ransomware-type infection. Initially, it was revealed by Michael Gillespie. The virus comes from the DJVU ransomware family. Lotej was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Lotej adds the “.lotej” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, once encrypted by Lotej, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.lotej. As quickly as the encryption is finished, Lotej places a special text file (such as “_readme.txt“) into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Lotej text file requesting the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the DJVU clan. It literally points out that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by Lotej is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, Lotej message:

Another trick of Lotej is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds connected with Lotej ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom, which totals up to $980. To obtain the payment details users are advised to contact the frauds through email or telegram. The alert also shows that the users need to contact the Lotej developers within 72 hours after the files encryption took place. The message says that doing so users will get a 50% discount, so the ransom amount will fall to $490.

However, regardless of the asked for quantity, people need to stay away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to completely ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not provide any positive result and people simply lose their money for nothing.

We strongly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Lotej ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Thus, the just best decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	Lotej Ransomware
File Extension	lotej
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 RSA-1024 encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special lotej extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Adware bundles and software cracks
Similar Infections	Kovasoh, Cosakos, Nvetud
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Lotej ransomware. It is similar Kovasoh and many other ransomware-type threats. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to state the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to generate the unique decryption key for information decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is just not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your crucial data is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they need to be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard disk for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are several ways used by online frauds to distribute Lotej ransomware. Even though it doubts how precisely Lotej injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

• integration with third-party software, especially freeware;
• spam e-mails from unknown senders;
• sites rendering free hosting services;
• pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Often Lotej virus might exist as some genuine software, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some crucial software updates. This is the common trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Lotej infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals might refer to different email spam tactics to inject destructive codes into copmuter. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some receipts, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in Lotej ransom injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of malicious codes causing Lotej secret installation. Lastly, injection of Lotej may take place by ways of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install malicious tools without the user’s authorization.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of Lotej ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we wish to share with with you. First of all, be very mindful when you surf the web and especially while downloading complimentary apps. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Bear in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be destructive. Ensure that your current antivirus software and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may result in essential damage to be made for your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your computer.

Below please find the quotation from the Lotej 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-hvv30uAtTY
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:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch
 
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
ferast@firemail.cc
 
Our Telegram account:
@datarestore

Screenshot of files with “.lotej” extension added by the ransomware:”

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Lotej ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

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.