Leto Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .leto files)

Leto – Ransomware

Leto is a harmful software functioning as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the popular virus researcher, very first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Leto was created for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Logically, as quickly as the encryption is effectively achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Leto virus includes its own “.leto” to all the encrypted files. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, once crypted by Leto, will be titled as “price_list.xls.leto”. As soon as the encryption is achieved, Leto puts its own unique text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that store the encrypted files.

The alert mentioned by text file requesting the random os really similar to the notices provided by other ransomware dangers belonging to the DJVU family. The caution basically shows that the information has been secured and the only solution to get access to it is to use a distinct standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is absolutely true.

The method to secure the files used by Leto is not completely investigated. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer owner may be issued a special decryption key, which is absolutely special. It is extremely difficult to recuperate the information without the appropriate type in location.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from _readme.txt message:

One more peculiarity of the Leto virus is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the total control by the criminals who have launched the Leto infection into the internet. In order to obtain the key and restore the important information, the users are informed to connect with the frauds by means of e-mail or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message also states that the people should contact the Leto authors within 72 hours upon the minute of the information encryption. The alert indicates that by doing so the people will get a 50% discount, for that reason, the ransom amount falls to $490.

No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we highly encourage that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online scoundrels will keep their guarantees, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is received into their accounts. For this reason, paying ransom often does not result in an effective recovery. So, the users may just lose their money for nothing.

Likewise, we advise you not to contact the scams as they advise. Do not move money into their wallets. There are no applications that might split the Leto virus or restore the data at no charge. Therefore, the only correct choice is to bring back the data from possible backups (if offered).

Virus Summary

Name Leto Ransomware
File Extension leto
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 .leto extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method Adware bundles and software cracks
Similar Infections Bora, Reco, Xoza
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Do not forget that the Internet is now loaded with infections similar to the Leto ransomware. For instance, this specific danger is generally similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful utilities have actually been developed in order to secure the crucial information and express the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the similar algorithm to produce the specific key for effective information decryption.

Unless the Leto ransomware is still under the advancement procedure or has 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 important data is to regularly maintain updated backups of all your essential files.

Another crucial piece of suggestions is to store the backups on unique storage not linked to your main computer. For example, you might save it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is extremely dangerous, given that the backup might also be encrypted by the Leto infection.

Leaks for the Leto ransomware attack.

Leto uses many paths to penetrate the susceptible computers. It is not specific what specific approach was utilized in your case, however, the invasion might take place via the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, generally free software;
  • spam e-mails from the unidentified senders;
  • websites offering free hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent software.

There are times when the Leto ransomware may camouflage itself as some genuine application, for instance, through the deceptive notifies demanding installation of some software upgrade. This is the most common trick used by the scams to inject the Leto virus files into the system. In this manner users partially participate in its setup, without clearly understanding the threat.

Additionally, the frauds may send unsolicited spam email with tricky informs motivating the people to open suspicious accessories or click on some download links, for instance, those motivating individuals to open certain images, text files, tax documents and other information.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the malicious links may essentially damage the system. Fake Acrobat Reader upgrade notifications may cause the Leto ransomware infiltration. Likewise, downloading the split software application may furthermore contain the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, setup of Leto may happen through some Trojan horses that may be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct approval and even permission.

Preventing the Leto attack.

Of course, there is no outright assurance that your computer will be always without any malware attacks, however, we would like to share some useful pointers with you to make it more secure. Make certain to pay very close attention while searching the web and particularly while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious email attachments, specifically if the sender is not known to you.

Do not forget that certain freeware installer might also include some other additional apps in the bundle. These additional applications may be really harmful. It is of utmost importance to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in general to be always correctly updated.

It is quite rational that downloading cracked apps is unlawful, however, furthermore, such unauthorized software usage might likewise bring severe damage to your computer. Hence, do not download any split programs. Plus, the fact that your existing anti-virus did not protect the system from the Leto ransomware is an excellent reason for you to reassess your choices and switch to another program that can render the securing functions on a far better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Leto 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:
 gorentos@bitmessage.ch
  
 Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
 gorentos2@firemail.cc
  
 Our Telegram account:
 @datarestore

Screenshot of files with “.leto” extension added by the virus:”

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

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can get 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.

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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