Lokf Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .lokf files)

Lokf – Ransomware

Lokf is a harmful software application working as typical ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the widely known virus researcher, first found this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Lokf was created for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Rationally, as soon as the encryption is successfully achieved, the users are unable to get access to them. Lokf virus adds its own “.lokf” to all the encrypted files. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, when crypted by Lokf, will be titled as “price_list.xls.lokf”. As soon as the encryption is accomplished, Lokf puts its own special text document (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.

The alert mentioned by text file asking for the random os really comparable to the notices offered by other ransomware risks belonging to the DJVU family. The warning basically indicates that the information has been secured and the only solution to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this statement is definitely real.

The approach to encrypt the files utilized by Lokf is not completely researched. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer owner might be released a special decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is very tough to recover 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 Lokf virus is that the users are unable to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on a special server under the complete control by the scoundrels who have launched the Lokf ransomware into the internet. In order to obtain the key and restore the essential data, the users are told to contact the frauds via email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message likewise says that the people should contact the Lokf authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the data file encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so the people will get a 50% discount rate, therefore, the ransom quantity falls to $490.

No matter what the amount of the ransom is, we highly recommend that you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that these online scoundrels will keep their guarantees, so they might not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the amount of the ransom is received into their accounts. Hence, paying ransom typically does not lead to a successful recovery. So, the users may merely lose their money for absolutely nothing.

Similarly, we urge you not to call the frauds as they advise. Do not move money into their wallets. There are no applications that could crack the Lokf ransomware or restore the data for free. For that reason, the only appropriate decision is to bring back the information from possible backups (if offered).

Virus Summary

Do not forget that the Internet is now filled with infections comparable to the Lokf virus. For instance, this particular threat is basically similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These destructive utilities have actually been established in order to encrypt the crucial data and reveal the demand for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections use the similar algorithm to create the particular key for successful files decryption.

Unless the Lokf ransomware is still under the development procedure or has got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the data by hand. Therefore, the only working solution to prevent the loss of your essential information is to regularly preserve updated backups of all your crucial documents.

Another crucial piece of guidance is to store the backups on unique storage not connected to your main PC. For example, you might save it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is extremely dangerous, because the backup might also be secured by the Lokf ransomware.

Leakages for the Lokf ransomware attack.

Lokf utilizes many paths to penetrate the vulnerable computers. It is not certain what specific method was used in your case, however, the intrusion might happen via the following channels:

• bundling with third-party programs, primarily freeware;
• spam emails from the unknown senders;
• sites offering free hosting;
• P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.

There are times when the Lokf ransomware may camouflage itself as some real application, for instance, through the misleading signals requiring setup of some software application upgrade. This is the most common trick used by the frauds to inject the Lokf ransomware files into the system. This way users partly take part in its setup, without plainly comprehending the danger.

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

No doubt, opening these files or clicking on the malicious links might essentially damage the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player update notifications may lead to the Lokf ransomware seepage. Likewise, downloading the split software application might in addition contain the ransomware installer. The last but not the least, installation of Lokf might happen through some Trojan horses that might be set up stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission or perhaps approval.

Avoiding the Lokf ransom virus attack.

Naturally, there is no absolute guarantee that your computer will be always without any malware attacks, nevertheless, we would like to share some beneficial pointers with you to make it much safer. Make sure to pay very close attention while browsing the web and particularly while getting cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious e-mail attachments, especially if the sender is not understood to you.

Do not forget that certain freeware installer may also contain some other additional apps in the bundle. These additional applications might be very destructive. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software and your operating system in basic to be constantly appropriately upgraded.

It is rather sensible that downloading pirated programs is illegal, nevertheless, in addition, such unapproved programs usage may also bring serious damage to your PC. Hence, do not download any cracked programs. Plus, the truth that your present anti-virus did not protect the system from the Lokf ransomware is a great factor for you to reconsider your options and change to another program that can render the protecting functions on a much better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Lokf 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 “.lokf” extension added by the virus:”

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Lokf 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.