RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove LATCHNETWORK Virus (.LATCHNETWORK Files Ransomware) – MedusaLocker Ransomware

LATCHNETWORK Virus Ransomware

The LATCHNETWORK stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the MedusaLocker ransomware family. LATCHNETWORK was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. LATCHNETWORK adds the “.LATCHNETWORK” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by LATCHNETWORK, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.LATCHNETWORK“. As soon as the encryption is finished, LATCHNETWORK places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by LATCHNETWORK text file asking for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the MedusaLocker family. It literally mentions that the info is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by LATCHNETWORK is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of LATCHNETWORK is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds associated with LATCHNETWORK ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the asked for quantity, people must stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not give any positive outcome and people just lose their money for absolutely nothing.

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

Virus Summary

NameLATCHNETWORK Ransomware
File Extension.LATCHNETWORK
TypeRansomware
FamilyMedusaLocker
Short DescriptionThe 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.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special LATCHNETWORK extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to LATCHNETWORK ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are generally elaborated to encrypt important data and to set forth the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to create the special decryption key for files decryption.

Thus, 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 essential files is to frequently create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the Memory Stick or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are numerous ways used by online scams to distribute LATCHNETWORK ransomware. Although it doubts how exactly LATCHNETWORK injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Typically LATCHNETWORK ransomware may exist as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some essential software updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing LATCHNETWORK infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might describe various e-mail spam strategies to inject destructive codes into systems. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously harm the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in LATCHNETWORK virus injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain malicious codes leading to LATCHNETWORK secret installation. Lastly, injection of LATCHNETWORK may happen by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up harmful tools without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of LATCHNETWORK ransom virus?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to share with with you. To start with, be very cautious when you browse the web and particularly while downloading complimentary apps. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be malicious. Make certain that your current antivirus and your entire operating system is always duly updated.

Naturally, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to important damage to be made for your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render better services of defending your system.

Screenshot of files with “.LATCHNETWORK” extension added by the ransomware:
LATCHNETWORK Ransomware - encrypt files with .LATCHNETWORK extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove LATCHNETWORK 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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

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.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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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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