RansomwareRemoval Guide

Legacy Virus Removal Guide (+Decode .legacy files) – Nordfox Ransomware

Legacy Virus Ransomware

The Legacy mean a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Nordfox ransomware family. Legacy was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. Legacy adds the “nordfox@tutanota.com.legacy” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by Legacy, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.nordfox@tutanota.com.legacy“. As soon as the encryption is finished, Legacy places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Legacy text file asking for the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the Nordfox clan. It literally mentions that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The sort of cryptography mechanism applied by Legacy is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of Legacy is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds related to Legacy ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the asked for amount, people must keep away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to totally ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not provide any positive result and people simply waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly recommend 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 Legacy ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Thus, the just best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameLegacy Ransomware
File Extensionnordfox@tutanota.com.legacy
TypeRansomware
FamilyNordfox
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 legacy extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Legacy ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt important data and to set forth the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to generate 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 simply not feasible. The only method to avoid the loss of your important information 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 PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard 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 absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are a number of methods used by online scams to distribute Legacy virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how precisely Legacy injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Frequently Legacy ransomware may be presented as some legitimate software, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some crucial software application updates. This is the common technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Legacy infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals might describe different email spam strategies to inject malicious codes into copmuter. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update alerts may result in Legacy virus injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of destructive codes resulting in Legacy secret installation. Finally, injection of Legacy may happen by methods of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install harmful utilities without the user’s authorization.

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

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we wish to show with you. Firstly, be extremely careful when you browse the web and specifically while downloading complimentary programs. Keep 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 include other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be malicious. Ensure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to necessary damage to be made for your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly advised to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your Windows.

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

Legacy Ransomware - encrypt files with nordfox@tutanota.com.legacy extension
Legacy Ransomware – encrypt files with nordfox@tutanota.com.legacy extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Legacy 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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