Remove LOCK Virus (+Decrypt .LOCK files) – Xorist Ransomware

LOCK Virus Ransomware

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

The message given by LOCK text file requesting the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives coming from the Xorist family. It literally points out that the information is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism applied by LOCK is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally unique. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of LOCK is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is saved on a specific server run by the frauds associated with LOCK ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

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

We highly recommend that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack LOCK ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Hence, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	LOCK Ransomware
File Extension	.LOCK
Type	Ransomware
Family	Xorist
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 and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special LOCK extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to LOCK ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt important data and to state the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to create the distinct 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 way to avoid the loss of your important data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they should be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external hard 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 in addition to other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

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

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

Typically LOCK virus might be presented as some legitimate software, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some essential software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing LOCK infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may describe different e-mail spam strategies to inject destructive codes into PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails 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 badly damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in LOCK virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include malicious codes leading to LOCK secret installation. Finally, injection of LOCK may take place by ways of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install malicious utilities without the user’s approval.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of LOCK ransomware?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to share with with you. First off, be extremely mindful when you browse the web and specifically while downloading totally free 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 consist of other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Ensure that your current anti-virus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in important damage to be made for your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and potentially change to another security solution that can render better services of defending your computer.

Below please find the quotation from the LOCK text file:

All of your files are encrypted To decrypt it you must purchase a key from the Get the decryption key.exe file on your desktop

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove LOCK 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.