RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove LockFile Virus (.lockfile Files Ransomware) – Filecoder Ransomware

LockFile – General Info

The LockFile mean a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the Filecoder ransomware family. LockFile was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. LockFile adds the “.lockfile” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by LockFile, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.lockfile“. As quickly as the encryption is finished, LockFile places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by LockFile text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the Filecoder type. It literally points out that the information is encrypted which the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by LockFile is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

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

However, regardless of the requested quantity, people should stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom normally does not provide any positive outcome and people just lose their money for nothing.

We strongly advise 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 LockFile 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

NameLockFile Ransomware
File Extension.lockfile
TypeRansomware
FamilyFilecoder
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 lockfile extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to LockFile ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt important information and to state the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to create the special decryption key for data 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 prevent the loss of your important files is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Remember that even if you create such backups, they must be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external hard disk 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 certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are numerous ways used by online scams to distribute LockFile virus. Even though it is uncertain how precisely LockFile injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Frequently LockFile virus might be presented as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to carry out some important software application updates. This is the common trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing LockFile infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals may refer to different email spam methods to inject destructive codes into Windows PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some receipts, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may severely harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade notifies may result in LockFile virus injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of harmful codes resulting in LockFile secret installation. Finally, injection of LockFile may occur by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up harmful utilities without the user’s authorization.

Is there any method to prevent the injection of LockFile ransom virus?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of suggestions we want to share with with you. Firstly, be really mindful when you browse the web and especially while downloading complimentary 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 bundle, so they may be destructive. Make sure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in vital damage to be produced your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and possibly switch to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your system.

Below please find the quotation from the LockFile text file:

LOCK FILE
Any attempts to restore your files with the thrid-party software will be fatal for your files!
Restore you data posible only buying private key from us.
There is only one way to get your files back:

contact us

Email
qTox ID:  - hxxps://tox.chat/download.html
Email:     contact@contipauper.com    

Through a  Tor Browser - recommended

Download Tor Browser - hxxps://www.torproject.org/ and install it.
Open link in Tor Browser - hxxp://zqaflhty5hyziovsxgqvj2mrz5e5rs6oqxzb54zolccfnvtn5w2johad.onion This link only works in Tor Browser!
Follow the instructions on this page


Do not try to recover files yourself. this process can damage your data and recovery will become impossible
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not waste time trying to find the solution on the Internet. The longer you wait, the higher will become the decryption key price
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our).
Tor Browser may be blocked in your country or corporate network. Use https://bridges.torproject.org or use Tor Browser over VPN.
Thanks to the warning wallpaper provided by lockbit, it\'s easy to use

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove LockFile 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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