RansomwareRemoval Guide

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

LockFiles Virus Ransomware

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

The message given by LockFiles text file requesting for the ransom is absolutely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives coming from the MedusaLocker type. It literally discusses that the information is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a an unique decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by LockFiles is still not correctly examined. Still, it is definitely particular that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

Another trick of LockFiles is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is kept on a specific server run by the frauds associated with LockFiles ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the asked for quantity, people need to keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not give any positive result and people simply waste their money for 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 LockFiles ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Hence, the only right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

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

Remember that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to LockFiles ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt crucial data and to state the need before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to produce the special decryption key for data decryption.

Hence, 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 files is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the 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 together with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are numerous methods used by online frauds to distribute LockFiles ransomware. Although it is uncertain how precisely LockFiles injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate 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 LockFiles virus may be presented as some legitimate software application, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some crucial software application updates. This is the typical trick used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing LockFiles infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might refer to different email spam strategies to inject destructive codes into PC. So, they may refer to 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 photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in LockFiles virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of harmful codes resulting in LockFiles secret installation. Lastly, injection of LockFiles may occur by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install destructive tools without the user’s permission.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of LockFiles ransomware?

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we want to share with with you. First off, be really mindful when you surf the web and especially 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 contain other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be harmful. Make certain that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may lead to vital damage to be made for your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps switch to another security solution that can render far better services of defending your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the LockFiles text file:

YOUR PERSONAL ID:
 

/!\\ YOUR COMPANY NETWORK HAS BEEN PENETRATED /!\\
All your important files have been encrypted!


Your files are safe! Only modified. (RSA+AES)


ANY ATTEMPT TO RESTORE YOUR FILES WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE
WILL PERMANENTLY CORRUPT IT.
DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES.
DO NOT RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES.


No software available on internet can help you. We are the only ones able to
solve your problem.

 

We gathered highly confidential/personal data. These data are currently stored on
a private server. This server will be immediately destroyed after your payment.
If you decide to not pay, we will release your data to public or re-seller.
So you can expect your data to be publicly available in the near future..


We only seek money and our goal is not to damage your reputation or prevent
your business from running.


You will can send us 2-3 non-important files and we will decrypt it for free
to prove we are able to give your files back.


Contact us for price and get decryption software.


* Note that this server is available via Tor browser only

 

Follow the instructions to open the link:
1. Type the addres \"hxxps://www.torproject.org\" in your Internet browser. It opens the Tor site.
2. Press \"Download Tor\", then press \"Download Tor Browser Bundle\", install and run it.
3. Now you have Tor browser. In the Tor Browser open
4. Start a chat and follow the further instructions.


If you can not use the above link, use the email:
uncrypt2022@outlook.com
uncrypt2022@outlook.com


* To contact us, create a new free email account on the site: protonmail.com
IF YOU DON\'T CONTACT US WITHIN 72 HOURS, PRICE WILL BE HIGHER.

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove LockFiles 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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