Remove LockZ Virus (.lockz Files Ransomware)

LockZ Virus Ransomware

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

The message given by LockZ text file requesting the ransom is absolutely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It actually mentions that the info is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Sadly, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by LockZ is still not properly examined. Still, it is definitely particular that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of LockZ is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds related to LockZ ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

However, regardless of the asked for amount, people need to keep 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 normally does not provide any positive result and people simply lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly advise 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 LockZ ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Therefore, the only best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

Name	LockZ Ransomware
File Extension	.lockz
Type	Ransomware
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 lockz extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution Method	Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool	GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Bear in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to LockZ ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are normally 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 comparable algorithm to produce the unique decryption key for data decryption.

Hence, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your crucial data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the Memory Stick or external hard drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you store your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted along with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are numerous ways used by online scams to distribute LockZ ransomware. Although it is uncertain how precisely LockZ injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Typically LockZ virus may be presented as some legitimate software application, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some essential software application updates. This is the common trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing LockZ infection manually, by methods of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals may refer to various e-mail spam strategies to inject destructive codes into PC. So, they may refer to 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 receipts, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade informs may result in LockZ virus injection. When it comes to the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of malicious codes causing LockZ secret installation. Finally, injection of LockZ may take place by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install harmful tools without the user’s approval.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of LockZ ransomware?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we want to share with with you. To start with, be very mindful when you browse the web and especially while downloading totally free apps. Keep 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 malicious. Ensure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may result in important damage to be made for your PC. Hence, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly advised to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render far better services of protecting your computer.

Below please find the quotation from the LockZ text file:

Security Alert!

Your system has been infected by **LockZ**. All your files have been securely encrypted.

What does this mean?
Your documents, images, databases, and other important files have been locked, and you cannot access them.
Do not attempt to restore or recover the access by other means. Any attempt to interfere with the encryption process will make your files irrecoverable.

To recover your files, follow these steps:

1. Make the payment of **1 BTC** to the following Bitcoin address (this is the only way to restore your files):

Bitcoin Address: **3B7VJ9hQ5A2FpX4Z78Y3T6L1D4kM0W9G**

2. After the payment is made, you will receive a **decryption file** within **24 hours**.

Important:
- If you do not make the payment within the next **48 hours**, the ransom will **double**.
- If the payment is not made within **72 hours**, your files will be **permanently deleted**.

Warning:
- Do not attempt to contact authorities. Doing so will forfeit any chance of recovering your files.
- Do not try to use third-party decryption software. This will permanently destroy your data.

For further information or inquiries, contact:
[email protected]

Remember, **LockZ** holds the key to your files. Make the payment and regain access to your data quickly.

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove LockZ 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.