RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Lockz Virus (.Lockz Files Ransomware)

Lockz – General Info

The Lockz stands for 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“, as soon as encrypted by Lockz, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.Lockz“. As soon as the encryption is completed, Lockz places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Lockz text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It literally mentions that the information is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The kind 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 completely unique. It is difficult to restore the files without the key available.

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

Nevertheless, irrespective of the requested quantity, people must stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, 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 typically does not provide any positive result and people simply lose their money for absolutely 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 Lockz ransomware and to recover the information data totally free. Thus, the just right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

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

Bear in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Lockz ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt important information and to set forth the demand before the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to generate the unique decryption key for files decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your essential 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 computer. 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 save your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are several ways used by online frauds to distribute Lockz virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how precisely Lockz injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate 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.

Often Lockz ransomware might be presented as some genuine software application, for instance, in the pop-ups advising users to carry out some important software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Lockz infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals may refer to different email spam techniques to inject destructive codes into systems. 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 photos, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade informs may result in Lockz ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also contain harmful codes leading to Lockz secret installation. Lastly, injection of Lockz may happen by methods of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install malicious tools without the user’s authorization.

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

Even though there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to show with you. Firstly, be very mindful when you browse 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.

Keep in mind that some freeware installers may include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Ensure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always duly updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is unlawful and may result in vital damage to be produced your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also highly advised to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render better services of protecting your system.

Below please find the quotation from the Lockz text file:

Oops...

Your documents, photos and other important files were encrypted by our software.

To restore access to your files you can buy decryption key form us.

Contact us via email -> example@example.com

[OK]

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

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.
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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