RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Lookfornewitguy Virus (.[ICQ_Lookfornewitguy].Lookfornewitguy Files Ransomware) – Phobos Ransomware

Lookfornewitguy Virus – Details

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

The message given by Lookfornewitguy text file requesting for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the Phobos type. It literally discusses that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Sadly, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism applied by Lookfornewitguy is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely unique. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of Lookfornewitguy is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is kept on a specific server run by the frauds related to Lookfornewitguy ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people need to pay the ransom.

Nonetheless, irrespective of the requested amount, people should stay away from paying the ransom virus. Cyber frauds are unfair, so they tend to totally ignore 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 outcome and people just lose their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly recommend 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 Lookfornewitguy ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Thus, the only right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameLookfornewitguy Ransomware
File Extension.[ICQ_Lookfornewitguy].Lookfornewitguy
TypeRansomware
FamilyPhobos
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 [ICQ_Lookfornewitguy].Lookfornewitguy 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 comparable to Lookfornewitguy ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are generally 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 similar algorithm to create 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 essential data is to frequently 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 computer. 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 along with other files, so it’s certainly not a good storage place.

How did ransomware infect my computer?

There are several ways used by online scams to distribute Lookfornewitguy ransom virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how precisely Lookfornewitguy injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Often Lookfornewitguy virus might exist as some genuine software, for example, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some important software updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Lookfornewitguy infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might describe various email spam tactics to inject malicious 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 motivating users to open some photos, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may seriously damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in Lookfornewitguy ransom injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise contain destructive codes resulting in Lookfornewitguy secret installation. Finally, injection of Lookfornewitguy may occur by methods of Trojans that privately get injected into the system and install malicious tools without the user’s authorization.

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

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we wish to show with you. To start with, be very mindful when you surf the web and specifically while downloading free programs. 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 bundle, so they may be harmful. Make sure that your current antivirus and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

Naturally, 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 likewise highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and possibly change to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the Lookfornewitguy text file:

Hello my dear friend
Unfortunately for you, a major IT security weakness left you open to attack, your files have been encrypted
If you want to restore them, install ICQ software on your PC hxxps://icq.com/windows/ or on your mobile phone search in Appstore / Google market \"ICQ\"
Write to our ICQ @Lookfornewitguy hxxps://icq.im/Lookfornewitguy
Write this ID in the title of your message -
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 5 files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 4Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
EVERY DAY PRICE WILL BE HIGHER
IN YOUR INTEREST TO DO ALL FAST
================================

Hello my dear friend
Unfortunately for you, a major IT security weakness left you open to attack, your files have been encrypted
If you want to restore them, install ICQ software on your PC hxxps://icq.com/windows/ or on your mobile phone search in Appstore / Google market \"ICQ\"
Write to our ICQ @Lookfornewitguy hxxps://icq.im/Lookfornewitguy
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
As early you write us - then lower will be price
We give all guarantees of your files decryption

Hola mi querido amigo
Desafortunadamente para usted, una gran debilidad de seguridad de TI lo dejó expuesto a ataques, sus archivos han sido encriptados
Si desea restaurarlos, instale el software ICQ en su PC hxxps://icq.com/windows/ o en su teléfono móvil busque en Appstore / Google market \"ICQ\"
Escribe a nuestro ICQ @Lookfornewitguy hxxps://icq.im/Lookfornewitguy
¡Atención!
No cambie el nombre de los archivos cifrados.
No intente descifrar sus datos utilizando software de terceros, puede causar una pérdida permanente de datos.
Tan pronto como nos escriba, el precio será más bajo
Damos todas las garantías de descifrado de sus archivos

Ciao caro amico mio
Sfortunatamente per te, una delle principali debolezze della sicurezza IT ti ha lasciato aperto agli attacchi, i tuoi file sono stati crittografati
Se vuoi ripristinarli, installa il software ICQ sul tuo PC hxxps://icq.com/windows/ o sul tuo cellulare cerca in Appstore / mercato Google \"ICQ\"
Scrivi al nostro ICQ @Lookfornewitguy hxxps://icq.im/Lookfornewitguy
Attenzione!
Non rinominare i file crittografati.
Non tentare di decrittografare i dati utilizzando software di terze parti, potrebbe causare la perdita permanente dei dati.
Non appena ci scrivi, il prezzo sarà inferiore
Diamo tutte le garanzie della decrittazione dei file

Bonjour mon cher ami
Malheureusement pour vous, une faille de sécurité informatique majeure vous a laissé ouvert aux attaques, vos fichiers ont été chiffrés
Si vous souhaitez les restaurer, installez le logiciel ICQ sur votre PC hxxps://icq.com/windows/ ou sur votre téléphone mobile recherchez dans Appstore / Google market \"ICQ\"
Écrivez à notre ICQ @Lookfornewitguy hxxps://icq.im/Lookfornewitguy
Attention!
Ne renommez pas les fichiers cryptés.
N\'essayez pas de déchiffrer vos données à l\'aide d\'un logiciel tiers, cela pourrait entraîner une perte de données permanente.
Dès que vous nous écrivez - le prix sera inférieur
Nous donnons toutes les garanties de décryptage de vos fichiers

Hallo mein lieber Freund
Unglücklicherweise haben Sie aufgrund einer großen IT-Sicherheitslücke offen für Angriffe. Ihre Dateien wurden verschlüsselt
Wenn Sie sie wiederherstellen möchten, installieren Sie die ICQ-Software auf Ihrem PC hxxps://icq.com/windows/ oder auf Ihrer Handysuche im Appstore / Google Market \"ICQ\".
Schreiben Sie an unseren ICQ @Lookfornewitguy hxxps://icq.im/Lookfornewitguy
Beachtung!
Benennen Sie verschlüsselte Dateien nicht um.
Versuchen Sie nicht, Ihre Daten mit Software von Drittanbietern zu entschlüsseln, da dies zu einem dauerhaften Datenverlust führen kann.
Sobald Sie uns schreiben - dann wird der Preis niedriger sein
Wir geben alle Garantien für die Entschlüsselung Ihrer Dateien

你好我亲爱的朋友
对于您来说不幸的是,一个重大的IT安全漏洞使您容易受到攻击,您的文件已被加密
如果要还原它们,请在PC hxxps://icq.com/windows/或在Appstore / Google市场“ ICQ”中的手机搜索上安装ICQ软件。
写信给我们的ICQ @Lookfornewitguy hxxps://icq.im/Lookfornewitguy
注意力!
不要重命名加密的文件。
请勿尝试使用第三方软件解密数据,否则可能会导致永久性数据丢失。
尽早给我们写信-价格会更低
我们为您的文件解密提供所有保证

Screenshot of files with “.[ICQ_Lookfornewitguy].Lookfornewitguy” extension added by the ransomware:
Lookfornewitguy Ransomware - encrypt files with .[ICQ_Lookfornewitguy].Lookfornewitguy extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Lookfornewitguy 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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