Djvu VirusRansomwareRemoval Guide

LOTEP Virus Removal Guide (+Decode .lotep files) – Djvu Ransomware

LOTEP Virus Ransomware

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

The message given by LOTEP text file asking for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives belonging to the Djvu type. It actually discusses that the info is encrypted which the only way to restore it is to use a a special decryption key. Regretfully, this is absolutely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by LOTEP is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is completely distinct. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another trick of LOTEP is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is stored on a particular server run by the frauds related to LOTEP ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom, which amounts to $980. To obtain the payment details users are instructed to contact the frauds through e-mail or telegram. The alert also indicates that the users need to contact the LOTEP developers within 72 hours after the files encryption took place. The message says that doing so users will get a 50% discount, so the ransom quantity will fall to $490.

Nonetheless, irrespective of the asked for quantity, people must keep away from paying the virus. 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 normally does not give any positive result and people simply waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We highly 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 LOTEP ransomware and to recover the information data free of charge. Thus, the just right decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameLOTEP Ransomware
File Extension.lotep
TypeRansomware
FamilyDjvu
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 lotep extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsDalle, Blower, Truke
Removal Tool  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the internet is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to LOTEP ransomware. It is similar Dalle and many other ransomware-type threats. Harmful programs of such kind are typically elaborated to encrypt essential information 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 generate 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 merely not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your crucial data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they should be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external hard disk drive 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 absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are numerous methods used by online frauds to distribute LOTEP virus. Despite the fact that it is uncertain how precisely LOTEP injects your computer, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Frequently LOTEP virus might exist as some legitimate software, for example, 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 LOTEP infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

In addition, the criminals might describe numerous e-mail spam strategies to inject malicious codes into copmuter. So, they may describe 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 video, documents, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in LOTEP virus injection. As for the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also include destructive codes causing LOTEP secret installation. Finally, injection of LOTEP may happen by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up destructive tools without the user’s consent.

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

Although there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of guidance we want to share with with you. Firstly, be extremely careful when you surf the web and particularly while downloading free programs. 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 consist of other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Ensure that your current antivirus software and your entire OS is always appropriately updated.

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

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove LOTEP 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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