How to remove Luxnut ransomware virus

Luxnut – a new variant of EDA2 ransomware

Luxnut is a new member of the EDA2 ransomware family. This newly discovered file-encrypting virus uses AES cryptography to distort data on the affected computer. However, researchers suspect that it might also use EDA2 encryption. The virus aims at 20 different file types and appends .locked file extension to each of them: .asp, .aspx, .csv, .doc, .docx, .html, .jpg, .mdb, .odt, .php, _en.png, .ppt, .pptx, .psd, .sln, .sql, .txt , .xls, .xlsx, .xml. Following data encryption, it changes computer’s background picture that says “Something, somewhere went terribly wrong.” That’s the only message provided by cyber criminals. Luxnut ransomware does not deliver a ransom note. Thus, this unusual situation allows making an assumption that virus still in development stage. However, it is still capable of causing problems to the users by encrypting files and making the system vulnerable. Thus, in the case of attack, you should not wait for the hackers’ instructions what to do next. Hurry up with Luxnut removal first. In order to clean your PC from malware, you have to employ security program, such as FortectIntego, and scan the system. Then you should look up for your backups or try our presented alternative recovery methods at the end of the article.

Luxnut executable mostly spreads as an obfuscated email attachment. Thus, when a user is tricked into clicking on it, a malicious Eda2.exe file is installed on the device. Then malware starts extracting and installing its dangerous components. They might show up in .tmp or .dll formats and be responsible for modifying the system or data encryption. The ransomware modifies registry sub-keys to start up with an operating system. As soon as it settles in the computer, it starts the most important task – encryption. Apart from corrupting data, it might also delete Shadow Volume Copies of the targeted files and system restore points. Thus, data recovery is nearly impossible if a victim does not have data backups^[1] saved in the external storage device. As we have already mentioned, cyber criminals do not provide a ransom note with the offer to redeem encrypted files. Thus, victims are left with only one solution to this problem – remove Luxnut from the device.

Cyber criminals use several techniques to hijack computers

Luxnut ransomware virus might be distributed using various methods. Usually, criminals rely on malicious email campaigns, malvertising, fake software updates, bogus software installation, exploit kits, etc. The virus might have entered the system when a person clicked on obfuscated email attachment or malicious ad. Emails and online ads might look legitimate because cyber criminals become better and better in tricking and encouraging people to click on dangerous content. Luxnut might also be presented as a crucial software update in a pop-up. Keep in mind that ads and pop-ups are not safe places to install updates or programs. Talking about installation, we have to point out that torrents,^[2] file-sharing networks or suspicious sites are not safe to use as well. Some of the programs uploaded and distributed in such online sources are malicious.

Guidelines for secure and effective Luxnut removal

We recommend automatic Luxnut removal option. It’s the only safe way to delete ransomware with its components. Earlier we have talked about malware ability to modify the system and install malicious files. Thus, to get rid of these issues manually is nearly impossible. You might leave some of the dangerous files on the system or accidentally delete crucial files and damage the computer even more. Thus, choose one of our suggested malware removal tools and scan the system with the help of it: FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. We can assure that these programs are strong enough to remove Luxnut entirely. However, ransomware might be created to prevent victims from the installation of security tools. If this problem occurs to you, please check and follow our prepared instructions below.