[help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware (Free Guide) - Decryption Methods Included
[help.crypt@aol.com].LX virus Removal Guide
What is [help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware?
[help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware is the cryptovirus that locks users' files and may even damage them completely overtime
[help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware is the threat that locks and marks files, so you know which data requires recovery.
LX ransomware is the threat that uses army-grade encryption algorithms to lock various files found on the targetted machine and then demands payments from victims. The ransom demand claims that criminals can recover encoded files and send data recovery tools for each person once the money transfer is made. However, there are no particular incidents where victims affected by this Dharma ransomware family got their files properly restored. It is not even decrypted, as recent analysis of the latest versions and ransomware campaigns show.[1]
This is a well-known malware version that gathers various files on the machine and makes them useless by encoding, so there is a reason for cryptocurrency demand. Paying gets you nowhere, so remain calm and don't contact these criminals since any communication with cryptocurrency-extortionists can lead to the installation of more complex malware or even permanent data and money loss.
[help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware virus gets this particular name form the identification extension which appears in the pattern .id-XXXXXXXX.[help.crypt@aol.com].LX on every image, document, video, or audio file and even archived file. The particular key should match the victims' ID that is set for each infected device and additionally shown in the ransom note – a program window that is displayed as soon as the encryption process is complete. It also is named using the help.crypt email address that is listed as a primary contact method.
However, you should ignore the message itself, encouragements to pay, and focus on getting your system back into your own hands from the control of malicious actors. It can be done, even though your files can remain affected. These ransom demands can go up to thousands of dollars, so it is not the best option to pay.
Name | [help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware |
---|---|
Family | Dharma ransomware |
File marker pattern | At the end of every encoded file the appendix in this .id-XXXXXXXX.[help.crypt@aol.com].LX pattern appears as a marker for locked data |
Contact email | help.crypt@aol.com and decode.help@protonmail.ch |
Ransom note | Text file FILES ENCRYPTED.txt contains contact information and an initial message about encryption. The program window named with one of the contact emails displays instructions on payment transfers and Bitcoin purchasing. This message also has an identification key that is set for each victim and is included in the file extension pattern |
Damage | Ransomware is a threat that involves blackmail and valuable files. The infection can lead to damaged files and money or data loss. When additional payload of malware is launched system can be fully controlled by attackers |
Distribution | Spam email attachments include malicious files, so macros get enabled and trigger the installation of cryptovirus payload. This can also happen when the torrent file or pirated software is installed, or machine is affected by other malware |
Elimination | To remove [help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware from the machine, you need to rely on anti-malware tools and run them on the device to find all associated programs and possibly malicious file |
Repair | Cryptovirus can also damage the system by running processes and programs in the background, so features like this need to get fully repaired. To fix virus damage, install a PC repair tool or a system optimizer like FortectIntego |
LX ransomware is the example of a cryptovirus that is known for more than four years now, so there is no reason to trust these people that are not concerned with victims' valuables. When a file is made inaccessible, and users cannot even open them to see what the document or image contains, the encryption is done. This process involves the usage of army-grade encryption algorithms.
[help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware then can demand payments from victims by delivering the ransom message with the help of text file and program window. The program window named using one of the contact emails shows the victims' ID and instructions on the main money transfer. The FILES ENCRYPTED.txt message only includes those two contact emails needed for the communication between criminals and the victim. However, experts[2] recommend staying away from any of these methods and do not consider paying at all.
The program window shows these instructions:
All your files have been encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail help.crypt@aol.com
Write this ID in the title of your message
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to these e-mails: help.crypt@aol.com
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us up to 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 1Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
https://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
http://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
LX ransomware encrypts your files that are commonly used, but the threat can easily access system folders and damage, affect or even copy data from there. It deletes Shadow Volume Copies, so you cannot use ShadowExplorer as a data restoring method for the affected files. [help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware leaves as fewer options as it can, so it disables security tools and deletes other programs that could possibly help with malware distribution or file recovery. LX ransomware is the cryptovirus that manages to affect your machine in the background while the ransom is demanded on the program window - ransom note. You should not pay under any circumstances. When you contact criminals they can possibly gather information from you or send other malware directly via email. Remove [help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware as soon as the ransom-demanding message appears on the screen and try to ignore any of the notes and keep the risk of getting other malware at low.
[help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware removal process can get difficult due to all the changes in system folders and disabled functions of the device. However, there are features like Safe Mode that allows rebooting the machine and running needed tools then. AV engines can then work as they supposed to.
LX ransomware virus can get detected[3] in different names and this particular scan result depends on the database anti-malware tool is using. Don't focus on the particular detection or the name of the virus, terminate any intruders that your antivirus tool indicates as dangerous. This is how you can fully clean the machine.
As for the virus damage removal and file recovery, we can tell you that there are not many options left after all those changes [help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware does on the affected device. You can run the additional scan using FortectIntego to find and repair system files, get rid of virus damage, and then follow with file repair using data backups from an external device or a cloud service. [help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware is a version of the well-known threat that can send additional malware on the affected system and manage more functions of the computer.
Spam email campaigns with malicious file attachments
Email boxes get often filled with spam emails from unwanted senders, and all the unexpected emails can contain anything and everything attached to them because the internet is not a secure place. In most cases, these suspicious emails seem to be legitimate because the notification states about a message from a company or service that people often use, but there are some red flags.
One of them is the topic or a subject line of the email. when you receive any financial-themed email from an unknown source – delete it, because emails with following subject lines are known to deliver ransomware:
- “Your repayment invoice.”
- “Your order has actually been revoked.”
- “Your financial institution invoice.”
- “Your PayPal billing.”
When files in document or PDF formats get opened, you may receive the macro enabling message, and one agreement can trigger the drop of malware. Ignore any suspicious messages and pay attention to senders and sources.
Tye guide for LX ransomware virus termination
The best tip before all the steps of [help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware removal is to make sure that you have data backups and that the device is either external or cloud-based. If you enter the backup device with files not he infected machine, you can get them permanently damaged.
Then you can start with other steps needed to completely remove [help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware from the machine. The most crucial thing is selecting a professional anti-malware tool. Security software provides the features you need, so SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes can be the ones for you. Follow the scan results and suggestions from the program. When the machine is clean, repair damage using FortectIntego, and ONLY then move to file restoring.
[help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware virus decryption is not possible because researchers haven't released an official tool that could restore all files for you and other victims. The possible solutions that can come up in the future are leaked database of criminals with all the victim IDs or the release of a flawed encryption coding. However, this shouldn't be expected from such complex malware creators because Dharma is one of the most persistent.
Getting rid of [help.crypt@aol.com].LX virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Reboot the machine in Safe Mode with Networking before you run the AV tool on your device, so you can get rid of [help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove [help.crypt@aol.com].LX using System Restore
System Restore feature is helpful for the virus removal because it allows the user to recover machine in a previous state
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
- Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
- Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
- Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
- When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of [help.crypt@aol.com].LX. After doing that, click Next.
- Now click Yes to start system restore.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove [help.crypt@aol.com].LX from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by [help.crypt@aol.com].LX, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Pro is a program that manages file restoring when data gets either encrypted or completely deleted
You can use this third-party program for files encrypted by [help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware or accidentally deleted
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by [help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware;
- Restore them.
Try Windows Previous Versions feature
If you already enabled System Restore feature and managed to recover the system to a previous version, this is the option for your data recovery
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
ShadowExplorer is the alternate method for file restoring purposes
When [help.crypt@aol.com].LX ransomware affects Shadow Volume Copies, you cannot repair files using them. If these pieces of files are untouched, ShadowExplorer can help
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
Decryption tools for LX ransomware are not available
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from [help.crypt@aol.com].LX and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
- ^ Gareth Corfield. If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is: Nobody can decrypt the Dharma ransomware. Theregister. Breaking news.
- ^ Virusai. Virusai. Spyware related news.
- ^ LX ransomware detection. VirusTotal. Online malware scanner.