How to remove Lalabitch ransomware virus

Lalabitch continues spreading using a new file extension – .lalableep

Lalabitch is crypto-malware that seems to be associated with the HiddeTear ^[1]open source ransomware project. Malware uses Base64 encryption system and might append either .lalabitch or .lalableep file extension. Unfortunately, there’s no way to recover files encrypted by this malware.

Nevertheless, cyber criminals offer to purchase their decryption software for 0.5 Bitcoins; it’s not recommended to do it. It may lead to money loss, so you should remove Lalabitch virus as soon as possible. For that, you may make use of FortectIntego or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes.

The increasing popularity of Base64 encryption

While HiddenTear, an open-source threat, remains one of the most popular patterns for crypto-malware, more and more viruses using Base64 encryption. It is not so exquisite as standard AES or RSA encryption algorithms. Thus, it gives more chances for data recovery.

Speaking of its malware, it does not possess any extraordinary features. The ransom note entitled as lalabitch.php and provides teh following information: 

Your site is locked with Lalabitch Custom encryption method.

Please pay 0.5 BTC to 18LbTxonanfMoh43t47Pjvdox7z2HFaiM9 for the Decryption key.

Or else, in 12 hours all of your files in this website will be deleted
[lalabitch2017@yandex.com]

In general, it is possible to prevent the encryption of files. Once you notice lalabitch.exe file on the Task Manager, restart the device. Less complex viruses do not maintain file encryption process in offline. Though Lalabitch malware seems rather an average virus, you may attempt to interfere with the operation procedure.

Observing the current hike in bitcoin price, the developers are not modest. At the moment, 1 bitcoin equals to 2600 USD, so 0.5 bitcoins amounts for $1 263.60 dollars. However, as was the case with NotPetya^[2], when one of the email domains was shutdown, there are no guarantees that the perpetrators will return the files even when you remit the payment. Thus, focus on Lalabitch malware.

New variant of Lalabitch ransomware aims at web servers

The new version of Lalabitch aims at WordPress website. Malware researchers called it “EV ransomware.”^[3] Malware still demands 0.5 Bitcoins and threatens to delete files if they do not receive the money within 12 hours.

The malware spreads via compromised WordPress websites and encrypts these files:

• .php
• .png
• 404.php
• .htaccess
• .lndex.php
• DyzW4re.php
• index.php
• .htaDyzW4re
• .lol.php

This variant of Lalabitch locks files with .EV or .lalableep extension. However, the analysis revealed that authors of the ransomware do not have working decryption software. Therefore, you should not pay the ransom and sponsored further cyber criminals’ projects. Thus, the only thing to do after the attack – get rid of the malware

Ransomware distribution strategies

Most prevalent method to infect a device makes a victim open a corrupted link or spam email attachment. The latter method is especially preferred by the developers of more elaborate virtual infections such as Locky or Cerber. They usually target victims with subpoenas or fake invoice messages.

Less developed malware tend to limit themselves to distribution methods via corrupted torrent file files, or links to gaming sites. There is also a risk to encounter malware by enabling an infected browser extension or application. In order to prevent Lalabitch hijack, retain vigilance and enforce protection of the computer.

Lalabitch also aims at web servers. In order to launch this kind of attack, the malware takes advantage of compromised WordPress websites. In order to avoid such attack, you have to make sure that all the plugins and website components are created by reputable developers and are updated. What is more, you should obtain a firewall and create backups of databases and files regularly.^[4]

Uninstall Lalabitch ransomware ASAP

When it comes to ransomware, ordinary uninstallation methods will not be effective. Such threats should only be dealt with the assistance of cyber security applications. Such software does not take too long to remove Lalabitch virus.
If you cannot run the application, use below instructions. Then you will be able to get rid of the malware. Only when Lalabitch removal is finished, you can proceed to data recovery. This ransomware may not be prevalent in the Anglo-Saxon region, but in far East Asia as well, for instance, China^[5].