Lalo ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Lalo ransomware is a file-encrypting cyber infection that launches an encryption algorithm and encrypts most of the non-system files on the compromised PC. It has been detected in the middle of April 2020 by a well-known malware researcher Michael Gillespie who shared his findings on Twitter.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Lalo ransomware: summary
| Name | Lalo |
|---|---|
| Lineage | DJVU, STOP ransomware |
| Distinctive features | .lalo file extent attached to non-system files, _readme.txt file in every folder |
| Related files | B236.tmp.exe |
| Encryption technology | RSA-2048 |
| Infiltration techniques | Infected email attachments, software cracks, keygens, Trojans. In most of the cases, ransomware viruses spread via malicious .zip and .exe attachments that require enabling Macros. Besides, rogue software cracks distributed on the torrent websites are very likely to carry this infection. |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 16 more facts
| Decryption methods | Currently, there is a free descriptor for Djvu /STOP ransomware variants developed by Emsisoft. Upon ransomware removal, you can try to download and run the tool for data decryption. In case it fails to decrypt files, you may try alternative data recovery programs or wait for the decryptor to be released |
|---|---|
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt; the text is quoted in full below |
| Contact | helpmanager@mail.ch, helpdatarestore@firemail.cc |
| Encrypted file extension | .lalo |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .lalo |
| Attacker contacts | helpmanager@mail.ch |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 29 September 2020 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.lalo - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
helpmanager@mail.ch
From our report of Sep 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Lalo
- There is no other way to remove Lalo except to run a full system scan with a professional antivirus.
- According to VirusTotal , most of the famous AV engines are capable of detecting it, but virus definition should have the latest updates.
- To fix the system's vulnerabilities and bugs that ransomware virus have caused, launch tool to initiate a full repair.
How Lalo ransomware behaves
From our report of Sep 2020 · not reviewed since
Criminals exploit users' inexperience and systems' vulnerabilities to spread ransomware widely
While Lalo ransomware is still under investigation, we can only generalize the ways that it can infect computers.
However, it's more than clear that the most vulnerable devices that it enters are lacking system updates, are poorly protected, and already infected with malware.
In many cases, criminals managed to inject ransomware into devices with the help of Trojans - the infections that may operate in the disguise of a seemingly-legitimate executable file. However, Trojans can serve as a backdoor allowing criminals to steal logins and initiate brute-force attacks.
Malicious emails or spam is yet another perfect medium to spread. Criminals tend to disguise ransomware payloads under .zip or .exe attachments that are supposedly coming from governmental institutions, well-known companies or even friends of a potential victim. To read the attachment the potential victim may be asked to enable Macros. In this case, the Agree button serves as an allowance to launch ransomware payload.
Software cracks or keygens are by far the most successful working ransomware distribution technique. These tools are widely used as they serve as a key for launching pains software for free. The vast majority of users are aware of the risk that they take by downloading those cracks from torrent websites or other questionable sources as they have started been used for malware dissemination many years ago.
Therefore, to keep files save from Lalo virus and similar infections it's not only important to install AV tools, staying away from suspicious websites, unknown downloads, online software updates, and similar content is of equal importance.
From our report of Sep 2020 · not reviewed since
Lalo ransomware - a dangerous virus that renders all personal files on a host machine useless
Lalo ransomware is a file-encrypting cyber infection that launches an encryption algorithm and encrypts most of the non-system files on the compromised PC.
It has been detected in the middle of April 2020 by a well-known malware researcher Michael Gillespie who shared his findings on Twitter. The researcher revealed that the Lalo virus is a strain of an infamous DJVU ransomware, which is already known as s sub-variant of STOP ransomware.
It is built on the same malicious code as its ancestors, renders RSA cipher to lock files, and demands a $980 ransom payment. The symptom of a Lalo ransomware attack is a .lalo file extension attached to locked files. Besides, a victim is also supplied with a ransom note called _readme.txt.
Criminals are initiating spam attacks to spread a malicious B236.tmp.exe file, which is one of the main malicious executables that the lalo virus is based on. In addition to malicious spam attachments, bad actors may also exploit vulnerable RDPs to forcibly inject a malicious payload via a remote server.
In any case, if the payload is launched, ransomware roots deeply into the OS and runs multiple malicious processes in the background and alters Windows registry entries. Besides, it blocks AV software, removes Windows Volume Shadow copies, and builds a firewall to terminate third-party data recovery tools.
Upon all background activities are done, Lalo ransomware launches a scanner for non-system files (more than 100 extensions), including photos, videos, music, documents, database sheets, and similar. The ransomware encryption process is initiated using the RSA-2048 encryption algorithm, which applies a difficult mathematical structure to encode the files and generate diverse IDs and decryption keys for each victim.
As soon as the encryption process is finished, victims are introduced with a ransom note, which is, as usual for many ransomware, named _readme.txt. That's a really unpleasant message from hackers behind the Lalo virus, which states the fact that the computer is hacked, all personal files encrypted, and the ransom payment is expected.
At this time, if the victim hasn't yet noticed the malicious changes executed on the system, most probably will get a shock seeing all files with .lalo file extension. Unfortunately, it's not possible to remove the extension in any way manually.
One of the options to get files back is to contact bad actors standing behind Lalo ransomware via helpmanager@mail.ch or helpdatarestore@firemail.cc within 72 hours and pay $490 for a personal Lalo decryption software.
The other method is to boot your PC into Safe Mode immediately and run a full system scan with it to remove Lalo ransomware package. No, the data will not be decrypted this way.
However, having in mind that Djvu ransomware has been cracked by a DemonSlay355 virus researcher who shared a STOPdecryptor software. You can try to decrypt files using this tool; though there's no hundred percent guarantee that it will work on Lalo ransomware virus.
Anyway, keep in mind that tens of professional IT-savvy virus experts are continuously analyzing this virus and can release a free decryption key at any time. Therefore, we do not recommend rushing to pay the ransom, especially having in mind that contact with criminals may lead to scam or a second ransomware attack.
Although the ransom note does not specify how the payment has to be done, based on the practice with previous Lalo ransomware variants, it's very likely that crooks will require the payment in Bitcoins. That's the safest way for criminals to remain untrackable.
Instead of having any contact with criminals, initiate a full Lalo removal and make a copy of files with .lalo extension. Upon virus removal, you will be able to try to recover them using third-party data recovery tools or wait a while for decryption software.
As for the future, we strongly recommend you not to keep valuable information without backups. It's always advisable to have copies of files on the cloud storage, remote server or a USB hard drive, which is accessible for you only.
The Lalo ransomware note
ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
hxxps://we.tl/t-oDZg08Mf5e
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpmanager@mail.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
helpdatarestore@firemail.cc
Your personal ID:
xxxxxxxxx
How to remove Lalo ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove Lalo and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Lalo cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Your files now end in
.laloand the instructions are in_readme.txt. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for Lalo, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Lalo does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Lalo deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
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.
From our report of Sep 2020 · not reviewed since
Manual Lalo removal is impossible
Manual Lalo removal is not possible due to the multiplicity of malicious files on the random system's folders.
These files are typically chained, i.e. manual removal of .exe files will either be blocked or the file will be automatically restored by another related executable. Therefore, to remove Lalo or any of its previous variants you'll have to use a professional software utility. A full system scan with or tool in the Safe Mode environment will eliminate the whole ransomware package.
However, this malicious infection usually compromises Windows registry entries and deletes a multitude of necessary Windows executables. As a consequence, the system may start crashing or even delivering BSODs. Our recommendation is .
[GI=method-1]You can try to launch the antivirus scanner, but we are pretty sure that the ransomware will keep the AV idle. Therefore, to deactivate ransomware, boot your PC into Safe Mode with Networking:
[GI=method-2]System Restore feature can help to get rid of the virus. Use these instructions if help is needed:
Check for Windows Previous Versions availability
The Shadow Explorer tool might recover data encrypted by Lalo
Volume Shadow Copies might help. However, do not expect much from this option because crooks usually program ransomware to remove all copies. Nevertheless, it's worth giving a try.
Try Djvu decryption software by Emsisoft
The company has released a decryption tool for STOP Djvu ransomware variants. Although the latest ransomware variants may appear to be undecryptable, it's worth given a try. You can find a direct download here.
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Make the next attack harmless
Lalo could only hurt the files that had no second copy, and the signs (files that end in .lalo and no longer open) showed exactly which ones those were.
The 3-2-1 rule fixes that:
- three copies
- two media
- one disconnected
A practical version for a home PC: OneDrive or another cloud backup with version history, plus an external disk that you plug in once a week for File History and then unplug. Test a restore now and then by opening a few files from the backup on another device.
Details, schedules and what not to back up are in our 3-2-1 backup guide for Windows.
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity.
While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important - recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data.
Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
Questions about Lalo ransomware
Is there a decryptor for .lalo files?
That depends on the family behind the .lalo extension, which this guide cannot confirm yet from the reports alone. Check No More Ransom and ID Ransomware with your ransom note and one encrypted file; they list families with free tools.
If none exists today, keep the encrypted files and a copy of the note on a separate drive, because decryptors are sometimes published months later after flaws are found or servers are seized. Never buy a decryptor from a website that is not the security company that made it.
How do I open .lalo files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .lalo ending shows that Lalo encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.
To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for Lalo. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?
Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.
Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.
How did Lalo get on my computer?
The way Lalo spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .lalo and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Did Lalo steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Lalo, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .lalo and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Is Lalo the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Should I open _readme.txt?
Reading it is fine if you open it in Notepad. A plain text _readme.txt cannot harm the PC. Be careful with notes in HTA or HTML format: double-clicking those runs them in a window that can contain scripts, so right-click and choose Open with > Notepad instead.
The note tells you the contact addresses, the claimed amount and the deadline. Do not visit links or write to the addresses from this PC. Use the note to identify the family and check for a free decryptor first.
Will .lalo spread to my other drives?
It can. Ransomware encrypts every drive and network share it can reach while it runs, so external disks, USB sticks and shared folders connected during the attack may also have files ending in .lalo. Disconnect everything now, then check each device from a clean computer.
Do not plug a backup drive into the infected PC until the ransomware has been removed with an offline scan. Cloud folders such as OneDrive sync the encrypted versions, but they keep earlier versions you can usually restore.
Will Fortect remove Lalo?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Lalo, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- CSO: What is an RDP attack? 7 tips for mitigating your exposure (read October 7, 2026)
- VirusTotal: B236.tmp.exe file (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)