Lezp ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Lezp ransomware is a dangerous cyber threat encrypting files and demanding a ransom payment. As a member of the infamous Djvu ransomware gang, the new member exhibits similar traits, i.e.
Facts checked October 6, 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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Lezp ransomware: summary
| Distribution | The vast majority of ransomware payload has been launched after opening a malicious spam email attachment. Nonetheless, it can be distributed via software cracks[2] and keygens downloaded from torrent websites |
|---|---|
| Name | Lezp |
| Type | Ransomware, file-encrypting virus |
| Family | DJVU/STOP ramsomware |
| Visible symptoms | The virus immediately disrupts Windows processes and diminishes OS performance. Following the system's corruption, the ransomware enables AES encryption and encrypts confidential files with .lezp file extension. |
| Related content | A file named _readme.txt is directly related to the Lezp ransomware. That's a ransom note left by criminals to instruct victims on how to pay the ransom. |
| 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 15 more facts
| Ransom | Depending on the time on which the victim responds, the size of the ransom varies from $490 to $980. |
|---|---|
| Contacts | helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch |
| Malware removal | The only possible way to terminate the ransomware is to run a full scan with an updated AV engine. Ransomware is often programmed to block security software; therefore, Safe Mode with Network may be required. |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .lezp |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| 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 | .lezp |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Attacker contacts | helpdatarestore@firemail.cc |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 21 April 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.lezp - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
helpdatarestore@firemail.cc
From our report of Apr 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Lezp
- In 99% of the ransomware cases, the virus seriously damages Windows system files, thus preventing the system to run in an efficient way.
- If you are experiencing crashes, errors, slowdowns, lags, and suchlike problems, use too to repair the system.
How Lezp ransomware behaves
From our report of Apr 2020 · not reviewed since
Lezp ransomware - a malicious extortionist that locks personal files and demand to pay nearly $1.000 ransom
Lezp ransomware is a dangerous cyber threat encrypting files and demanding a ransom payment.
As a member of the infamous Djvu ransomware gang, the new member exhibits similar traits, i.e. it exploits malicious spam email attachments , unprotected RDP services, and software cracks to install onto Windows, unravels AES asymmetric encryption algorithm, and locks up personal files, such as pictures, music, videos, and documents with .lezp file extension.
The virus has been spotted on the wild in late April 2020. Few victims contacted well-known virus researchers with a help request claiming that their files have been encrypted with .lezp appendix and uploaded a malicious executable file, which manifested a strain of Djvu/STOP ransomware known as Lezp virus. Upon infection, the criminals behind the virus deliver a ransom note _readme.txt, which outlines the situation.
The ransom note explains that all non-system files have been encrypted and attempt to bring relief to the victim claiming that each of the files can be returned in exchange for $980. Crooks promise to apply a discount 50% if the victim contacts them within 72 hours. Although contacts may vary, currently Lezp ransomware developers are available at helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch.
Djvu or STOP is one of the most dangerous file-encrypting malware families that is circulating around the Internet since 2017. Although some of the versions, including .STOP, .Puma, .Djvu, .Promo, .Drume, have been cracked , the newer releases, such as .geno, .seto, .peta, .meds, .kvag, .domm and .lezp have been released after criminals made changes to the core ransomware settings.
Lezp ransomware virus is a renewed variant, which cannot be decrypted with an online key without paying the ransom. While experts are working on obtaining the offline keys to decrypt files locked by .lezp file extension, the only way to retrieve files at the moment is either to pay the redemption (highly not recommended) or using third-party data recovery software to unlock at least some of the compromised files.
Based on the latest research, Lezp ransomware primarily targets regular users, which tend to slip on criminals' hooks on email accounts, illegal software cracks, or malicious ads. However, crooks behind this virus may also try to exploit vulnerable Remote Desktop connections and use brute-force attacks to infect public entities and organizations.
Before data encryption, Lezp virus compromises Windows registry entries and startup programs. This way, it enables itself to boot along with the system, blocks AV tools, and prevents immediate decontamination. Besides, it eliminates Windows Shadow Volume copies and then starts the encryption of non-system files.
Lezp crypto-malware uses AES cipher, which applies .lezp file extension to each targeted piece of data and generates a secret key, which is transmitted to the remote control server owned by the attacker.
Despite the fact that there's no decryption software available for free, paying the ransom for criminals is not recommended. Long years spent on ransomware analysis let us state that criminals often leave victims without a decryption key even after paying the required ransomware. It's advisable to make the copies of corrupted data and perform an immediate Lezp ransomware removal.
Most of the Antivirus programs will manage to remove Lezp virus. However, neither of them will be able to restore files or fix virus damage initiated against the Windows system. To bring the machine to the state prior to ransomware attack you may need to use a tool like that would scan for damaged registry entries, system files, startup process, Windows software, and similar areas.
After locking up the data, the ransomware creates a ransom note called _readme.txt, which provides the following information:
In case you have backups, ignore the extortionists and their cliche statements on the ransom note. Instead of that, arm yourself with a reputable anti-virus tool and remove Lezp ransomware virus from Windows immediately. If any attempts to get rid of it are blocked, follow the instructions on how to bypass ransomware blocks provided at the end of this post.
The Lezp ransomware note
_readme.txt:
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:
https://we.tl/t-sBwlEg46JX
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:
helpdatarestore@firemail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
helpmanager@mail.ch
Your personal ID
How to remove Lezp 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 Lezp 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
Lezp encrypts everything it can reach, including drives and shares you connect later. Cut the network first: cable out, or Wi-Fi off from the taskbar.
Then unplug every USB stick and backup disk and pause cloud sync, so the encrypted versions do not replace your online copies. Do not reconnect any of them until the ransomware is removed from the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
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
Copy
_readme.txtand one or two files ending in.lezpto a USB stick, and leave the originals where they are.From another device, upload the note and a sample file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff, which name the family from the note, the extension and the file structure.
Write down the contact address and your personal ID from the note, because a decryptor or the police may ask for them.
Warning: Never contact the attackers from the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
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
For Lezp, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Search the family name in the No More Ransom decryption tools list and in the free decryptors of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, because new tools appear years after an attack.
Important: Keep the encrypted files even if nothing works today, and do not pay before every free option is ruled out: payment does not guarantee a working key.
Decryptors run on Windows 11 and Windows 10, but only after the ransomware itself is removed.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Restoring or decrypting files while Lezp still runs lets it encrypt them again. Run a Full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, then the Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).
If the ransomware blocks Windows Security, start Safe Mode with Networking and scan from there. Some families install a password stealer as well, so let both scans finish on Windows 11 or 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
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run
vssadmin list shadows. If it lists copies dated before the attack, right-click a folder with encrypted files in File Explorer, choose Properties > Previous Versions, and open or restore a version from before that date.ShadowExplorer, a free tool, shows the same copies when the tab is empty or hidden. Most current families delete shadow copies, so an empty list is normal, but the check takes two minutes on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
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
Restore from an external backup, File History or OneDrive's version history, choosing a date before the attack. Connect the backup drive only after the scans are clean, or the ransomware encrypts it too.
If there is no backup, file recovery software can sometimes find the deleted originals, because some ransomware writes an encrypted copy and deletes the original file.
Stop writing to the drive and try recovery on Windows 11 or Windows 10 before new files overwrite the space.
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 Apr 2020 · not reviewed since
Backup your data regularly and mind tips on how to prevent ransomware attacks
The only way to ensure that you will not experience any damage after a ransomware attack is a regular backup of personal files.
If you store unit copies of important databases, family photos, confidential contracts, or other data, then you risk losing it one day. Keep valuable information on a remote server to prevent anyone else, including hackers, access it easily.
Cyber infections like ransomware are circulating in various areas online. Depending on the target, criminals opt for the most appropriate way of distributing ransomware payload. If attackers are oriented toward individual users, most likely the attacks will be initiated with the help of malspam attacks.
Exploiting botnets like infamous Necurs, Botnet, Andromeda, and others, criminals push malicious emails to millions of leaked email addresses. Typically, people receive spam, which mimics well-known organizations, such as:
Spam emails will always contain a malicious link or attachment. Therefore, if you receive a poorly written email, which contains multiple grammar and typo mistakes, do not click on it. Report it as spam and delete immediately.
If, however, the file-encrypting virus targets bigger fishes like companies and organizations, the developer is very likely to search for unprotected RDP connections, which enable them to initiate brute-force attacks. Therefore, organizations have to invest in cybersecurity.
- PayPal;
- RedCross;
- FedEx;
- Windows;
- National Tax Center;
- Netflix, etc.
From our report of Apr 2020 · not reviewed since
Terminate Lezp ransomware completely
Those who have working backups stored on the external drive should remove Lezp ransomware from the system without any doubts.
Termination of a ransomware virus may be disrupted by malicious processes and executables, so you should reboot the system into Safe Mode with Networking to bypass any interferences. Use a reliable anti-virus engine, such as or to initiate a full-featured system diagnosis and removal of malicious entries.
If, however, you have no backups, use external storage to save files encrypted by .lezp. After that, you can remove Lezp virus in a way explained above. Once you are sure that the intruder has been successfully eliminated, try to recover compromised data.
Connect the storage with backups and copy needed files over. Those having no working copies of the files can render third-party data recovery tools or take advantage of in-built Windows features.
[GI=method-1]As we have explained earlier, AV engine can be unblocked by accessing Safe Mode with Networking:
[GI=method-2]System Restore can also be used to eliminate the Lezp ransomware virus:
It may help you to retrieve at least some of the corrupted files.
Take advantage of the Windows Previous Versions feature
If you had System Restore feature enabled and Volume Shadow copies were left intact by the ransomware, you can try to unlock your files using Windows Previous Versions feature.
ShadowExplorer might help to fix files attacked by Lezp ransomware virus
No decryption tool is currently available
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.
Backups: the 3-2-1 rule
Keep three copies of files that matter, on two kinds of storage, with one copy offline or off-site.
A disk that stays plugged in is reached by malware like Lezp together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.
On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .lezp and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
Protect your privacy - employ a VPN
There are several ways how to make your online time more private - you can access an incognito tab.
However, there is no secret that even in this mode, you are tracked for advertising purposes. There is a way to add an extra layer of protection and create a completely anonymous web browsing practice with the help of VPN. This software reroutes traffic through different servers, thus leaving your IP address and geolocation in disguise.
Besides, it is based on a strict no-log policy, meaning that no data will be recorded, leaked, and available for both first and third parties. The combination of a secure web browser and VPN will let you browse the Internet without a feeling of being spied or targeted by criminals.
No backups? No problem. Use a data recovery tool
If you wonder how data loss can occur, you should not look any further for answers - human errors, malware attacks, hardware failures, power cuts, natural disasters, or even simple negligence.
In some cases, lost files are extremely important, and many straight out panic when such an unfortunate course of events happen. Due to this, you should always ensure that you prepare proper data backups on a regular basis.
If you were caught by surprise and did not have any backups to restore your files from, not everything is lost. is one of the leading file recovery solutions you can find on the market - it is likely to restore even lost emails or data located on an external device.
Questions about Lezp ransomware
Should I pay the ransom in _readme.txt?
Not before you have tried everything else. Identify the family from _readme.txt and one encrypted file, check No More Ransom for a free decryptor, and look for clean copies in OneDrive, backups and Previous Versions.
Paying funds further attacks, may be illegal if the group is sanctioned, and is no promise of a working key: many victims get partial or broken decryption. If you consider paying for business-critical data, involve the police and a professional incident responder first, and never pay through intermediaries who promise their own decryption.
How do I open .lezp files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .lezp ending shows that Lezp 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 Lezp. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
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.
Is there a free Lezp decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Lezp no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Lezp decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
How did Lezp get on my computer?
The way Lezp 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 .lezp 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 Lezp steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Lezp, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .lezp 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 Lezp 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.
Can I just remove .lezp from the file names?
You can try it on a copy, but for real ransomware it will not help. The .lezp extension is only a label; the file content has been scrambled with a key the attackers hold.
If a renamed copy opens normally, the malware only renamed files, which happens with some fake ransomware, and you can rename the rest back. If it does not open, leave the files as they are. Renaming encrypted files can confuse a decryptor later, so always work on copies.
What does _readme.txt tell me about the ransomware?
Quite a lot. The file name _readme.txt, the wording, the contact addresses and the format of the personal ID are typical for each family. Uploading the note together with one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff usually names the family within seconds.
That name decides your options: some families have free decryptors, some can be partially recovered, and some cannot be decrypted at all. The note's claims about stolen data should be taken seriously but not at face value.
Will Fortect remove Lezp?
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 Lezp, 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
- IT Governance Blog: 5 ways to detect a phishing email – with examples (read October 6, 2026)
- Kaspersky: How pirates hook gamers (read October 6, 2026)
- Emsisoft: Free Ransomware Decryption Tools (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)