Lick ransomware / virus (Removal Guide) - Free Instructions
Lick virus Removal Guide
What is Lick ransomware virus?
Lick virus is a new Kirk ransomware version – get to know how this ransomware operates
Lick virus is a complex computer program that falls into the ransomware category. The appearance of this ransomware simply proves the fact that this illegal industry is booming[1]. When comparing similarities between the ransomware and Kirk virus,[2] it was determined that these two viruses are closely related or even developed by the same ransomware gang[3]. They are both created using Python[4] programming language.
Once installed, malware would encrypt all data, appending .Licked extension to each of the personal files such as documents, videos, pictures, etc. These files would be later listed in a generated stats.txt message; ransom demands would be shown in the ERRORLOG.txt ransom note.
Name | Lick ransomware |
Type | File-locking virus |
Programming language | Python |
Extension | .Licked |
Ransom note | ERRORLOG.txt |
Removal | Perform a full system scan with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner anti-malware software |
System fix | Use FortectIntego to remediate Windows system files and repair virus damage |
The ransomware is a sneaky virus that displays a pop-up message once executed. The message says:
File Decrypter is initializing for your system. This may take some time. Click ‘Ok’ to close this dialog box and wait for the ‘Finished’ popup.
If this message popped on your screen, shut down your computer and unplug the Internet cable immediately! You will need to remove Lick ransomware in the Safe Mode with Networking, so open this page via your phone or another device and follow the virus removal guidelines given below this text.
Once you boot your PC in the indicated mode, download and install SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or another malware removal tool for a successful ransomware elimination. While personal files might be difficult to return, system files can be easily fixed and restored with the help of FortectIntego repair software.
The ransomware displays a deceptive message before encrypting all files on the system.
If the malware manages to corrupt all files, you will notice additional file extensions added to their filenames (after the original file extension, for instance, examplepicture.jpg.Licked). The ransomware creates a file called ERRORLOG.txt, which lists the locations and the names of files that were encrypted.
It also creates a file called RANSOM_NOTE.txt, which is a text version of the message from the cybercriminals. It then launches a program window that contains some ASCII art and a message, which starts with not so uplifting line:
Thanks for your patience! Finished. Malware infection. Read this! Oh no! The Lick ransomware has encrypted your files!
The virus says that the computer has fallen victim to the Lick malware, and all files were encrypted. It shows the number of total encrypted files, a list of targeted extensions, and asks to pay a ransom in Monero[5] currency, which is surprising, considering that viruses typically ask to pay a ransom via the Bitcoin system.
The virus provides the price chart: if the victim pays the ransom within two days, the data decryption costs 50 Monero; if the ransom is paid in 3-7 days, it costs 100 Monero; if between 15 to 30 days – 500 Monero.
The ransomware crooks demand to make the payment, then create an email message to them, including the encrypted file with decryption password in it (pwd file) and victim’s ID, and send it to one of the following email addresses:
- kirk.payments@scryptmail.com;
- hanna.harrington@scryptmail.com.
Beware of spam email attachments and links
Rumor has it that this ransomware is distributed via email spam, so we suggest you be extremely careful when checking new emails. Make sure you stay away from all suspicious content that unknown individuals send you. Remember that scammers take advantage of social engineering peculiarities and trick users into opening malicious links or email attachments by adding a short message to spam emails.
Such message is intended to arouse the victim’s curiosity, so, for example, scammers can kindly suggest you view attached contents, which can be obfuscated in the form of an invoice, resume, payment details, or another document that looks safe to open. Once opened, the file drops the ransomware infection. Alternative ransomware distribution methods include exploit kits, malware-laden ads, and others.
Malware elimination and file recovery options
The virus will hold your files secured until you pay a ransom. This extortion tool promises to restore your files as soon as you pay the required amount of money, however, we strongly advise you not to pay the ransom to these cyber crooks.
They might never deliver the decryption guide to you, so do not get your hopes too high. You can restore the majority of your files from a recently created backup, but if you forgot to create it, you could try one of the data recovery methods explained below.
We highly recommend using anti-malware tools for Lick ransomware removal because manual malware removal is a time-consuming task, besides, you might delete only a part of ransomware-related files, which would leave your computer system vulnerable for further malevolent encroachment on your PC.
If you had a data backup, you could use it as soon as the malware removal procedure is finished. If you did not create a data backup in the past, you have two choices – pay the ransom (not recommended) or remove the virus and try to recover your files by yourself.
It is a very hard thing to do, besides, we suggest experimenting on copies of encrypted data(for example, create a copy of encrypted files and move it to an external hard drive – it might come in handy if malware analysts ever create a decryption tool).
Getting rid of Lick virus. Follow these steps
Important steps to take before you begin malware removal
File encryption and ransomware infection are two independent processes (although the latter would not be possible without the former). However, it is important to understand that malware performs various changes within a Windows operating system, fundamentally changing the way it works.
IMPORTANT for those without backups! →
If you attempt to use security or recovery software immediately, you might permanently damage your files, and even a working decryptor then would not be able to save them.
Before you proceed with the removal instructions below, you should copy the encrypted files onto a separate medium, such as USB flash drive or SSD, and then disconnect them from your computer. Encrypted data does not hold any malicious code, so it is safe to transfer to other devices.
The instructions below might initially seem overwhelming and complicated, but they are not difficult to understand as long as you follow each step in the appropriate order. This comprehensive free guide will help you to handle the malware removal and data recovery process correctly.
If you have any questions, comments, or are having troubles with following the instructions, please do not hesitate to contact us via the Ask Us section.
IMPORTANT! →
It is vital to eliminate malware infection from the computer fully before starting the data recovery process, otherwise ransomware might re-encrypt retrieved files from backups repeatedly.
Scan your system with anti-malware
If you are a victim of ransomware, you should employ anti-malware software for its removal. Some ransomware can self-destruct after the file encryption process is finished. Even in such cases, malware might leave various data-stealing modules or could operate in conjunction with other malicious programs on your device.
SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes can detect and eliminate all ransomware-related files, additional modules, along with other viruses that could be hiding on your system. The security software is really easy to use and does not require any prior IT knowledge to succeed in the malware removal process.
Repair damaged system components
Once a computer is infected with malware, its system is changed to operate differently. For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is. Consequently, users might experience performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required.
Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of FortectIntego repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.
- Download the application by clicking on the link above
- Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
- If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
- Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
- The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
- Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
- You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
- If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.
By employing FortectIntego, you would not have to worry about future computer issues, as most of them could be fixed quickly by performing a full system scan at any time. Most importantly, you could avoid the tedious process of Windows reinstallation in case things go very wrong due to one reason or another.
Restore files using data recovery software
Since many users do not prepare proper data backups prior to being attacked by ransomware, they might often lose access to their files permanently. Paying criminals is also very risky, as they might not fulfill the promises and never send back the required decryption tool.
While this might sound terrible, not all is lost – data recovery software might be able to help you in some situations (it highly depends on the encryption algorithm used, whether ransomware managed to complete the programmed tasks, etc.). Since there are thousands of different ransomware strains, it is immediately impossible to tell whether third-party software will work for you.
Therefore, we suggest trying regardless of which ransomware attacked your computer. Before you begin, several pointers are important while dealing with this situation:
- Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
- Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.
Install data recovery software
- Download Data Recovery Pro.
- Double-click the installer to launch it.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
- As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
- Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
- Press Next.
- At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
- Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
- You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
- Press Recover to retrieve your files.
Find a working decryptor for your files
File encryption is a process that is similar to applying a password to a particular file or folder. However, from a technical point of view, encryption is fundamentally different due to its complexity. By using encryption, threat actors use a unique set of alphanumeric characters as a password that can not easily be deciphered if the process is performed correctly.
There are several algorithms that can be used to lock data (whether for good or bad reasons); for example, AES uses the symmetric method of encryption, meaning that the key used to lock and unlock files is the same. Unfortunately, it is only accessible to the attackers who hold it on a remote server – they ask for a payment in exchange for it. This simple principle is what allows ransomware authors to prosper in this illegal business.
While many high-profile ransomware strains such as Djvu or Dharma use immaculate encryption methods, there are plenty of failures that can be observed within the code of some novice malware developers. For example, the keys could be stored locally, which would allow users to regain access to their files without paying. In some cases, ransomware does not even encrypt files due to bugs, although victims might believe the opposite due to the ransom note that shows up right after the infection and data encryption is completed.
Therefore, regardless of which crypto-malware affects your files, you should try to find the relevant decryptor if such exists. Security researchers are in a constant battle against cybercriminals. In some cases, they manage to create a working decryption tool that would allow victims to recover files for free.
Once you have identified which ransomware you are affected by, you should check the following links for a decryptor:
- No More Ransom Project
- Free Ransomware Decryptors by Kaspersky
- Free Ransomware Decryption Tools from Emsisoft
- Avast decryptors
If you can't find a decryptor that works for you, you should try the alternative methods we list below. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that it sometimes takes years for a working decryption tool to be developed, so there are always hopes for the future.
Create data backups to avoid file loss in the future
One of the many countermeasures for home users against ransomware is data backups. Even if your Windows get corrupted, you can reinstall everything from scratch and retrieve files from backups with minimal losses overall. Most importantly, you would not have to pay cybercriminals and risk your money as well.
Therefore, if you have already dealt with a ransomware attack, we strongly advise you to prepare backups for future use. There are two options available to you:
- Backup on a physical external drive, such as a USB flash drive or external HDD.
- Use cloud storage services.
The first method is not that convenient, however, as backups need to constantly be updated manually – although it is very reliable. Therefore, we highly advise choosing cloud storage instead – it is easy to set up and efficient to sustain. The problem with it is that storage space is limited unless you want to pay for the subscription.
Using Microsoft OneDrive
OneDrive is a built-in tool that comes with every modern Windows version. By default, you get 5 GB of storage that you can use for free. You can increase that storage space, but for a price. Here's how to setup backups for OneDrive:
- Click on the OneDrive icon within your system tray.
- Select Help & Settings > Settings.
- If you don't see your email under the Account tab, you should click Add an account and proceed with the on-screen instructions to set yourself up.
- Once done, move to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.
- Select Desktop, Documents, and Pictures, or a combination of whichever folders you want to backup.
- Press Start backup.
After this, all the files that are imported into the above-mentioned folders will be automatically backed for you. If you want to add other folders or files, you have to do that manually. For that, open File Explorer by pressing Win + E on your keyboard, and then click on the OneDrive icon. You should drag and drop folders you want to backup (or you can use Copy/Paste as well).
Using Google Drive
Google Drive is another great solution for free backups. The good news is that you get as much as 15GB for free by choosing this storage. There are also paid versions available, with significantly more storage to choose from.
You can access Google Drive via the web browser or use a desktop app you can download on the official website. If you want your files to be synced automatically, you will have to download the app, however.
- Download the Google Drive app installer and click on it.
- Wait a few seconds for it to be installed.
- Now click the arrow within your system tray – you should see Google Drive icon there, click it once.
- Click Get Started.
- Enter all the required information – your email/phone, and password.
- Now pick what you want to sync and backup. You can click on Choose Folder to add additional folders to the list.
- Once done, pick Next.
- Now you can select to sync items to be visible on your computer.
- Finally, press Start and wait till the sync is complete. Your files are now being backed up.
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.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Lick and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
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 Private Internet Access 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 Private Internet Access 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. Data Recovery Pro 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.
- ^ Kyle Torpey. 2016 Big Year for Ransomware – 70% Pays in This $1 Billion Industry. Bitcoin News. Daily News about Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies.
- ^ Doug Olenick. Star Trek-themed Captain 'Kirk' ransomware with Spock decryptor spotted. PC & Tech Authority. Tech Reviews, Advice, News and Downloads.
- ^ John Leyden. Ransomware gang: How can I extort you today?. The Register. Sci/Tech News for the World.
- ^ Python (programming language). Wikipedia. The Free Encyclopedia.
- ^ Andy Greenberg. Monero, the Drug Dealer’s Cryptocurrency of Choice, Is on Fire. WIRED. In-Depth Coverage of Current and Future Trends in Technology.