Lilocked ransomware (Virus Removal Guide) - Sep 2019 update

What is Lilocked ransomware?

Lilocked ransomware is a cryptovirus that targets Linux-based servers and runs Exim software to get on the system

Lilocked ransomware is the virus that locks files and demands payment on a program window and in txt file. Lilocked ransomware, also known as Lilu ransomware, is a threat that possibly spreads through outdated WordPress sites or at least researchers speculate that this is one of the un-common vectors for spreading this particular cryptovirus.^[1] There is a need for further investigation since the threat is not related to any previously known viruses. Using the AES encryption algorithm, this virus encrypts files on websites and servers and then requires ransom in Bitcoin that goes from 0.001 to 0.01, or even more for alleged file recovery. All those files get marked using .lilocked extension and cannot be opened or used from there.

Once Lilocked ransomware virus is done with the file locking process, the ransom note named #README.lilocked.txt gets placed in each folder where the cryptovirus encodes data.^[2] The file contains a ransom note, additional information about the encryption and the victims' ID. Then the user gets redirected to the portal, which displays a demand for payment with a particular amount of money needed for receiving the data recovery key. Some reports state about the ransom that goes to $300 and more in Bitcoin. According to recent reports, this threat encrypted more than 6 700 servers already.^[3]

Lilocked ransomware is a fairly new cryptovirus that came to the light recently and has no association with previously discovered malware. This program infiltrates the system and encodes stored data. It doesn't affect system files and mainly focuses on files in HTML, SHTML, JS, CSS, PHP, INI, and various image file formats.

Since there is no particular number of victims and the initial entry point of the malware remains unknown, all the facts are generic and based on the functionality and similarities to the common cryptovirus. Lilocked ransomware can victimize even more people than those 6.700 infected servers already known for the researchers.

It is believed that Lilocked ransomware uses outdated WordPress site on the server as a vector of spreading the threat. But this is only an assumption with no particular payload or sample to analyze or confirm. Nevertheless, the virus starts its processes immediately after infiltration and delivers the following ransom note for the victim:

WE APOLOGIZE BUT YOU NEED TO PAY THE RANSOM – ALL YOUR FILES HAS BEEN LILOCKED
IT IS STRONG ENCRYPTION AND YOU LOSS YOUR DATA UNLESS YOU PAY US
PLEASE VISIT OUR SITE WITH TOR hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/

y7mfrrjkzql32nwcmgzwp3zxaqktqywrwvzfni4hm4sebtpw5kuhjzqd.onion

COPY THE FOLLOWING KEY THERE AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS, YOUR KEY IS

When the provided link is clicked, Lilocked ransomware shows a website that prompts the victim to enter the provided key and then asks them to pay the particular amount in Bitcoin. Particular attempts of malware researchers revealed that criminals demand up to 0.03 BTC – more than $300. The transfer should be made in the Electrum wallet, and then the victim should get encrypted files recovered.

Lilocked ransomware is a cryptovirus that focuses on encryption process once it gets on the system, network or even server.

Lilocked ransomware has been detected by tens of different AV engines as a malicious piece of software. However, the detection name might differ each of them when you use another antimalware tool. According to Virus Total virus examination, the ransomware virus is most commonly spotted by these detection names:^[4]

• Other:Malware-gen [Trj] (AVG and Avast).
• Trojan.Linux.Lilock.A (Bitdefender).
• Trojan.Linux.Lilock.A (B) (Emsisoft).
• HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Linux.Lilock.a (Kaspersky).
• Ransom.Lilocked (Symantec).

Reports claim about numerous servers infected with the Lilocked ransomware strain

It is known that Lilu is targeting web servers since the middle of July this year but some of the samples obtained already are related to websites. There is no pattern in particular that can reveal more information about the threat or its developers. However, it is common to believe that Lilocked ransomware uses exploits to gain access to wanted systems.

Even though researchers have discovered that almost 7,000 affected servers remain in the Google search results, specialists have been guessing that there is a much bigger number of infected systems from which the majority might not even be saved in the Google search database.

Particular Exim EK is possibly used to spread on web servers in this campaign.^[5] Various pages get delivered on the same web page that the virus redirects to. However, clicking on them can lead to more severe malware than Lilocked ransomware itself. For example, you might get infected with cryptocurrency mining viruses.

Lilocked malware is a ransomware strain that might be capable of spreading via outdated WordPress websites

You need to remove Lilocked ransomware as soon as possible, and symptoms get noticed because info-stealers can obtain personal data and lead to serious privacy or identity issues. Pages where the key is required opens, other instructions also get displayed for the victim. All this content makes people more scared and tricks them into paying the hefty mounts.

However, experts^[6] never recommend to pay and instead offers to perform Lilocked ransomware removal instead. Lilu virus developers only care about your money and have no mercy for their victims. There might be many speculations about the threat, but further analysis is needed and a sample of the virus required for that. You can contact Michael Gilespie on Twitter to provide any information.

Ransomware creators have many methods of spreading crypto-demanding malware

Ransomware infections are known to be capable of spreading through outdated web services such as WordPress or particular software, for example, Exim, that is also out of date. However, these are only just a few ways of how ransom-demanding malware is capable of reaching the targetted computer system.

In addition, it is common for cybercriminals to distribute such type of threats by hacking unprotected RDP configuration and the TCP 3389 port is known to be one of the most vulnerable to hacking attempts. Furthermore, malware developers might take advantage of security flaws (especially when the computer does not include an antivirus tool or it has not been updated regularly).

Furthermore, you can easily meet ransomware through deceptive downloads, botnets, and fake updates, shady download sites are all used to deliver file-locking malware. However, the primary method still is spam emails and infected file attachments filled with malicious macros.

Cybercriminals are very likely to pretend to be from well-known shipping companies, e.g. FedEx or DHL, and tend to send random people order confirmation messages. Usually, the emails come with a particular link which clicked executes the malware or a suspicious attachment that also holds malicious payload.

Lilocked ransomware is a crypto-malware also knowns as Lilu or Lilocked virus.

Protect yourself from possible malware attacks

The best way to stay safe and keep your computer system undamaged from ransomware and similar malware attacks is to pay attention to both manual and automatical security measures required. First of all, ensure that antivirus protection is installed on your machine and operating properly. For good functioning, you need to make sure that regular updates are always completed.

Continuously, keep yourself away from suspicious third-party networks that are marked as unsafe or just cause the feeling of concern. The most avoidable sources should be p2p ones such as The Pirate Bay, various adult-dating and adult-content websites, gambling, and online-gaming networks. If you are looking for a particular product, get it from a reliable source and always check the developer's reputation.

Last but not least, you have to learn how to verify misleading email messages. What you have to do is always check the sender and make sure that the letter does not come from a bogus person. Furthermore, go through the entire text and search for grammar mistakes as no reliable company will leave their texts full of mistakes. Finally, all received attachments should be scanned with antimalware before opening them.

Get rid of the malicious Lilocked ransomware virus with anti-virus protection software

Lilocked ransomware virus is known for attacking servers, websites and already encrypted thousand of servers and data stored on them. You need to react as soon as possible if you want to avoid permanent damage and the possible loss of money. Since there's no pattern – the servers are random, no one is immune or safe.

You shouldn't pay the ransom and remove Lilocked ransomware instead. Gather encrypted files for the potential decryption later on and rely on file backups for restoring processes. You can also check methods listed below for file recovery if needed.

However, for the most important process- Lilocked ransomware removal, you need to get anti-malware tool like FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes and wipe the system down. Such software allows to see detected malware and delete all those programs with associated files.