Lime ransomware (Decryption Steps Included) - Simple Removal Guide
Lime virus Removal Guide
What is Lime ransomware?
Lime ransomware will not let you use your files after the attack
Lime is a dangerous file-encrypting virus[1] which encrypts your files (like images, videos, document files, etc.) and demands to pay $100 for their decryption. It is also known as BigEyes ransomware and LimeDecryptor ransomware.
When Lime ransomware enters the system, it downloads a bunch of related files and makes specific changes to the system in order to boot with system startup. After the cyber attack, users can find these files:
- Crypt.exe (or BigEyes.exe)
- # BackGround.png
- # Decryptor.exe
When the virus is executed, it runs data encryption procedure. Once it’s done, every single file is locked with .lime extension. For example, file.doc will appear as file.doc.lime. Due to the new suffix, corrupted data becomes entirely unusable.
Hackers who developed Lime malware want to make sure that you are aware of what happened to your computer. Therefore, two following alerts appear:
- Your desktop wallpaper is changed to the one created by hackers
- The program window called “#Lime Decryptor” pops up
The wallpaper states the following:
All your files have been encrypted. But you can still recover your files. Just send us 100$ Bitcoin, and we will give you your files back. After you pay us, send us email r3vo@protonmail.com. Include your transaction number. This is is Ransomware, it’s not a joke. Thanks. Bye
The LimeDecryptor states the precisely same message as wallpaper does. Additionally, it provides the timer and instructions for obtaining Bitcoin cryptocurrency. According to hackers, you have 30 days before your files get permanently locked.
As you can see, the ransom demanded is 100$ and is only accepted in Bitcoin cryptocurrency. However, there is no guarantee that you will get your files back, even after paying the ransom. We highly advise you not to engage with these cybercriminals as paying them will only encourage them to create more ransomware. Instead, you should remove Lime ransomware from your computer immediately. FortectIntego can assist you in achieving that.
Unfortunately, Lime ransomware removal won’t help to recover encrypted files. This crypto-virus uses a sophisticated encryption algorithm, and security experts haven’t cracked it yet. However, as of now, no official software is capable of restoring your encrypted data. Therefore, you can only restore your files from backups.[2]
However, if you have never backed up your data, you can try alternative recovery methods that might at least help to recover some of the files encrypted by Lime malware. Though, you should not have high expectations to bring back all your records.
Ransomware uses an elementary distribution method
In most cases, users get ransomware infection after opening an attachment included in spam email. As soon as the user opens the infected file, the virus populates itself in their computer. Hence, you need to be extremely cautious when opening emails from unknown sources. Be exceptionally careful when the author of the email demands you to open the attached file viciously.
In fact, most webmail providers use tools to recognize and flag suspicious emails to protect the user. However, users still fall for the trick and get infected with the malicious threats like ransomware because developers use clever social engineering tactics and pretend to be from legitimate organizations or companies.
Cyber security specialists from tanpavirus.web.id[3] also warn that downloading software from third-party websites (especially P2P networks) can lead to a virus infection. Additionally, websites of dubious content should be avoided at all cost (online gambling, pornographic and similar) as they can lead to ransomware infiltration.
Remove LimeDecryptor ransomware and try to recover your files without paying hackers
As stated above, it is not recommended contacting cybercriminals as you might not end up recovering your files at all. Instead, you should remove Lime virus from your machine. Only then you can proceed with file recovery.
The instructions below will explain how to disable the virus and run its automatic removal. For Lime ransomware removal we recommend using FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes as this security software can guarantee full virus elimination.
Once the virus is gone for good, you can export your files from Cloud or plugin your external hard drive with data backups. If you do not have them, please try alternative recovery methods that might be helpful in recovery too.
Getting rid of Lime virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
To disable the virus and run automatic elimination, follow these steps:
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.
Remove Lime using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
-
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Lime. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Lime from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by Lime, you can use several methods to restore them:
Try Data Recovery Pro to restore files with .Lime extension
It's not a specific decryption software. However, it can help to recover some of the files. Originally, the program is used for restoring corrupted or accidentally deleted files.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Lime ransomware;
- Restore them.
Windows Previous Versions feature can help to get back the most important files
If System Restore was enabled before ransomware attack, you can try restoring individual files by following these steps:
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
Take advantage of ShadowExplorer
If Lime ransomware did not delete Shadow Volume Copies, you should try ShadowExplorer and restore your files:
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
The official decryptor for Lime ransomware is not released yet.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Lime and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
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 Private Internet Access 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 Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
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- ^ Chris Foxx. Technology explained: what is ransomware?. BBC. News website.
- ^ Chris Hoffman. Which Files Should You Back Up On Your Windows PC?. How-to Geek. The website explains technology.
- ^ TanpaVirus. TanpaVirus. Security news and malware database.