How to remove LMAOxUS ransomware virus

LMAOxUS ransomware is another proof why educational ransomware is bad

LMAOxUS virus is a ransomware that can be called the second version of Stolich encrypting ransomware. It greatly differs from its initial version, and although at the moment it is still an in-development ransomware that is being tested and improved, it seems that the person working on this ransomware project is seriously determined to create a perfect extortion tool^[1]. The criminal has already registered a domain for backend hosting. The current LMAOxUS ransomware version is set to encrypt files using AES-256 and RSA-4096 ciphers, add .lmao extension to each of them, and after finishing this process create a ransom note called LMAO_READ_ME.txt. The ransom note says: “You’ve been rekt by LMAOxUS. Your personal identifier is [code]. Keep it handy if you want your data. Visit [URL] for more info. Your expiration date is: [date].” The ransomware also changes desktop’s wallpaper with a picture that urges the victim to open the .txt file, a.k.a ransom note.

The domain provided in the ransom note leads to lmaoxus[.]gq website, which features a .GIF logo and invite to visit the Demand page, which explains developer’s position and demands a ransom^[2] of 0.1 BTC. Surprisingly, the developer does not strictly require to pay the ransom in Bitcoins^[3] – it suggests sending an email to lmaoxus[@]safe-mail.net and promises to “work something out” together with the victim. In short, it means that the attacker is ready for negotiations, and, likely, is ready to accept other payment methods. The developer of this ransomware claims to be a “broke student in need of money,” however, it is not an excuse to implement illegal money-extortion projects, so we suggest you remove LMAOxUS malware using FortectIntego or another anti-malware tool immediately. Before you start your anti-malware software for LMAOxUS removal, reboot the system in Safe Mode with Networking using instructions provided below.

Distribution of the virus

Currently detected LMAOxUS ransomware versions were obfuscated^[4] inside Minecraft launcher (MinecraftLauncher.exe). However, it can reach target system in a variety of different forms, even in a Word document. It seems that this ransomware wasn’t developed by the same person (a programmer whose nickname is Empinel). The initial Stolich code was published on GitHub, and we are afraid that the discussed ransomware is a Stolich spin-off created by someone else. In fact, Stolich was an updated EDA2 ransomware variant, which only proves that open-source ransomware, even if created for educational purposes, is a very bad idea^[5]. Therefore, we want to inform you about general ransomware distribution methods, which are likely to be used in the distribution of LMAOxUS or other viruses based on Stolich’s code. You should be careful when opening emails sent by strangers and also try to avoid installing programs or software updates from suspicious third-party websites. To lower the possibility of becoming a victim of ransomware, we recommend installing anti-malware software and keeping all programs up-to-date.

Best way to remove LMAOxUS ransomware

LMAOxUS ransomware might be one of many viruses based on Stolich’s code, considering that the new and improved EDA2 spin-off is available for every hacker wannabe now. If you accidentally infected your computer with the first Stolich-based ransomware, we recommend you to remove LMAOxUS virus immediately. The easiest way to clean the system is to run a full system scan with an updated anti-spyware or anti-malware program. Before you scan the system, make sure you reboot your PC according to LMAOxUS removal instructions given below.