Lock93 ransomware / virus (Virus Removal Guide)

Lock93 virus Removal Guide

What is Lock93 ransomware virus?

Is Lock93 ransomware related to Locky?

Lock93 virus belongs to the group of recently discovered file-encrypting malware. It is associated with the same hackers who released suppteam01@yandex.ru threat. The current virus presents the message in two languages – English and Russian. What is more, the malware is distributed with the help of a trojan horse, so it should not be underestimated. In fact, remove Lock93 right away. You can do it with the help of an anti-spyware application, for example, FortectIntego. More information about Lock93 removal can be found below.

File-encrypting viruses are no novelty to any Internet users. Cerber and Locky keep sweeping their way throughout the world, so few are not aware of what ransomware does. In recent years, the activity of such viruses has boosted significantly. Speaking of Lock93, it does not stand out much. While using a trojan, it sneaks into the system and locks all the data. You might notice strange Windows messages warning you of suspicious programs running in your background. While executing its commands, the threat locks all the data and adds .lock93 extension file. Though .Locky and .locked extensions are popular among many ransomware creators; it is suspected that the virus might be generated by the same hackers who disguise under new versions of CrytoLocker.

The image showing Lock93 virus

.Lock93 file extension virus displays bilingual text for English and Russian speakers. It is called as ИНСТРУКЦИЯ INSTRUCTION.txt file. The threat demands 1000 rubles in exchange for the files. The victims should contact the hackers using oplaticydadeng@mail.ru to recover the files. There is additional mail provided: zaplatiddeng@yandex. ru. As usual, it threatens the victims not to meddle with the files as any action might irreversibly damage them. Certainly, it is a common habit among ransomware creators. You should proceed to the elimination process of Lock93 malware.

How does the virus spread?

It has been detected that the threat spreads in two ways. It targets users via spam messages. To convince victims to open the message, the cyber criminals make up fake police notifications or tax reports. After a user clicks on the supposed attachment containing invoice or another official report, he or she activates the threat. In some cases of Lock93 ransomware, its executable lies in the explorer.exe file. By using Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crypmodadv.xda, the ransomware infiltrates the system. If you do not own a proper security application or the software is outdated, then there are more than enough chances for Lock93 hijack to occur.

Lock93 elimination strategies

We do not recommend meddling with this ransomware since it employs a complex encryption and execution technique. You can remove Lock93 virus using the services of an anti-spyware application, such as FortectIntego or Malwarebytes. Only when the process is complete, you can concentrate on the file recovery. At the moment, there is no free, suitable decrypter released for this virus, but you may use one of the alternative modes to decode the files. If you encounter problems which prevent you from completing Lock93 removal, then use the following instructions. Regain access to the computer. In the end, feel free to use our guide to data recovery.

Offer
do it now!
Download
Fortect Happiness
Guarantee
Download
Intego Happiness
Guarantee
Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with macOS
What to do if failed?
If you failed to fix virus damage using Fortect Intego, submit a question to our support team and provide as much details as possible.
Fortect Intego has a free limited scanner. Fortect Intego offers more through scan when you purchase its full version. When free scanner detects issues, you can fix them using free manual repairs or you can decide to purchase the full version in order to fix them automatically.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Fortect, try running SpyHunter 5.
Alternative Software
Different software has a different purpose. If you didn’t succeed in fixing corrupted files with Intego, try running Combo Cleaner.

Getting rid of Lock93 virus. Follow these steps

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
  1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
  2. 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.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list. Windows 7/XP
Windows 10 / Windows 8
  1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
    Settings
  2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
    Update and security
  3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
  4. Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
  5. Click Restart now.
    Reboot
  6. Select Troubleshoot. Choose an option
  7. Go to Advanced options. Advanced options
  8. Select Startup Settings. Startup settings
  9. Press Restart.
  10. Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking. Enable safe mode

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:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Click on More details.
    Open task manager
  3. Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
  4. Right-click and select Open file location.
    Open file location
  5. Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
    End task
  6. Delete the contents of the malicious folder.

Step 3. Check program Startup

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
  2. Go to Startup tab.
  3. Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
    Startup

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:

  1. Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
    Disk cleanup
  2. 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).
  3. Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:

    Temporary Internet Files
    Downloads
    Recycle Bin
    Temporary files

  4. Pick Clean up system files.
    Delete temp files
  5. 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 Lock93 using System Restore

  • Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
    Windows 7 / Vista / XP
    1. Click Start Shutdown Restart OK.
    2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
    3. Select Command Prompt from the list Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'

    Windows 10 / Windows 8
    1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
    2. Now select Troubleshoot Advanced options Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
    3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window. Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
  • Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
    1. Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter. Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    2. Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again.. Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
    3. When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Lock93. After doing that, click Next. When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next' Select your restore point and click 'Next'
    4. Now click Yes to start system restore. Click 'Yes' and start system restore
    Once you restore your system to a previous date, download and scan your computer with FortectIntego and make sure that Lock93 removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Lock93 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 Lock93, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro and its benefits

Taking into the account the recent activity of file-encrypting threats, this tool might be one of the alternatives to recover at leats some of your files. Indeed, if you have access to your backups, so you do not need to worry about the lost data.

  • 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 Lock93 ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Can Windows Previous Versions feature recover the files?

It is useful functionality if you enable System Restore. 

  • 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”.

How does ShadowExplorer work?

Even if the current threat might be created in the same manner as CryptoLocker was, it is unknown whether it deletes volume shadow copies. They are created by the operating system so you have another alternative to retrieve the files while IT experts are working on the decrypter.

  • 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.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Lock93 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.

About the author
Julie Splinters
Julie Splinters - Anti-malware specialist

If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.

Contact Julie Splinters
About the company Esolutions

Removal guides in other languages