How to remove LockBox ransomware virus

An overview of the LockBox ransomware

LockBox virus is another newly discovered ransomware ^[1] which encrypts files without mercy and demands victims to pay up if they want to see their files again. This Delphi-based parasite uses mORMot open source client-server ^[2] to execute its command and control functionality.

When the malicious virus executable personkey.exe infiltrates the computer, a true Pandora’s box opens: the malicious virus script starts scanning the PC for files and processes them in a way so they can no longer be accessed by the victim.

Typically, ransomware will use strong AES, and RSA encryption algorithms for that and Lock Box specifically employs AES-256.

This essentially means that it will not be enough to perform LockBox removal in order to fix the computer. The damage done by this parasite cannot be reversed by FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or any antivirus software of the sort.

The final stage of the ransomware attack is the dropping of the ransom note and listing the conditions of file recovery. The extortionists point out that there is no way to decrypt the data other than purchasing a Personal Key from their special TOR web page. Here is the full transcript of this message:

We found that all your files are encrypted with AES-256 algorithm.

Fortunately, we can help you decrypt your files.
To help you, you must write a message to us on our email trevinomason1@mail.com.
In the message, you must write your PERSONAL KEY, which is written at the end of this manual, and you must also attach no more than 3 encrypted files of no more than 2 mb each.

If you didn’t receive a reply within 24 hours after your message, please duplicate your message by email salvatoreolsond598d@gmail.com

If after 24 hours you still have not received an answer, you need to register a tor-email on link http://torbox3uiot6wchz.onion.to or http://torbox3uiot6wchz.onion.gq
And write a message to the tor-mail trevinomason1@torbox3uiot6wchz.onion

ATTENTION: The message must be sent from the tor-mail, otherwise it will not be delivered and will not be read by us.

Also you can register tor-mail at the link http://torbox3uiot6wchz.onion (this link can only be opened in the tor browser http://www.torproject.org/)

—-PERSONAL KEY—-

As you can see, criminals force victims to use this anonymous network for the communication purposes as well. Trevinomason1@torbox3uiot6wchz.onion TOR mail is one of the addresses that the extortionists indicate as their channel of contact. Nevertheless, entering such places of the web can be very dangerous.

Remember that trying to get back your files the hacker way can leave your computer permanently damaged or bricked entirely. Thus, we recommend you remove LockBox from the infected system before any of this happens.

Techniques encryption software uses to infiltrate computers

LockBox is a fairly new finding in the ransomware arena, but it is not difficult to guess how it proliferates. Most ransomware developers rely on already proven distribution techniques such as spam emails, fake software updates and deceptive downloads to spread around.

Luckily, knowing that, you can also learn how to avoid getting infected:

When it comes to the spam emails, remember that not all of them are filtered to the “Spam” section of your article. You should carefully evaluate every item that lands in your inbox and, most importantly, restrain yourself from downloading random attachments.

Fake software updates are typically related to adware. So, as long as you make sure your computer is clean from any of these infections, you should encounter deceptive pop-ups less much less frequently.

Finally, you should remember that LockBox can hide behind system optimization, malware detection tools or other software promoted on poor reputation websites. So, stay away from these sites!

Help your PC by performing LockBox removal

Although performing LockBox removal won’t help you restore your files, it is important that you banish the parasite from your PC in order to use it safely again.

Remember that ransomware must be eliminated from the infected devices automatically. FortectIntego is a good solution if you not only want to remove LockBox from your system but also refurbish it, by cleaning up malicious registry entries or restoring potentially missing files.