LockLock ransomware / virus (Free Instructions)

LockLock virus Removal Guide

What is LockLock ransomware virus?

The main characteristics of the LockLock ransomware:

LockLock ransomware is a malicious computer program said to be based on the source code of the open-source ransomware called EDA2. This particular code, which was initially created purely for the educational purposes, to make people aware of the dangers of ransomware, has been applied and became popular among the malicious ransomware creators. New versions of it do not cease to appear in the ransomware arena. The virus we are discussing today — the LockLock malware — is one of the latest releases. Instead of teaching careless computer users a lesson it punishes them quite painfully. Once it finds its way on the victim’s computer, it immediately starts scanning the system in search of the particular types of files. These files are then locked with an algorithm which has been used for most of the modern ransomware — AES-256. This code is virtually unbreakable so contacting the virus creators remains the only option for the victims to redeem their files. We should point out that crooks charge considerable sums of money for the data decryption, but the file recovery is never guaranteed. The special decryption key they send you may be useless or bring other malware on your PC, so it is much safer to remove LockLock from the computer when possible. Security experts suggest employing professional anti-malware tools to remove with this parasite and avoid dealing with it bare-handedly.

An image of the LockLock ransomware virus

Like other ransomware viruses LockLock targets all sorts of files. The “.locklock” extension is added to every one of the infected files to indicate they are encrypted and will no longer be accessible. As you may have already guessed, this virus is named after this extension. It is interesting, though, that most of its victims are from China. The users from this particular country report that the virus also creates a text file called READ_ME.TXT in which the criminals indicate their email address (locklockrs@aol(dot)com) and Skype name (“locklockrs”) for the victims to contact them in case they want to get their data back. It is a typical way the criminals manipulate their victims. But you should not fall into their trap because such attempt to get your data back may have some very unpleasant consequences. You should better hurry with the LockLock removal and make sure that at least your future data is protected.

Can this ransomware be stopped?

Sadly, there is no way of stopping the LockLock ransomware from spreading around the Internet. However, there are a few preventative measures you can take to keep it away from your computer. First off, forget your habit to browse the web carelessly. There are numerous insecure sites that may contain some infectious content, so you should be careful where you browse, how you do it and, most importantly, what content you allow to access your computer. Refrain from downloading random software and ignore all the flashy ads that may urge you to do it. Also, be especially careful opening emails or navigating through the “Spam” catalog. It is better that you ignore it completely because LockLock and other ransomware viruses may end up there in the form of a malicious email.

LockLock removal and file recovery suggestions:

Your files are inaccessible. Strange extensions appear next to your files. You see threatening ransom notes on your desktop. What do you do? Remove LockLock virus as soon as possible! You will deal with the data recovery later, as for now, you must make sure that the infections virus files are eliminated from your computer. Your safest bet is, of course, and automatic system scan with a reputable antivirus software. Although this approach may have some drawbacks too. The virus may interfere with software blocking the system scan and preventing the LockLock removal. The instructions below explain how to bypass this obstacle. When you are done with that, you can use PhotoRec, R-Studio or Kaspersky virus-fighting utilities to recover your data. Other data recovery options are indicated below.

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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 LockLock 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 LockLock 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 LockLock. 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 LockLock removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

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

Data Recovery Pro method for the LockLock data recovery

Though there is never a 100% guarantee that any data recovery techniques will help redeem ransomware-affected files, professional software like Data Recovery Pro gives some hope. You can try out this application on your computer as well, if it has been infected with LockLock ransomware. Here is how you should do it:

  • 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 LockLock ransomware;
  • Restore them.

ShadowExplorer method for the LockLock encrypted file recovery

ShadowExplorer is another application that can help you get your files back after the LockLock attack. We should note, though that this approach will not be effective if the Volume Shadow Copies are damaged or deleted from the computer. You can follow these steps to recover your data from Volume Shadow Copies:

  • 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 LockLock and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes

How to prevent from getting ransomware

Access your website securely from any location

When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.

If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.

 

Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks

While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.

Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection. 

 

About the author
Linas Kiguolis
Linas Kiguolis - Expert in social media

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