How to remove LokiLok ransomware

LokiLok ransomware can cause damage to the operating system by using encryption algorithms

LokiLok is the name of the data locking virus that has been recently discovered by malware researchers. It belongs to the Chaos ransomware family and it can cause a lot of damage to the victims. When it infiltrates the operating system, it starts using complicated encryption algorithms to lock users' files.

This includes personal data, such as photos, videos, and documents. It appends the files with the .LokiLok extension. This makes the files impossible to open or even view in preview mode because the icons get changed to white pages. Soon after the encryption process is done, a read_me.txt ransom note is generated on the machine.

The ransom note

The full ransom note read_me.txt reads as follows:

………………………………………….Hello!  All of your files have been ENCRYPTED……………………………..
Your computer was infected with a ransomware virus. Your files have been encrypted and you won't
be able to decrypt them without our help.What can I do to get my files back?You can buy our special
decryption software, this software will allow you to recover all of your data and remove the
ransomware from your computer.
Personal ID:
–

>>>>>>>>>To decrypt your files you need write to email: tutanota101214@tutanota.com<;<<<<<<<<

What about guarantees?
 Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits.
To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc… not databases!)
 and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee. encrypted files for trial decryption.

Do not try restore files without our help, this is useless, and can destroy your data permanetly.
However, the files can be recovered even after the removal of our program and even after
reinstalling the operating system.

Cybercriminals inform victims that they have been infected by ransomware and that they need to purchase decryption software from them if users want to get their data back. Crooks provide their contact information, and they do not disclose how much the decryption key^[1] costs. This can mean that the ransom amount is negotiated directly with the perpetrators.

Threat actors use some scare tactics in their message as well to prevent people from trying to recover the files themselves. They want to intimidate victims into contacting them as soon as possible. We strongly suggest against contacting the ransomware developers.

Many previous ransomware attack victims have come forward and said that they never heard back from the cybercriminals after payments were made. Usually, malware creators ask people to make transactions in cryptocurrencies because they are anonymous.

Once you send cryptocurrency to another address, you cannot get it back, and it is impossible to get a refund. In this guide, you will find a third-party solution that has helped some people to recover their files. Even though threat actors warn against this in the ransom note, it is not something you should be worried about.

Protect yourself against ransomware attacks

It is unknown what particular methods are used to spread LokiLok ransomware. But there are some general ways that cybercriminals do it. Typically, the malicious code^[2] gets introduced by an executable file (.exe) that may have been in a zip folder, embedded within a Microsoft Office document’s macros,^[3] or disguised as fax or other viable attachment. This usually happens because of user error and ignorance of security risks.

Many people like to install something known as “cracked” software^[4] because they do not want to pay for licenses. Little do they know that sites distributing these programs are breeding grounds for PUPs (potentially unwanted programs)^[5] and malware. They are unregulated and unsafe. Almost all downloads contain some kind of malicious file, so they should definitely not be trusted.

The most common distribution way is for hackers to use OS or software vulnerabilities. That is why it is vital to keep everything updated. Software developers often release security updates for newly found vulnerabilities, so you can be exposed if you do not do that. 

One more good thing to know is not to believe everything you see. Threat actors use various phishing techniques to lure you in. This can be an email attachment or a malicious URL. Fraudsters can use your friend list to make it look more legitimate, so it is best to double-check with the person through another platform before opening anything because you can potentially put your entire local network in danger.

Use professional security tools to eliminate malicious files

The critical thing to do is disconnect the affected machine from the local network. For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have instructions for corporate environments at the bottom of this post.

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. It can also encrypt your files the second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it first. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have experience.

Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. In some cases, malware is not letting you use antivirus in normal mode, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing the 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 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find the Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Fix system errors to prevent Windows reinstallation

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a complete Windows reinstall is required, are expected after malware infection. These types of infections can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not able to repair it. 

This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors,^[6] freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

File recovery options

Many people think that they can fix their files with anti-malware tools, but that is not what they are designed for. All the security tools can do is detect suspicious processes in your system and eliminate malicious files. The truth is, the files can be restored only with a decryption key or software that only the cybercriminals have.

If you did not back up your data previously, you possibly lost your files forever. You can try using data recovery software, but third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the LokiLok ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are essential while dealing with this situation:

• Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
• Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.