Luxnut ransomware / virus (Decryption Steps Included) - Virus Removal Instructions

Luxnut virus Removal Guide

What is Luxnut ransomware virus?

Luxnut – a new variant of EDA2 ransomware

Luxnut is a new member of the EDA2 ransomware family. This newly discovered file-encrypting virus uses AES cryptography to distort data on the affected computer. However, researchers suspect that it might also use EDA2 encryption. The virus aims at 20 different file types and appends .locked file extension to each of them: .asp, .aspx, .csv, .doc, .docx, .html, .jpg, .mdb, .odt, .php, _en.png, .ppt, .pptx, .psd, .sln, .sql, .txt , .xls, .xlsx, .xml. Following data encryption, it changes computer’s background picture that says “Something, somewhere went terribly wrong.” That’s the only message provided by cyber criminals. Luxnut ransomware does not deliver a ransom note. Thus, this unusual situation allows making an assumption that virus still in development stage. However, it is still capable of causing problems to the users by encrypting files and making the system vulnerable. Thus, in the case of attack, you should not wait for the hackers’ instructions what to do next. Hurry up with Luxnut removal first. In order to clean your PC from malware, you have to employ security program, such as FortectIntego, and scan the system. Then you should look up for your backups or try our presented alternative recovery methods at the end of the article.

Wallpaper by Luxnut ransomware

Luxnut executable mostly spreads as an obfuscated email attachment. Thus, when a user is tricked into clicking on it, a malicious Eda2.exe file is installed on the device. Then malware starts extracting and installing its dangerous components. They might show up in .tmp or .dll formats and be responsible for modifying the system or data encryption. The ransomware modifies registry sub-keys to start up with an operating system. As soon as it settles in the computer, it starts the most important task – encryption. Apart from corrupting data, it might also delete Shadow Volume Copies of the targeted files and system restore points. Thus, data recovery is nearly impossible if a victim does not have data backups[1] saved in the external storage device. As we have already mentioned, cyber criminals do not provide a ransom note with the offer to redeem encrypted files. Thus, victims are left with only one solution to this problem – remove Luxnut from the device.

The image of Luxnut ransomware virusLuxnut ransomware not only encrypts files but also locks affected computer's screen and changes the wallpaper.

Cyber criminals use several techniques to hijack computers

Luxnut ransomware virus might be distributed using various methods. Usually, criminals rely on malicious email campaigns, malvertising, fake software updates, bogus software installation, exploit kits, etc. The virus might have entered the system when a person clicked on obfuscated email attachment or malicious ad. Emails and online ads might look legitimate because cyber criminals become better and better in tricking and encouraging people to click on dangerous content. Luxnut might also be presented as a crucial software update in a pop-up. Keep in mind that ads and pop-ups are not safe places to install updates or programs. Talking about installation, we have to point out that torrents,[2] file-sharing networks or suspicious sites are not safe to use as well. Some of the programs uploaded and distributed in such online sources are malicious.

Guidelines for secure and effective Luxnut removal

We recommend automatic Luxnut removal option. It’s the only safe way to delete ransomware with its components. Earlier we have talked about malware ability to modify the system and install malicious files. Thus, to get rid of these issues manually is nearly impossible. You might leave some of the dangerous files on the system or accidentally delete crucial files and damage the computer even more. Thus, choose one of our suggested malware removal tools and scan the system with the help of it: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes. We can assure that these programs are strong enough to remove Luxnut entirely. However, ransomware might be created to prevent victims from the installation of security tools. If this problem occurs to you, please check and follow our prepared instructions below.

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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 Luxnut virus. Follow these steps

Manual removal using Safe Mode

Follow the steps below to disable the virus and run automatic removal with your chosen software.

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 Luxnut using System Restore

If you still cannot install an antivirus program and scan the device, please try this method.

  • 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 Luxnut. 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 Luxnut removal is performed successfully.

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Luxnut from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

The only to recover your files safely is to use backups. If you do not have them, please try alternative options presented below. They may help you to restore at least some of the files.

If your files are encrypted by Luxnut, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data Recovery Pro – automatic way to restore files

Data Recovery Pro is a professional tool that helps to restore deleted, corrupted and some of the encrypted files. We cannot assure that it will be able to recover all files encrypted by Luxnut, but there’s a hope to get back the most important documents.

  • 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 Luxnut ransomware;
  • Restore them.

Try Windows Previous Versions feature

If System Restore method has been activated before the Luxnut ransomware attack, this method might help to copy previously saved versions of the individual files.

  • 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”.

Luxnut Decryptor

We are sorry, but the official decryption software hasn’t been released yet.

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Luxnut 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
Gabriel E. Hall
Gabriel E. Hall - Passionate web researcher

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