Locky ransomware: decrypt files and remove virus (Dec. 2017 upd.)

The Locky ransomware is a malicious code breed that poses elevated risk due to sizeable stealth, large attack surface and sophisticated money extortion tactic.

Updated in December 2017. The extortion contrivance called the Locky ransomware demonstrates that cybercriminals are obviously in pursuit of new operational mechanisms. Said infection is out-of-the-ordinary because its spreading mode differs from the analogs, and it covers a greater scope of victim data if the attack succeeds. When this infection originally emerged in February 2016, the most prominent indicators of compromise included the .locky extension added at the end of encrypted files, as well as the ransom walkthroughs titled _Locky_recover_instructions.txt. The latest variant circulating since April 2017, though, features quite a few tweaks and enhancements.

Learn how the Locky ransomware has evolved over time

The current Locky spinoff appends the .osiris extension to hostage data entries and drops an updated set of recovery how-to’s named OSIRIS-[4_chars].htm and OSIRIS.bmp. The latter documents show up in all folders the contents of which underwent the detrimental impact of the virus. The affected files, in their turn, assume a weird shape and look similar to this: 8361F0GE–9589–G5F7–C9B07218–D472R0F58112.osiris. The filenames now consist of 36 random hexadecimal characters followed by the version-specific extension.

Of course, the user can no longer open any of these files – not because they were renamed but due to a combo of RSA-2048 and AES-128 ciphers that the ransomware applied. Locky roams through the local drive volumes, external data peripherals such as USB memory sticks or an additional HDD, and network drives. The goal is to find the bits of information with the most widespread extensions. This way, the malware can hit below the belt as it subsequently encodes one’s personal files while disregarding various objects that are auxiliary for the operating system.

After the encryption job has been finished, the Trojan replaces the admin’s wallpaper with a warning image called DesktopOSIRIS.bmp, which provides step-by-step recommendations regarding data redemption. Replicated in the above-mentioned OSIRIS-[4_chars].htm document, these help files instruct the victim to follow a Tor link for further advice. The linked-to online spot is in fact the Locky Decryptor Page hosted on the dark web, where the hijacked computer user can remit the ransom of 0.5 BTC, or about $800, and download the decoding software afterwards.

Locky ransomware is also non-standard in the context of circulation. Rather than use exploit kits, the miscreants behind it are mass-spamming potential victims with rogue invoices, job offers, scanned images of important documents and the like. The Microsoft Word file that goes with these emails looks innocuous, but it has got a trick in it. When a user opens the file, the text is indiscernible because the document is supposedly “protected”. However, a little prompt says this problem can be rectified by enabling macros. Unfortunately, a lot of users fall for this hype, activate known-vulnerable macros manually and thus allow the attackers to run their code on the computer. If this happens, the cyber offensive is extremely difficult to handle, but not impossible. Read the following tips to find out how you can reinstate your data without paying a cent to the crooks.

Locky ransomware automated removal and data recovery

When faced with ransomware like Locky, one of the best shortcuts in terms of removal is to use Combo Cleaner, a lightweight and incredibly effective application with PC security and optimization features under the hood. It detects and thoroughly deletes threats while giving you insights into the overall health of your computer.

This program’s protection power spans modules that forestall all known types of malware, including ransomware and browser hijackers, and take your online security to the next level by blocking phishing sites and other suspicious web pages. Follow these simple steps to eliminate the infection for good:

1. Download Combo Cleaner installer.

Download Locky remover

^{Combo Cleaner scans your PC with no strings attached, but you’ll have to buy its fully functional version to remove the threats it detects. The disk optimization tools that find large files and duplicates are free to use.}

2. Open the CCSetup.exe file to get started. Several subsequent screens will allow you to make initial customizations so that the program works exactly as you need from the get-go.

3. The installation will be followed by an update of malware signatures. Once this process is through, click the Start Scan button in the left-hand sidebar.

4. Combo Cleaner will then check system locations that are most often polluted by Windows malware. The first scan can take a while to finish.

5. Combo Cleaner will display a system tray notification as soon as the scan is over. Click the Resolve found threats button to view the results.

6. The scan summary shows the names and types of the detected threats as well as their statuses and locations. Click the Remove all threats button and follow further on-screen prompts to get rid of these items.

Data recovery toolkit to the rescue

Some strains of ransomware are known to delete the original files after the encryption routine has been completed. As hostile as this activity appears, it can play into your hands. There are applications designed to revive the information that was obliterated because of malfunctioning hardware or due to accidental removal. The tool called Stellar Data Recovery features this type of a capability and therefore it can be applied in ransom attack scenarios to at least get the most important files back. So use the app to get an idea of what data can be restored and let it do the recovery job. Here is a step-by-step walkthrough:

1. Download and install Stellar Data Recovery.

Download Stellar Data Recovery

2. Open the application, select the types of recoverable files to look for, and click Next.

3. Choose the areas you want the tool to recover from and click the Scan button.

4. Having scanned the specified locations, the program will display a notification about the total amount of recoverable data. Close the dialog and click the Recover button. This will hopefully help you get some of your valuable files back.

Locky ransomware manual removal and file recovery

Some ransomware strains terminate themselves after completing the encryption job on a computer, but some don’t. Furthermore, the Locky virus may prevent victims from using popular antimalware tools in order to stay on board for as long as possible. Under the circumstances, it may be necessary to utilize the Safe Mode with Networking or System Restore functionality.

Be advised that even after the ransomware is removed, files will still be encrypted and inaccessible. The malicious code cleanup part, however, is important because it keeps a relapse of the infection from occurring further on and eliminates all opportunistic malware.

Ways of non-ransom recovery of encrypted files

Cracking the crypto used by this ransom Trojan is more of a science fiction thing rather than an attainable prospect for the masses. This is why the troubleshooting in predicaments of this sort is a matter of two approaches: one is to pay the ransom, which isn’t an option for many victims; and the other is to apply instruments that take advantage of the ransomware’s possible weaknesses. If the latter is your pick, the advice below is a must-try.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid Locky ransomware and other file-encrypting infections in the future, follow several simple recommendations:

These techniques are certainly not a cure-all, but they will add an extra layer of ransomware protection to your security setup.

Revise your security status

Post-factum assessment of the accuracy component in malware removal scenarios is a great habit that prevents the comeback of harmful code or replication of its unattended fractions. Make sure you are good to go by running an additional safety checkup. Another benefit of using the antimalware tool is that it will keep ransomware threats from intruding on your computer further on.

Download Locky removal tool