LeChiffre ransomware virus: decrypt and remove

Find out what’s nonstandard about the LeChiffre ransom Trojan, get efficient prevention advice and learn how to restore .LeChiffre extension files.

The crypto infection dubbed LeChiffre isn’t the most sophisticated one, but it proved to be enduring enough to stick around for many months. Originally discovered in spring of 2015, this contagion has been modified several times ever since. There’s a number of common denominators in all of its iterations, including the data encryption algorithm, the .LeChiffre extension that’s concatenated to skewed files, the names of documents with ransom instructions, as well as the unusual way of execution on targeted Windows computers. This ransomware uses a combo of RSA-1024 and AES cryptosystems to jumble bytes constituting a victim’s data elements, thus making it impossible to open files. The post-encryption routine involves the appending of a specific extension, from which the malware actually got its name.

To inform users about their options to recover the enciphered data, the Trojan creates ransom notes named “_How to decrypt LeChiffre files.html”. This item is opened with the default web browser on the machine. The contents of this walkthrough include the following information: “Attention! Your important files (photos, videos, documents, archives, databases, backups, etc.) were crypted with the strongest military cipher RSA1024 and AES. No one can help you to restore files without our decoder.” The victim is further told to send an email to decrypt.my.files@gmail.com with the title “_secret_code.txt” and attach a couple of .doc, .xls or .jpg files that are less than 5 MB in size. In response, the threat actors will supposedly send the decrypted editions of these entities along with the conditions of recovering the rest. The scoundrels also emphasize that the user will be able to get their data back for free, but not earlier than in six months.

An offbeat thing about LeChiffre is the payload deployment method. Most of the time, the loader is executed on PCs manually, as opposed to the routine used by the overwhelming majority of ransomware threats. In particular, the attackers find and harness remote access connections protected by weak user credentials. This way, they can literally deposit the offending loader and launch it without much chance for detection on the victim’s end. Another facet of this approach makes it possible for the extortionists to perform encryption offline, that is, without the ransomware reaching out to a C2 server to obtain the public crypto key. While considerably restricting the attack surface, this tactic has obvious benefits for the criminals.

Despite the fact that security analysts have contrived a decryptor for LeChiffre, it is reportedly inefficient for cracking the most recent edition of the ransomware. With that in mind, the prospect of paying 2 Bitcoins, which is over 1000 USD, is a harsh one. Under the circumstances, it’s worthwhile to try some restoration techniques that are helpful in a lot of crypto malware scenarios.

LeChiffre ransomware automated removal and data recovery

Owing to an up-to-date database of malware signatures and intelligent behavioral detection, the recommended software can quickly locate the infection, eradicate it and remediate all harmful changes. So go ahead and do the following:

1. Download and install the antimalware tool. Open the solution and have it check your PC for PUPs and other types of malicious software by clicking the Start Computer Scan button

Download LeChiffre virus remover

2. Rest assured the scan report will list all items that may harm your operating system. Select the detected entries and click Fix Threats to get the troubleshooting completed.

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.

Ransomware Prevention Tips

To avoid LeChiffre 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 LeChiffre ransomware removal tool