How to remove LOTUS Ransomware and decrypt .LOTUS files

What is LOTUS Ransomware

LOTUS Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on a victim’s computer, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid. It belongs to the Dharma ransomware family and is designed to extort money from victims by holding their data hostage. After installation, it displays a ransom message in a pop-up window and creates a text file named MANUAL.txt containing further instructions. LOTUS Ransomware appends the .LOTUS extension to the names of encrypted files. Additionally, it includes the victim’s ID and the attacker’s email address in the filename. For example, a file named 1.jpg would be renamed to 1.jpg.id-B4M9F983.[paymei@cock.li].LOTUS. After encrypting files, LOTUS ransomware creates a ransom note named “MANUAL.txt” and places it in each folder containing encrypted files. The note typically includes a notification of file encryption, instructions on how to pay the ransom (often in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin), and contact information for the attackers (e.g., paymei@cock.li, paymei@tuta.io). It also warns victims not to rename files or try to decrypt them with third-party software, as this may cause permanent damage to the files. The ransom note emphasizes that victims can only receive a decryption key or software from the attackers.

As of now, there are no publicly available decryption tools specifically for LOTUS ransomware. Victims are often advised not to pay the ransom, as it does not guarantee that the attackers will provide the decryption key. Instead, they should explore other recovery options. To decrypt .LOTUS files, victims should first identify the ransomware by checking the file extensions and ransom note. Next, they should isolate the infected system by disconnecting it from the network to prevent the ransomware from spreading. Using reputable antivirus or anti-malware software to remove the ransomware from the system is crucial. Guides and tools for removal can be found on various cybersecurity websites. If backups of the files are available, victims should restore them from a clean backup, ensuring that the backup is not connected to the infected system during the restoration process. If backups are not available, consulting cybersecurity professionals who may have access to advanced tools and techniques for data recovery is recommended.

How LOTUS Ransomware infects computers

LOTUS ransomware spreads through several common infection vectors. One primary method is through malspam campaigns, where cybercriminals send emails with malicious attachments or links. When recipients open these attachments or click on the links, the ransomware is downloaded and executed. Another common method is through untrusted file or software downloads from unofficial sources, which can lead to inadvertent installation of ransomware. Fake software updates also play a role, where pop-ups or notifications prompt users to update software, but instead install the ransomware. Additionally, the ransomware can exploit unpatched software vulnerabilities to gain access to systems. Trojans and cracking tools are also used, where malicious programs install other malware, including ransomware, or illegal software activation tools that often carry malware.

1. Download LOTUS Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .LOTUS files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like LOTUS Ransomware

LOTUS Ransomware files:


MANUAL.txt
{randomname}.exe


LOTUS Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .LOTUS files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .LOTUS files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .LOTUS files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with LOTUS Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .LOTUS files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like LOTUS Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. LOTUS Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro