How to remove LOCK2023 Ransomware and decrypt .LOCK2023 files

What is LOCK2023 Ransomware

LOCK2023 Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts various files stored on a computer system. It is a new variant of another ransomware known as CONTI. LOCK2023 Ransomware infiltrates systems via ‘trojans’. Once infiltration is successful, this malware encrypts various files stored on the system. To achieve this, ransomware uses the AES-256 encryption algorithm and, therefore, a public and a private key is generated during encryption. LOCK2023 Ransomware appends the .LOCK2023 extension to filenames. For example, it renames 1.jpg to 1.jpg.LOCK2023, 2.png to 2.png.LOCK2023, and so forth. LOCK2023 Ransomware creates a ransom note named README.txt. The ransom note provides instructions on how to pay the ransom to decrypt the files.

Unfortunately, there are no decryption tools available for LOCK2023 Ransomware at the moment. If you have been infected with LOCK2023 Ransomware, it is important to remove the malware from your system as soon as possible. You can try using a powerful antimalware scanner such as Spyhunter to remove the malware. Unfortunately, there are no decryption tools available for LOCK2023 Ransomware at the moment. However, you can try restoring your files from a backup if you have one. If you don’t have a backup, you may have to consider paying the ransom, although this is not recommended as it does not guarantee that your files will be decrypted.

How LOCK2023 Ransomware infected your computer

To avoid getting infected with LOCK2023 Ransomware, it is recommended to steer clear of cracked software or applications from questionable websites and torrents. Instead, opt for downloading software exclusively from reputable and official sources. Ensure your computer is protected with reliable and up-to-date antivirus software. If your computer is already infected with LOCK2023, we recommend running a scan.

1. Download LOCK2023 Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .LOCK2023 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 LOCK2023 Ransomware

LOCK2023 Ransomware files:


README.txt
{randomname}.exe


LOCK2023 Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .LOCK2023 files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .LOCK2023 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 .LOCK2023 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 LOCK2023 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 .LOCK2023 files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose 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 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 is no items in the list choose alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it and you will see 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 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 LOCK2023 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. LOCK2023 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