How to remove Lockdown (Chaos) Ransomware and decrypt .lockdown files

What is Lockdown Ransomware

Lockdown Ransomware is a malicious software that encrypts the files on a victim’s computer, making them inaccessible until a ransom is paid to the attackers. This ransomware appends the .lockdown extension to the affected files, altering their original names and making them unusable. For instance, a file originally named document.txt would be renamed to document.txt.lockdown. The ransomware employs military-grade encryption algorithms, which ensures that decryption without the right tools or keys is extremely difficult. Victims encountering this ransomware often find it a challenging predicament because, beyond the encryption, the ransomware also locks the screen, displaying a threatening ransom note. This note, visible on the lock screen, demands a payment of $1,500 in Monero to a specified cryptocurrency address, offering the decryption software in return. Such tactics highlight the attackers’ attempt to exploit the victim’s desperation and urgency by demanding payment through an anonymous and untraceable medium.

Unfortunately, as of now, there are no available decryption tools specifically designed to decrypt files encrypted by the Lockdown Ransomware without paying the ransom. This situation is typical for ransomware attacks, especially when robust encryption techniques are utilized. Paying the ransom is not recommended, as it does not guarantee that the attackers will provide the necessary decryption tool and only fuels further criminal activity. The best course of action to potentially recover files involves checking online resources and forums for any emerging decryption tools that might become available. Additionally, maintaining comprehensive data backups is vital; this not only acts as a safeguard against data loss from ransomware attacks but also reduces the potential damage to user files. Victims can also resort to professional data recovery services, although success is not guaranteed, or use ransomware identification resources like the No More Ransom project to seek potential solutions. In any case, eliminating the ransomware from the system using a reputable antivirus tool is crucial to prevent further encryption and damage.

How Lockdown Ransomware infects computers

Lockdown Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through various deceptive methods, exploiting users’ lack of awareness and software vulnerabilities. One common delivery method is via malicious email attachments or links, where unsuspecting users are tricked into opening files disguised as legitimate documents. Additionally, compromised websites and deceptive advertisements can lead users to download the ransomware unknowingly. Peer-to-peer networks and third-party installers also pose significant risks, as these sources can host infected software that, once downloaded, initiates the ransomware payload. Moreover, Lockdown can exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, allowing the ransomware to bypass security measures and encrypt files without direct user interaction. To mitigate these threats, users must maintain updated systems, exercise caution with email attachments and downloads, and employ robust security solutions to prevent unauthorized access.

1. Download Lockdown Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .lockdown 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 Lockdown Ransomware

Lockdown Ransomware files:


lock screen
{randomname}.exe


Lockdown Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .lockdown files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .lockdown 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 .lockdown 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 Lockdown 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 .lockdown 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 Lockdown 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. Lockdown 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