How to remove Loki Locker Ransomware and decrypt .Loki files

What is Loki Locker Ransomware

Loki Locker is the name of a ransomware virus designed to extort money from victims by running strong encryption of data. It uses a combination of AES-256 and RSA-2048 algorithms and also alters the names of encrypted data according to this template – [][]original_file.Loki. For instance, a file previously named 1.pdf will change to [DecNow@TutaMail.Com][C279F237]1.pdf.Loki and become no longer accessible. It is worth noting that there are also some newer versions of Loki Locker, which rename data with .Rainman, .Adair, .Boresh, .PayForKey, or .Spyro extensions. Following the successful blockade of files, the virus creates two files (Restore-My-Files.txt and info.hta) with similar ransom-demanding instructions. In addition, Loki Locker also replaces the desktop wallpapers to display brief steps on what should be done.

Cybercriminals say victims have to establish e-mail contact with them and include a personal ID generated inside the note. It is also said victims can send 1 file (less than 2 MB and non-valuable) and get it unlocked for free – as a guarantee that cybercriminals’ decryption tools actually work. Once victims engage in communication with the developers, they will provide further instructions and price for the decryption of data (to be paid in Bitcoin cryptocurrency). The ransom message also gives warnings against running any manipulations with encrypted data, such as renaming and usage of third-party software. Unfortunately, usage of third-party decryption/recovery tools may indeed be useless and sometimes even lead to permanent damage to files. The ransomware also disables all recovery features and deletes shadow copies that could be used for possible file recovery. As a rule, it is not recommended to have any deals with cybercriminals behind ransomware infections. They can end up being scammers who will not send any decryption tools even after receiving the payment. Victims of Loki Locker actually reported this to be the case – many did not receive any promised software, while some others did, but with delays. The reason for that is partially because Loki Locker can be purchased by a number of affiliated people, meaning the behavior of swindlers behind it can vary. In our guide, you will find more technical information about the malware and also how to remove it. You will also see recommendations of what recovery/decryption software can be employed, however, do not hold high expectations from them as their effectiveness is not the same with all ransomware infections. The best method you can use to get your files back is backup copies of them. Note that prior to using these backups, it is important to get rid of the virus unless you want them to get encrypted as well. Use our tutorial to do it.

How Loki Locker Ransomware infected your computer

Spam e-mail letters are usually the number one channel used by cybercriminals to infiltrate malware. They design messages into a nice-looking cover to make users believe they received them from legitimate parties, such as delivery companies (DHL, DPD, FedEx), banks, tax authorities, lottery prizes, and so forth. Such messages may contain a lot of call-to-action highlighter in color text meant to bait inexperienced users into opening some files or clicking on links. When it comes to malicious attachments bundled inside of such messages, it is usually Word, Excel, PDF, JavaScript, EXE, ZIP, or RAR types of files. Malware developers use them to easily install infections immediately – with few steps required from users. This is why it is important to avoid opening suspicious files or links, especially if you received them for no anticipated reason. E-mail spam is not the only way of distributing malware, there are tons of others vectors to mention as well: trojans, fake software updates/installers, system exploits, unreliable software cracking tools, backdoors, keyloggers, and others as well. Many risk getting infections while using unofficial and random pages for downloading software. If you are unlucky, the software you downloaded may be fake and instead contain a trojan that will bring infections like ransomware to your computer. Being attentive and careful while using the web should be the number one priority on your list – beware of dubious pages that host free program installers or try to make download something. Read out guide below to get more practical tips on how to stay secure against various threats on the Internet.

1. Download Loki Locker Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .Loki 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 Loki Locker Ransomware

Loki Locker Ransomware files:


Restore-My-Files.txt
{randomname}.exe


Loki Locker Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .Loki files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .Loki 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 .Loki 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 Loki Locker 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 .Loki 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 Loki Locker 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. Loki Locker 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