How to remove Louis Ransomware and decrypt .Louis files

What is Louis Ransomware

Louis Ransomware is a malicious software that encrypts files on infected systems, appending the file extension .Louis to them, effectively making them inaccessible without decryption. The ransomware employs strong encryption algorithms to secure the data, which renders manual decryption practically impossible. Upon completing the encryption process, it creates a ransom note named Louis_Help.txt. This note is strategically placed in accessible locations, such as the desktop and various folders within the system, to ensure the victim is quickly informed about the situation. The note describes that the victim’s files have been encrypted and demands a ransom to be paid in return for a decryption key, often emphasizing the urgency by suggesting the files could be permanently lost if instructions are not followed.

Despite the severe implications and the daunting request for payment, no reliable decryption tools have been developed for this type of ransomware as of now. Its complex encryption mechanism means that unless a severe flaw in the ransomware’s code is uncovered, or law enforcement successfully intervenes, the chances of freely decrypting .Louis files are slim. Victims are typically advised against paying the ransom, as there’s no guarantee that the cybercriminals will provide a working decryption key even after payment. Instead, efforts should focus on preventing infections through vigilant cybersecurity practices and maintaining regular backups on separate, unconnected storage devices to mitigate the impact of potential ransomware attacks.

How Louis Ransomware infects computers

Louis Ransomware typically infiltrates computers through deceptive tactics such as phishing and social engineering. Cybercriminals disguise malicious files as legitimate attachments or links, which are often sent via spam emails, instant messages, or even malicious advertisements online. These files can come in various formats, including executables, archives, or documents, and merely opening them can trigger the ransomware infection. Once executed, Louis Ransomware encrypts the victim’s files and appends a “.Louis” extension, rendering them inaccessible without a decryption key. Additionally, it may spread through compromised networks or removable storage devices, further propagating the infection. To prevent such breaches, users should exercise caution when handling unsolicited emails and only download software from trusted sources.

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

Louis Ransomware files:


Louis_Help.txt
{randomname}.exe


Louis Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .Louis files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

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