How to remove LucKY_Gh0$t Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is LucKY_Gh0$t Ransomware

LucKY_Gh0$t Ransomware is an insidious form of ransomware based on the well-known Chaos ransomware family. This ransomware is designed to encrypt a wide range of file types on the victim’s computer, rendering them inaccessible. Upon successful encryption, it appends a unique extension consisting of four random characters to each file’s name. For instance, a file named document.docx might become document.docx.ab12. The encryption method used by LucKY_Gh0$t typically involves complex cryptographic algorithms, making it exceptionally difficult to decrypt the files without the proper decryption key. Once the files are encrypted, the ransomware alters the infected computer’s desktop wallpaper and creates a ransom note—titled read_it.txt—demanding payment in exchange for the decryption key. This ransom note usually provides instructions on how to contact the attackers through specific messaging services and emphasizes the urgency and importance of not modifying or deleting the encrypted files.

Unfortunately, at this time, there are no publicly available decryption tools that can effectively reverse the encryption inflicted by LucKY_Gh0$t. Cybersecurity researchers continually work to analyze and potentially crack these encryption methods, but success is not guaranteed due to the sophisticated and evolving nature of ransomware technologies. In cases where decryption tools do not exist, victims are often left with few options beyond restoring from a backup if one is available. Therefore, the most effective measure against such attacks is prevention, regular backup of important data using reliable methods, and maintaining robust security practices on all devices. If your files were encrypted by LucKY_Gh0$t, it is strongly advised not to pay the ransom, as this doesn’t guarantee the return of your files and only encourages the attackers. Instead, focus on isolating the infected system to prevent further spread and seek the assistance of cybersecurity professionals. Regularly updating security software, exercising caution with email attachments, and staying informed about emerging threats are key practices in reducing risks associated with ransomware infections.

How LucKY_Gh0$t Ransomware infects computers

LucKY_Gh0$t Ransomware infiltrates computers primarily through deceptive tactics employed by cybercriminals. Users often encounter this ransomware via malicious email attachments or links, which appear to be legitimate communications but, in reality, harbor the ransomware payload. These emails might masquerade as urgent notifications from trusted entities, prompting recipients to download and open the malicious files. Additionally, LucKY_Gh0$t can spread through compromised or deceptive websites, where unsuspecting users might download infected software or click on harmful advertisements. Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and pirated software are also common distribution channels, as these platforms often lack stringent security measures, making them ideal for cybercriminals to exploit. Once executed on a system, LucKY_Gh0$t encrypts files, appends random extensions, and demands a ransom, effectively holding the user’s data hostage.

1. Download LucKY_Gh0$t Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like LucKY_Gh0$t Ransomware

LucKY_Gh0$t Ransomware files:


read_it.txt
{randomname}.exe


LucKY_Gh0$t Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted 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 encrypted 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 LucKY_Gh0$t 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 encrypted 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 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 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 LucKY_Gh0$t 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. LucKY_Gh0$t 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