Lokas Ransomware
Cybercriminals’ interest in creating ransomware threats seems to be growing by the day. Recently, a new data-locking Trojan was spotted by experts who dedicate their time to fighting malware. This brand-new threat is called Lokas Ransomware, and it belongs to the STOP Ransomware family.
Infiltrating Your PC
It is not yet clear what are the exact infection vectors used in the propagation of the Lokas Ransomware, but some speculate that the most common methods of spreading ransomware may be involved in this campaign too – mass spam email operations, faux software updaters, and infected applications downloaded from unverified sources. When the Lokas Ransomware worms its way into a system, it will start the attack with a quick scan. After the scan is performed, the Lokas Ransomware would have located all the files, which will be targeted for locking. Then, the next phase is triggered – the encryption process. All the files that undergo the encryption process of the Lokas Ransomware will have their names altered. This file-encrypting Trojan adds a ‘.lokas’ extension to the newly locked files. For example, a file originally named ‘oldschool-cool.jpeg’ will be renamed to ‘oldschool-cool.jpeg.lokas’ once the encryption process is through.
The Ransom Note
After this is completed, the Lokas Ransomware will drop a ransom note named ‘_readme.txt,’ following the naming pattern of ransom notes of most variants of the STOP Ransomware. The ransom message reads:
’ATTENTION!
Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
hxxps://we.tl/t-WbgTMF1Jmw
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
varasto@firemail.cc
Our Telegram account:
@datarestore
Mark Data Restore
Your personal ID:
–‘
As evident, the attackers require $980 as a ransom fee from the victim. They also claim to give a 50% discount if the user contacts them within 72 hours of the attack. There are two email addresses provided where the victim can get in touch with the creators of the Lokas Ransomware – ‘gorentos@bitmessage.ch’ and ‘varasto@firemail.cc.’ In case the user would prefer Telegram as a platform, they give out a Telegram contact too @datarestore.
It is always smart to stay away from cybercriminals. Instead of giving them your hard-earned cash, download and install a legitimate anti-malware application, which will not only wipe off the Lokas Ransomware from your PC but also keep it safe in the future.
