'Love Dollar Sign' Ransomware

The Love$ Ransomware has a name that shows the nature of its developers accurately. The Love$ Ransomware was developed with only one objective; extort computer users to provide its perpetrator with undeserved money. The Love$ Ransomware belongs to the Dharma Ransomware family, which has released many new versions since its creation. The Love$ Ransomware is spread via torrent websites, corrupted advertisements and compromised macros.

The Love$ ransomware falls under the Dharma family of ransomware. Love$ was discovered by Jakub Kroustek. Ransomware programs like this are designed to extort money from victims. They come with ransom notes that explain how much a person has to pay to have their data restored.

Unfortunately, it is often impossible to decrypt data without intervention from the threat actors behind the ransomware. There are times when security experts can exploit vulnerabilities in the virus to create decryption tools, but this isn’t always the case. There’s also plenty of evidence that shows victims don’t always get their decryption key if they pay the ransom. It’s recommended that you avoid giving in to cybercriminals. All you do is encourage them, and you could become the victim of an even bigger scam.

What Does Love$ Ransomware Do?

The virus encrypts files on the computer and renames them according to the ID of the victim. The new file name also includes the email address im.online.aol.com and the corresponding "Love$" file extension. For example, a document with the name "doc1.docx" would become "Doc1.docx.id-4F65D00.[im.online@aol.com].love$."

Last but not least, the virus adds a ransom note to the desktop and folders with infected files. A screenshot of the ransom note is presented below, as well as the text of the note.

YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED
Don't worry,you can return all your files!
If you want to restore them, follow this link:email im.online@aol.com YOUR ID 1E857D00
If you have not been answered via the link within 12 hours, write to us by e-mail:onlineim@hitler.rocks
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.

As you can see from the ransom note, victims are told to contact the malware developers at im.online.aol.com or through onlineim@hitler.rocks to receive further instructions. Victims will receive information such as the cost of the ransom and how they can make the payment. The key difference between different kinds of ransomware is the size of the ransom.

Another difference between ransomware payloads is the quality of encryption. Love$ uses enhanced encryption algorithms that can only be cracked by the people behind them. This means there are no free tools out there for Love$ victims to restore their data by themselves.

If your computer is infected with Love$ then your best bet is to restore data from a backup after uninstalling the virus. Just removing the virus will not restore your data, but it does prevent it from being encrypted again as soon as you restore it manually through a backup.

How Does Love$ Infect Computers?

Like most ransomware, Love$ spreads through spam email campaigns and program exploits.

Emails

Cybercriminals exploit their victims by sending out spam emails. The emails have false header information to trick users into believing it comes from a shipping company. The email says that the company in question attempted to deliver a package to you but failed. The emails may also claim that a shipment you made couldn’t be completed for some reason.

Readers are tempted to access the attached file to find out what happened to their package. Once the user accesses the attached file or clicks on the link included with the email, their computer is infected.

Program Exploits

Security researchers have seen ransomware attack victims by exploiting potential vulnerabilities in software programs and computer operating systems. These exploits target the operating system, internet browsers, third-party installations, and Microsoft Office.

How to Protect Your Computer From Love$ Ransomware

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself and your computer from Love$ ransomware and other ransomware. The most important thing to do is to avoid opening email attachments and links if you aren’t sure of the source. If in doubt, don’t do it. It’s also worth keeping a robust backup schedule where you regularly back up data on your computer. The more copies you have of essential data, the better. That way, even if someone does infect your computer and lock your files away, you can just restore them and get on with your day.

Don’t forget to keep your applications, programs, and operating systems up to date. The constant updates can be overwhelming, but most updates are issued to patch exploits that viruses use to infect computers. Keep your computer up to date, and you’ll have a lot less to worry about in terms of viruses, malware, and ransomware.