LoveLock Ransomware Virus (Removal Steps and Protection Updates)

The LoveLock ransomware is a newly discovered threat which is still under development, you can read more about it in our in-depth removal guide.

LoveLock Ransomware Description

Security experts have uncovered a new virus called LoveLock Ransomware. This malware appears to be very simple and probably under development by its developer.

At the moment a detailed security analysis is not yet available. We do not know that it is a strain originating from the Hidden Tear open-source family of threats.

Once the infection is active on the host computer it sets up a connection to the remote C&C servers to indicate of the new host. The encryption engine uses a strong cipher and targets the following file type extensions:

.asp, .aspx, .csv, .doc, .docx, .html, .jpg, .mdb, .odt, .php, .png, .ppt, .pptx,
.psd, .sln, .sql, .txt, .xls, .xlsx, .xml

All affected data receive the .hasp extension.

In addition all files found in the %Desktop%\test2 are also encrypted. A ransomware note is then crafted which contains the following text:

text1

This means that the virus is still in development and we are probably going to see future iterations of it in the future. Fortunately the virus’s signature closely matches its parent origin and this makes it easy to remove using a quality anti-spyware solution.

LoveLock Ransomware Distribution

The LoveLock ransomware can be distributed using different methods depending on the targets and the skills of the criminal operators. However the most popular options include the following:

• Spam Campaigns – Usually these messages are delivered via mass emails that are sent from hacked email servers. They contain links or files that cause the virus infection.
• Browser Hijackers and Malicious Ads – They can infect the targets by sending them to download sites and directly saving the file to the local computer without any user interaction.
• Software Installers – Software installers downloaded from pirate sites and BitTorrent trackers often contain dangerous viruses that begin their infection when the installer is executed.

LoveLock Ransomware – How To Remove it and Prevent It From Coming Back

There are two ways of removal:

• With an anti-malware tool – this will also help prevention
  
• Manually – using the instructions below

<

LoveLock Ransomware Ransomware Removal

For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete LoveLock Ransomware completely with a few mouse clicks.

STEP I: Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently.

1) Hit WIN Key + R

2) A Run window will appear. In it, write “msconfig” and then press Enter
3) A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named “Boot”
4) Mark “Safe Boot” option and then go to “Network” under it to tick it too
5) Apply -> OK

Or check our video guide – “How to start PC in Safe Mode with Networking”

STEP II: Show Hidden Files

1) Open My Computer/This PC
2) Windows 7
– Click on “Organize” button
– Select “Folder and search options”
– Select the “View” tab
– Go under “Hidden files and folders” and mark “Show hidden files and folders” option

3) Windows 8/ 10

– Open “View” tab
– Mark “Hidden items” option



4) Click “Apply” and then “OK” button

STEP III: Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes

1) Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2) Get over to “Processes”
3) When you find suspicious process right click on it and select “Open File Location”
4) Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose “End Process”
5) Next you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it

STEP IV: Remove Completely LoveLock Ransomware Ransomware Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter

STEP V: Repair Windows Registry

1) Again type simultaneously the Windows Button + R key combination
2) In the box, write “regedit”(without the inverted commas) and hit Enter
3) Type the CTRL+F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4) In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys

Further help for Windows Registry repair

STEP VI: Recover Encrypted Files

1) Use present backups
2) Restore your personal files using File History
– Hit WIN Key
– Type “restore your files” in the search box
– Select “Restore your files with File History”
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar



– Hit the “Restore” button

3) Using System Restore Point

– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps

STEP VII: Preventive Security Measures

1) Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
2) Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
3) Secure your web browser.
4) Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
5) Disable macros in Office documents.
6) Use strong passwords.
7) Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
8) Backup regularly your data.

SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter