Remove .Thor Locky Ransomware Virus and Fix Your PC

The Locky virus now uses the .thor extension. The ransomware now evolves on a daily basis. Just yesterday, we reported on the new .shit Locky variant. This article will assist you in the removal of the virus and the protection from it in the future.


Name
.Thor Locky

File Extensions
.thor, .locky, .odin, .zepto, .shit

Ransom
Around 0,5 BTC

Solution #1
.Thor Locky ransomware can be removed easily with the help of an anti-malware tool, a program that will clean your computer from the virus, remove any additional cyber-security threats, and protect you in the future.

Solution #2
.Thor Locky ransomware can be removed manually, though it can be very hard for most home users. See the detailed tutorial below.

Distribution
Email Spam, .dll files and exploit kits.

.Thor Locky – Distribution Methods

The virus is distributed through email spambots. The creators of .thor Locky have proved themselves as master infectors. The ransomware is one of the most contagious viruses in the cyberspace. The massive spam spike in 2016 signified that clearly. Locky employs the dangerous Necurs botnet.

The .Thor Locky ransomware virus encrypts files with the following extensions:

.js, .iwi, .cer, .der, .x3f, .srw, .pef, .ptx, .r3d, .rw2, .rwl, .raw, .raf, .orf, .nrw, .mrwref, .mef, .erf, .kdc, .dcr, .cr2, .crw, .sr2, .srf, .bay, .arw, .3fr, .dng, .jpe, .jpg, .cdr, .indd, .ai, .eps, .pdf, .pdd, .pptx, .psd, .dbf, .mdf, .wb2, .rtf, .wpd, .dxg, .xf, .dwg, .pst, .accdb, .mdb, .pptm, .ppt, .xlk, .p7b, .xlsm, .xlsb, .xlsx, .xls, .wps, .docm, .docx, .doc, .odb, .odc, .odm, .odp, .ods, .odt. .kdb, .db0, .dba, .rofl, .hkx, .upk, .das, .litemod, .asset, .ltx, .apk, .re4, .sav, .lbf, .slm, .bik, .epk, .rgss3a, .pak, .big, wallet, .wotreplay, .xxx, .py, .m3u, .flv, .css, .rb, .png, .jpeg, .txt, .p7c, .p12, .pfx, .pem, .crt, .sql, .7z, .rar, .m4a, .wma, .avi, .wmv, .csv, .d3dbsp, .zip, .sie, .sum, .t13, .t12, .qdf, .gdb, .pkpass, .bc6, .bc7, .bkp, .qic, .bkf, .sidn, .mddata, .itl, .itdb, .icxs, .hvpl, .hplg, .hkdb, .mdbackup, .bar, .ibank, .desc.

According to MyOnlineSecurity, the .thor Locky spam often masks malicious emails as official letter for:

  • E-Tickets
  • Bill overdue (telephone)
  • Package details
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The Locky ransomware virus reportedly uses spoofed Gmail accounts. This makes it harder to spot as most spam emails rarely use legitimate domains. The spam methods of Locky are very numerous and classifying them is an uphill battle. The most important tell-tale sign of a malicious email is the archive attachment.
More Information About The Locky Spam!

Online sources report that the .thor Locky spam also utilizes Google Drive and other file-sharing services.

The naming of Locky

The creators of Locky seem to be very fond of either Norse mythology or the Marvel Universe. Locky itself sounds very similar to Loki. In Norse myth, Loki is a shape shifter god, which is fitting , considering Locky changes so frequently. The popularity of this character skyrocketed since the first Thor (2011) film, where he was played by Tom Hiddleston. Pop culture is often referenced in the ransomware world. A good example would be the Fsociety virus.

Odin and Thor are also gods from Norse mythology which appeared in the Marvel Film Universe (played by Anthony Hopkins and Chris Hemsworth respectively.) There’s an obvious pattern to the naming of these extensions. The .shit extension on the other hand…

.Thor Locky Ransomware Virus – Solution and Prevention

You can remove the .Thor Locky Ransomware using an anti-malware tool. This software will help you to get rid of .Thor Locky and restore your system back to normal. We have also provided a detailed tutorial on how to remove the ransomware by hand. This option leaves more room for error, especially if you’re not familiar with the more complex setting of Windows. Both methods can be effective if you follow our guidelines.

.Thor Locky Ransomware Removal

For a faster solution, you can run a scan with an advanced malware removal tool and delete .Thor Locky 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

Windows-key-plus-R-button-launch-Run-Box-in-Windows-illustrated

    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

    show-hidden-files-win8-10

    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 .Thor Locky Ransomware Using SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

Manual removal of .Thor Locky requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removal of any important data can lead to permanent system damage. Prevent this troublesome effect – delete .Thor Locky ransomware with SpyHunter malware removal 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

    restore-your-personal-files-using-File-History-bestecuritysearch

      – Hit the “Restore” button

    3) Using System Restore Point

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

restore-files-using-system-restore-point

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.

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Author : Alex Dimchev

Alex Dimchev is a beat writer for Best Security Search. When he's not busy researching cyber-security matters, he enjoys sports and writing about himself in third person.


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