LISP ransomware arises from STOP/DJVU malware family
Contents
LISP ransomware is a malicious Windows OS virus that encrypts all files (documents, photos, databases) and appends .lisp extension to original file names. Following that, this virus drops _readme.txt notes in every affected folder. As a consequence of this cyber attack, the user finds personal files impossible to open. For example, a file named 1.jpg appears as 1.jpg.lisp in the same folder after encryption. This ransomware is the 267th variant of STOP/DJVU malware, which also installs AZORULT password-stealer on the system.
The sole aim of LISP ransomware is to take victim’s important files hostage, and convince one to pay a ransom for data recovery tools. As explained in the ransom note _readme.txt, the criminals behind this crime state that documents, photos, videos and databases were encrypted with strongest encryption, and the only way to decrypt them is to purchase a decryption key and software from the criminals.
In this guide, I will explain how to remove LISP conputer virus and restore your files step-by-step.
The attackers demand paying a ransom to them, and the price of it ranges based on how quickly the victim writes to them and pays the required sum of money. If the victim contacts the criminals and pays within 3 full days (72 hours) the ransom price equals to $490. If the victim delays the payment, the price doubles to $980.
Just like any other criminals, people behind this STOP/DJVU variant demands to purchase a corresponding sum of money in certain cryptocurrency (such as Bitcoin) and transfer it to their crypto-wallet. This helps to guarantee their privacy when cashing out the money.
The ransom note explains that the victim should write to one of provided emails – either helpmanager@mail.ch or restoremanager@airmail.cc and include one encrypted file for test decryption. The attackers promise to provide decrypted .lisp file variant in their reply email. This technique is used to convince the victim to pay the ransom.
However, do not get fooled – it does not mean that the criminals will provide the decryption tools after receiving your money, nor that it will work on all of your files. Finally, it is never worth funding cybercrime industry this way, not to mention the fact that the criminals will target you as a potential “payer” in future attacks.
That said, we recommend you to remove LISP ransomware virus first and then take actions to restore your files.
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| Name | LISP ransomware |
| Type | Ransomware; Crypto-virus; File Locker |
| Origins | STOP/DJVU virus |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom price | $490 or $980 |
| File marker | .lisp |
| Damage | This ransomware encrypts all files on a computer, making them inaccessible. The virus demands paying a ransom to cybercriminals in exchange for data decryption means. This virus also installs password-stealer on the system, deletes Volume Shadow Copies and modifies Windows HOSTS file. |
| Distribution | This malicious program often disguises itself as malicious software cracks and keygens on various torrent sites. |
| Removal | Remove LISP virus professionally. For virus damage repair, scan with SYSTEM MECHANIC ULTIMATE DEFENSE |
What the ransomware developers did to your files
Ransomware is extremely popular cyber extortion tool nowadays, as it allows to virtually harass a computer user by making one’s files inaccessible. For this to happen, the criminals create a malicious software that leverages cryptographic algorithms such as RSA to encrypt files with public key, and save the decryption key (the private one) to criminals’ servers.
However, we must stress out the fact that STOP/DJVU ransomware variants, such as LISP virus, have slightly different modus operandi than other crypto-viruses such as DHARMA. The first thing that this specific virus does after entering the system is try to contact its Command & Control servers. If it manages to establish the connection, it obtains an “online” encryption key, or, in other words, generates unique encryption/decryption key pair for the victim.
If the ransomware fails to establish the connection, it uses a hardcoded encryption key, therefore called the “offline” one, to encrypt victim’s data. You can learn more about online and offline encryption methods, and chances to decrypt .lisp files either way, below this article or in this lengthy guide.
Get to know crypto-malware distribution techniques to avoid getting infected
LISP ransomware virus is distributed via traditional ransomware proliferation paths, such as malicious email spam, illegal downloads and fake websites serving malicious payloads. To begin with, we will describe the method that is the most common for all STOP/DJVU malware variants.
The developers of this specific ransomware variant tend to create a malicious executable that is presented as a crack or keygen tool for the victim. Computer users infected by previous variants of DJVU claim they have downloaded the virus in a form of a fake Adobe Photoshop crack, video editing programs’ keygens, or game cracks. All of them have searched for these tools on illegal file sharing domains that suggest getting these copyright-protected materials in a form of torrents that can be downloaded via agents like zMule or uTorrent.
Unfortunately, after opening such malicious file, thinking that it will help to activate paid software for free, the victim discovers that it was a disguised malware. That is why we always recommend purchasing legitimate software versions and enjoying full set of program’s features without having to worry about your security and privacy.
Another popular way to insert malware into victims’ computers is to distribute email spam. The attackers compose email messages that try to urge the victim to open the attached document (Word, PDF or another) to view its contents. Unfortunately, nowadays documents can be used to transmit malware of various kinds, such as Trojans or ransomware. That is why we recommend to avoid opening any links or attachments in emails you DID NOT expect to receive. Cybercriminals can even spoof the sender’s email address to make the message seem more convincing, so beware of that.
Remove LISP ransomware virus completely
In order to secure your privacy, file system and other sensitive information such as your login credentials, we recommend you to initiate LISP ransomware removal as soon as possible. For this matter, we recommend using an automated virus removal software of your choice.
You can find instructions on how to remove LISP ransomware virus yourself right below this article. Do not forget to follow each step attentively, and change all of your browser-saved passwords afterward. To restore your Windows OS components and repair general virus damage to the computer, scan with SYSTEM MECHANIC ULTIMATE DEFENSE .
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LISP ransomware virus Removal Guidelines
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove LISP ransomware virus virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus
Now, you can search for and remove LISP ransomware virus files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable security program such as INTEGO Antivirus, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.
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Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.
Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users
- Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10/11 users
- Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.
- This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
- This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.
- Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.
After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.
Alternative software recommendations
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Decrypt LISP files
Fix and open large LISP files easily:
It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.
- Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
- Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the LISP extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
- In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
- Try opening the file.
STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide
STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. LISP ransomware virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like BBYY, BBII, BBZZ, BBII, HKGT, EFVC, EIJY (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.
Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.
In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt LISP files, follow the given tutorial.
- Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
- Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
- Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
- In UAC window, click Yes.
- Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
- The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work. - Click Decrypt to start restoring LISP files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.
Meanings of decryptor's messages
The LISP decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:
Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]
This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.
No key for New Variant online ID: [example ID]
Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.
Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.
If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your LISP extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.
Report Internet crime to legal departments
Victims of LISP ransomware virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:
- In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
- In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
- In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
- In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
- In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
- In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
- In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
- In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
- In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.
If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.
Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can only open LISP files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.
To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.
Please follow the guidances provided by the official LISP decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).
We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.
Beware of fake LISP decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.
Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.
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