Geek's Advice

LOCKBIT 2.0 ransomware gets an upgrade

LockBit 2.0 ransomware is a new variant of the infamous LockBit file-locking virus. This malware is designed to target large companies and encrypt all files on the target system and connected drives using military-grade encryption algorithms (AES + ECC). This procedure turns data useless since files can no longer be opened or edited. The virus marks each file name with .lockbit extension. To illustrate, victim’s file originally called 1.jpg appears as 1.jpg.lockbit after encryption. During the attack, the ransomware drops Restore-My-Files.txt ransom note along with LockBit_Ransomware.hta file which opens in a pop-up window. The virus also changes Windows desktop wallpaper to display ransom note contents. Additionally, the operators of this malware claim that they have also stolen victim’s data in addition to encrypting it. The criminals suggest that the victim should visit the specific URL via Tor web browser and write to them in order to get specific LockBit file decryption tool price.

As it is usual for viruses of this kind, LockBit 2.0 ransomware aims to extort the computer user by keeping one’s files hostage. They take control of one’s files illegally, then demand paying a hefty ransom in Bitcoin for file decryption service. Unlike other widespread ransomware threats, such as STOP/DJVU, this virus doesn’t specify exact ransom price in the ransom note and leaves this matter open for discussion.

Speaking of the ransom note in .hta format (which appears on the screen in a form of pop-up), it suggests that all victim’s important files were stolen and encrypted. It also warns that any attempts to restore files using third-party apps will be fatal for files. According to the message, the only way to decrypt .lockbit files and prevent data leakage is to purchase a decryption tool and private key from cybercriminals. The message then instructs that the ransomware page may be accessed via Brave browser, Firefox, Chrome, Edge or Opera, but a specific URL can be used only. However, the browser may still block the site. Therefore, the criminals suggest that a better option is to download Tor browser and access one of provided .onion site variations.

As explained in Restore-My-Files.txt note, the criminals suggest downloading TOR browser and using it to access provided .onion sites. To access them, the victim also needs to provide “Decryption ID” which can also be found on the ransom note file. Once the victim enters the site, one can find a chat box which can be used to contact the criminals. Additionally, these sites allow uploading one file for test decryption (max. 256 kb).

The criminals behind this ransomware threaten to publish all victim’s files on their blog if the victim refuses to pay the ransom amount specified by them. They suggest viewing data of companies who failed to pay the ransom previously.

While the threats seem extremely serious, cybersecurity specialists still do not recommend paying the ransom. The only reason why such viruses are still active is because there are people who listen to criminals’ demands. Besides, there are many cases when victim companies or home users paid the required amount of money in Bitcoin and never recovered their files simply because cybercriminals can’t be trusted.

The first thing you should do if your computer got infected with this malware is to remove LockBit 2.0 ransomware virus from the system professionally. For that, you might want to use a trustworthy antivirus software of your choice. In such situations, our team typically recommends a VB100 certified software INTEGO Antivirus. A good software to repair virus damage after malware infiltration can be downloaded here – RESTORO.

Ransomware Summary

REMOVE MALWARE & REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

Distribution of ransomware-type threats

LockBit 2.0 ransomware is a highly targeted virus that primarily aims to infect large companies with intention to extort insane amounts of money. Therefore, its distribution is a lot more deliberate and complex compared to regular virtual extortion tools designed for home users. In this section, we’ll go over the distribution scheme of this particular virus and will also describe regular ransomware distribution methods to give you a general idea how to prevent this type of computer infections in the future.

Operators behind LockBit 2.0 ransomware operates on RaaS basis, meaning that it allows various cybercriminals join the attacks and get part of the income. The whole infection procedure begins with recruited cybercriminals whose task is to hack into target systems using RDP credentials or other chosen infiltration methods. Usually, the recruits are equipped with StealBit Trojan which can be used to establish access and steal data. Once in the target system, the malware uses a set of tools to help prepare for the attack. For example, tools like network scanners are used to map the network structure of the target and identify domain controllers.

The malware also performs a list of tasks, including disarming the system and shutting down security software, enabling RDP access, deleting Windows Logs, stopping various programs and services. After hacking into domain controller, LockBit 2.0 virus creates new group policies and assigns them to every computer on the infected network. Consequently, Windows Defender will be disabled on each of those devices, paving the way for the actual ransomware binary execution.

Speaking of more traditional ransomware distribution methods, cybercriminals tend to distribute them in a form of a malicious email attachment (usually in DOCX, PDF, XLS formats). Such emails are designed to look legitimate and written by someone from well-known companies, such as Amazon, eBay, various shopping sites, a colleague, or a parcel delivery company. Emails of such origin typically urge the potential victim to open the attached files as soon as possible and reply to the sender quickly. However, opening such attachment can be fatal for your files, as the said document formats can be filled with malicious scripts that can download the payload from an external source and execute it on the computer in seconds.

Another popular ransomware distribution method is closely associated with malicious online downloads (typically torrent files). Criminals tend to target computer users who are looking to install a paid software illegally and for free. In other words, they disguise the payload in a form of a software crack, keygen, or tool like KMSPico. That said, we recommend you to avoid such download sources and ensure that you only get legitimate software versions from their official developers’ sites.

Screenshots associated with this ransomware:

Remove LockBit 2.0 ransomware virus and recover your files

Manual removal of such complicated computer threats is not recommended. For this task, we strongly suggest booting in Safe Mode with Networking and exfiltrating malicious components automatically. Therefore, we recommend using software like INTEGO Antivirus to remove LockBit 2.0 ransomware virus and related threats professionally. Additionally, you may want to download RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Once LockBit 2.0 ransomware virus removal is complete, take actions to recover your files using data backups or online clouds. However, ensure that you connect your backup drives to the system only after the malware was successfully deleted.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7.. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

Read full review here.

STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

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Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

Norbert Webb

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.