Remove Lockedv1 Ransomware (Virus Removal Guide)
Lockedv1 ransomware encrypts files to ask for a ransom
Contents
Lockedv1 ransomware is a newly discovered malicious computer virus that targets to encrypt all personal files on victim’s computer. Once installed, it starts encrypting all data, adding .lockedv1 extension to encrypted files. Following successful data corruption, the virus drops ransom note called READMEV1.txt in every folder. The note offers installing Tor browser to access a ransom payment page with further data decryption instructions. At the end of this note, a victim’s identification key is provided.
The primary aim of Lockedv1 virus is to extort the computer user by taking his/hers personal files hostage. The virus locks them using cryptographic algorithms and offers the private decryption key for the victim for a specific price. In this case, the page provided by the virus (accessible via Tor browser only) asks for 0.01 BTC, which at the time of checking was equal to nearly 2,700 USD. Needless to say, it is an outrageous sum to ask from computer user.
The payment page also includes a button to check whether the payment has reached the cybercriminals. The page states that links to download the decryption program will provided after criminals receive the payment.
To pay the ransom, criminals provide a crypto-wallet address. The victim is asked to purchase 0.01 Bitcoin and transfer it to the said wallet. Next to the instructions, the criminals provide links where the victim can buy cryptocurrency and learn how to do it using a credit card or Paypal.
We’d like to remind you that paying a ransom for cybercriminals is never a recommended option. There is never a guarantee that you will receive decryption tools after paying, and that they will be fully functional to restore your files. Moreover, you should not opt for supporting the cybercrime industry in this way. What is more important is that this specific ransomware variant is not analyzed well enough, and there are chances that you can restore your files without paying (in the future). Only robust ransomware threats like Dharma or STOP are known to be using unbreakable encryption.
That said, if you have been infected with this malware, we recommend you to remove Lockedv1 ransomware virus using robust anti-malware software. To repair virus damage on operating system files, run a scan with RESTORO.
| Name | Lockedv1 ransomware virus |
| Type | Ransomware; File Locker; Crypto-malware |
| Extension | .lockedv1 |
| Ransom note | READMEV1.txt |
| Ransom demand | 0.01 BTC (approx. 2700 USD) |
| Damage | Encrypts all personal files, deletes Volume Shadow Copies, exposes computer system to further infections |
| Distribution | This ransomware reaches computer users in a form of malicious email attachment, torrent download or fake software update ad |
| Removal | Remove this virus using anti-malware tools. For virus damage repair, we recommend scanning with RESTORO. |
Ransomware is currently the most dangerous computer virus type in the wild. It is an extremely popular virtual extortion tool used by cybercriminals. With viruses like IGAL, OMFL, DHARMA or PHOBOS, hackers have raked up millions in ransoms in 2019 and 2020 alone. Please, do not consider paying even more money to them. Check alternative data recovery methods and keep following the updates regarding virus you’ve been infected with.
Ransomware distribution explained: avoid getting infected again
Ransomware-type viruses like Lockedv1 are mainly distributed via infectious online downloads, for instance, torrent sites. Therefore, if you decided to get a software crack or keygen, or another copyright-protected material for free, evaluate the risk of potential malware infections that can await in these downloads. Computer users often bypass antivirus or anti-malware warnings regarding potential malware hiding in cracked software, therefore, this results in complete data encryption, installation of password-stealing Trojan and similar menaces.
Another main way to deliver malicious payloads for computer users is deceptive email spam campaigns containing malicious attachments or links. During pandemic times, cybercriminals leverage the whole online-shopping circumstance and tend to send out deceptive parcel tracking/delivery emails, claiming to be from DPD, DHL, TNT or UPS. These emails can contain a safe-looking attachment that hides malicious script inside of them. Please remember that malware can be injected into many file formats, it doesn’t need to arrive in executable (.exe) format only.
Finally, criminals can leverage expired domains to serve malware for their visitors. Additionally, they might use them to cause redirects to other domains offering to install software updated for widely used software such as Java. Unfortunately, agreement to install such fake update often results in a severe computer infection. That said, we do not recommend trusting suspicious online sources that suggest you should install something. Most of the time, websites cannot check the version of specific software you’re using on your computer, nor scan it for malware. If you’re interested to upgrade the software you’re using, do it only after visiting the official software vendor website. This guarantees you will get a real and secure download/update.
Remove Lockedv1 ransomware virus immediately
One of the best ways to remove Lockedv1 ransomware virus is to eliminate it automatically. For that, we recommend using anti-malware software of your choice. In addition, we recommend scanning with RESTORO to repair virus damage caused on Windows OS. It is a recommended software to clean maliciously modified Windows registry files, DLLs and other system components.
Once Lockedv1 virus removal is completed, you should remember one basic rule to keep your files protected in the future: create data backups regularly. Do not forget that the safest backups are backups stored in external data storage devices, such as hard drives.
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
STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER
GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.
Lockedv1 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 the 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, see a video tutorial on how to do it:
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 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 Lockedv1 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 malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
REMOVE MALWARE & REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE
1 Step. Get robust antivirus to remove existing threats and enable real-time protection
INTEGO Antivirus for Windows provides robust real-time protection, Web Shield against phishing and deceptive websites, blocks malicious downloads and blocks Zero-Day threats. Use it to remove ransomware and other viruses from your computer professionally.
2 Step. Repair Virus Damage on Windows Operating System Files
Download RESTORO to scan your system for FREE and detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically.
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 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
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.
Matt Corey is passionate about the latest tech news, gadgets and everything IT. Matt loves to criticize Windows and help people solve problems related to this operating system. When he’s not tinkering around with new gadgets he orders, he enjoys skydiving, as it is his favorite way to clear his mind and relax.
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