Remove LOKF Ransomware Virus (Decryption Information)

LOKF ransomware converts files useless using RSA

LOKF ransomware virus is one of the latest STOP/DJVU variants. It is a file-encrypting malicious program that is set to target specific file types on a computer and encrypt them using the RSA cryptography algorithm. The virus uses either offline or online keys to corrupt files, adds .lokf file extensions to their original names, creates notes called _readme.txt, in which demands to pay a ransom of $490-$980 in Bitcoins. To learn how, the victim is advised to contact the attackers via provided emails – [email protected] or [email protected].

It is a well-known fact that LOKF ransomware infects computers and computer networks if the victim downloads and opens a malicious software crack or keygen. Once installed, the virus disables active firewalls, deletes volume shadow copies (to prevent data recovery), installs Azorult Trojan on the system and creates dozens of other problems on the system.

The biggest issue is that it encrypts files using the RSA algorithm, and the victim might not notice anything until the malware finishes its job. The only thing that might be noticeable is a slight computer slowdown.

During data encryption, the virus appends .lokf file extensions to mark locked data. It has to be mentioned that the ransomware might skip some files based on their file size or data extension. It typically also ignores system files that are required for the operating system to function.

Threat Summary

Name	LOKF ransomware virus
Type	Ransomware, File-encrypting malware
Malware Family	STOP ransomware (DJVU)
Encryption Method	RSA
File Extension	.lokf
Ransom Note	_readme.txt
Ransom Amount	$490-$980
Contact Emails (Cyber criminals)	[email protected], second email: [email protected]
Additional details	Installs Azorult Trojan (password stealer)
Decryption available?	Impossible. Only chances to recover if offline key is used.
Removal	Remove using antivirus of your choice in Safe Mode with Networking (see details below)

Once encrypted, .lokf file extension files are unavailable to the victim and they cannot be opened in any way. This is done to make victims lose important data, such as years of work or precious family memories. However, there is NO WAY to restore these files no matter what your personal ID is. You can only check if it is offline or online and use it as guidance whether you can hope to restore some data in the future or not.

Once all files are encoded, the virus saves a specific text into a ransom note called _readme.txt. The malicious program is developed to save this file in each folder that has some encrypted files on it. The ransom note suggests contacting the cybercriminals via provided emails and pay a ransom of $490 (if paid within 72 hours) or $980 if later. The ransom has to be paid in Bitcoin for cybercriminals’ privacy. They even suggest sending one file for decryption to prove that their decryption tools work for .lokf extension.

We do not recommend paying the ransom. However, if you do, you can contact Michael Gillespie, a genius security researcher, and provide him with information so that he could use it for further malware analysis. In the meantime, all victims of this ransomware should remove LOKF virus as soon as possible with an up-to-date antivirus tool using instructions given at the end of this article.

Data decryption is nearly impossible

LOKF ransomware is the 181th version of the virus, which is currently undecryptable even using the STOP Decrypter. However, you should first check whether your files were encrypted with online or offline key. If an offline key was used, you have hope to recover files in the future. You need to wait until the security experts will crack the key. It is unknown how long that can take, so please backup encrypted data and stay patient.

In some cases, miracles happen, so you can also backup your encrypted data (online key). There were cases when cyber criminals were arrested, their keys seized, or they just published them randomly. Of course, DJVU developers know what they’re doing, so the chances of recovering data are very, very low.

Distribution operates via software crack and keygen downloads

LOKF ransomware virus is essentially similar to MOSK, DERP, COOT, and other DJVU variants. All of them are distributed via illegal downloads that victims decide to opt for. The developers of the ransomware tend to pack the malicious payload into popular illegal downloads used to activate software licenses for free.

Keep in mind that you should never download such files. They are very easy bait for victims as you can see the DJVU success worldwide. Once opened, such files run the ransomware which then starts encrypting all files on the computer.

However, you should not forget other ransomware distribution tricks, such as outdated software, malicious email attachments, shady third-party websites and other means. Always think before you click on something online and triple-check the reliability of websites you’re exploring if you do not want to end up with malware on your computer.

Remove LOKF virus and recover files encrypted by the ransomware

Remove LOKF ransomware virus by booting your PC in Safe Mode with Networking, update your antivirus and run a thorough system scan right after. This will identify Azorult along with ransomware and delete their files, registry keys and other remains from the system. Once the system is clean, you’ll can use your computer safely again. Of course, do not forget to change all your passwords, especially the ones you had saved in your browser’s memory.

After LOKF ransomware removal, try to find your data backups and restore files from them. Keep in mind that if you do not clean your computer properly first, the ransomware might encrypt files on external devices you plug into the infected machine.