How to remove LegionRoot Ransomware and decrypt your files

What is LegionRoot Ransomware

LegionRoot Ransomware stands out as a recently discovered crypto-malware that specifically targets user files to extort payment from its victims. After stealthily infiltrating a system—often via phishing emails, malicious attachments, or compromised downloads—it initiates an encryption process using the RSA encryption algorithm. Notably, each targeted file’s name is appended with a string of random characters, such as 1.jpg.ZQJWWm&X&W, rather than a static extension, making it harder for users and automated tools to instantly recognize the infection. Once LegionRoot_ReadMe.txt is generated, typically placed in every affected folder, victims realize their files are inaccessible; documents, photos, databases, and other crucial data become unreadable, and attempts to open them are futile. The ransom note within this text file demands $500 worth of Bitcoin sent to a specified wallet, promising a private decryption key in return. Cyber criminals behind LegionRoot claim that file recovery is impossible without their unique private key, offering to demonstrate their ability by decrypting a single file if contacted.

No legitimate or publicly available decryption tools currently exist for LegionRoot Ransomware, and the sophistication of RSA-based encryption means that DIY recovery is impossible unless significant flaws are discovered within the malware. Security researchers consistently warn against paying ransoms, as there’s no guarantee the attackers will actually provide functioning decryption software; payment perpetuates cybercriminal activity and can even result in further extortion attempts. To recover encrypted files, the only reliable solution is to restore data from secure, pre-existing backups that were kept separate from the infected system. It’s advised to completely remove the ransomware using reputable anti-malware software and then focus on data restoration only after total system cleansing. Attempting to use decryption tools designed for other ransomware types can lead to permanent data loss, so identification via platforms like ID Ransomware is crucial before any action. Regular, isolated backups remain the most effective defense against ransomware attacks, while maintaining vigilant browsing and email habits can greatly reduce the risk of infection by threats like LegionRoot.

How LegionRoot Ransomware infects computers

LegionRoot Ransomware primarily infiltrates computers through phishing and social engineering tactics, exploiting unsuspecting users who inadvertently download malicious files. These files are often disguised as legitimate email attachments or bundled with seemingly harmless software from untrustworthy sources like torrent sites and free file-hosting services. Once a user opens the infected file, the ransomware triggers an encryption process, locking the victim’s files and demanding a ransom for their decryption. Additionally, the malware can spread through trojans, drive-by downloads, and malicious ads, further increasing its reach. It is crucial for users to exercise caution when downloading files, clicking on links in unsolicited emails, and to maintain updated security software to mitigate the risk of such infections.

1. Download LegionRoot Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for encrypted files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like LegionRoot Ransomware

LegionRoot Ransomware files:


LegionRoot_ReadMe.txt
{randomname}.exe


LegionRoot Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore encrypted files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt encrypted files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of encrypted files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with LegionRoot Ransomware and removed from your computer you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore encrypted files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like LegionRoot Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. LegionRoot Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro