How to remove LockBit Ransomware and decrypt .lockbit, .lock2bits or .abcd files

What is LockBit Ransomware

LockBit is a ransomware-type threat that attacks user’s data with encryption algorithms and holds it locked until those pay a ransom. To do so, it retitles files with the .lockbit, .lock2bits or .abcd extensions. When finished, the malicious program will generate a text file named Restore-My-Files.txt.

This file is saturated with the necessary steps that victims have to do in order to decrypt their data. Firstly, you have to contact cyber criminals via their e-mail, then they will instruct you on how to pay for the decryption software. Besides that, you are allowed to send them any blocked file (not more than 1 MB) so that they could show that they can be trusted. Despite this, it is not recommended to purchase something from extortionists since there have been multiple times when those did not keep their promises and fooled gullible users. Unfortunately, decrypting files with third-parties software does not often give fruits due to tough-to-decrypt algorithms. The only decision is to delete LockBit Ransomware from your PC to prevent further encryptions.

How LockBit Ransomware infected your computer

The most popular method used by cybercriminals to distribute ransomware is e-mail spam. They bundle their messages with malicious attachments that, once opened, start running executable scripts and infect unprotected systems. These messages are typically filled up with MS Office documents, PDFs, RAR or ZIP formats, executables (.exe), and JavaScript files. Another resonant method is Trojans that cause chain infections. They can be masked under fake software updaters or cracking tools that are promoted around the web through malicious ads or banners. If downloaded, you will be infected with other software that will damage your privacy and hijack your data. To uninstall LockBit Ransomware and try to decrypt your data, follow the instructions listed below.

1. Download LockBit Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .lockbit, .lock2bits or .abcd 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 LockBit Ransomware

LockBit Ransomware files:


Restore-My-Files.txt
{randomfilename}.exe


LockBit Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .lockbit, .lock2bits or .abcd files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .lockbit, .lock2bits or .abcd files. Download it here:

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 .lockbit, .lock2bits or .abcd files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing of 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 LockBit Ransomware and removed it 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 .lockbit, .lock2bits or .abcd 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.

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 is no items in the list choose 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 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 LockBit Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Dashboard

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Alert

ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware Blocked

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.

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storages, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives or remote network storages can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. LockBit 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 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 is 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 very high level of anti-spam protection.