How to remove LockZ Ransomware and decrypt .lockz files

What is LockZ Ransomware

LockZ Ransomware is a malicious software designed to encrypt files on a victim’s computer and demand payment for their release. Once it infiltrates a system, it appends the file extension .lockz to each encrypted file, rendering them inaccessible. For example, a file named document.docx would be renamed to document.docx.lockz. The ransomware employs complex encryption algorithms to ensure that victims cannot easily decrypt the affected files without the key. After the encryption process is complete, LockZ changes the desktop wallpaper and drops a ransom note titled @HELP_HERE_TO_RESCUE_YOUR_FILES@.txt. This note informs the victim of the attack and provides instructions on how to pay the ransom to recover their files, typically demanding 1 Bitcoin as payment and threatening to double the ransom if not paid within 48 hours.

Currently, there are no universal decryption tools available for LockZ. The encryption used by this ransomware is sophisticated enough that decryption without the specific key is impossible, barring the discovery of flaws in the ransomware’s code. Victims are strongly advised against paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee that the attackers will provide the decryption key after payment. Instead, victims should focus on removing the ransomware from their systems to prevent further encryption. While third-party data recovery tools or services might sometimes help in partially recovering specific file types, they are not reliable solutions for decrypting .lockz files. Prevention through regular data backups and robust security measures remains the most effective strategy against ransomware like LockZ.

How LockZ Ransomware infects computers

LockZ Ransomware infiltrates computers through various deceptive methods commonly used by cybercriminals. One prevalent approach is through phishing emails, where attackers distribute malicious attachments or links that, when opened, download and execute the ransomware on the victim’s system. Another method involves exploiting software vulnerabilities, allowing the ransomware to install itself without user consent when outdated or unpatched software is detected. Additionally, users may unknowingly download LockZ by accessing compromised websites, engaging with malicious ads, or using pirated software, which often comes bundled with malware. Peer-to-peer networks and infected removable drives also act as conduits for spreading the ransomware, as they can harbor concealed copies of the malware. The attacker’s main objective is to trick users into executing the ransomware, leading to the encryption of files and subsequent ransom demands.

1. Download LockZ Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .lockz 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 LockZ Ransomware

LockZ Ransomware files:


@HELP_HERE_TO_RESCUE_YOUR_FILES@.txt
{randomname}.exe


LockZ Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .lockz files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .lockz 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 .lockz 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 LockZ 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 .lockz files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the 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 a 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 a 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 LockZ 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. LockZ 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