What is .lightning Ransomware File Extension?
.lightning Ransomware File Extension can turn your photos and documents into worthless files that your system might be unable to read anymore. The malware encrypts the user’s data with a strong encryption algorithm, which makes it impossible to open it without decrypting it first. Sadly, the tools needed for decryption are in possession of the hackers behind the infection, and as usual, they demand a ransom. Truth to be told, it is possible the cybercriminals do not have decryption means either, which is why we do not recommend putting up with their demands. If your computer got infected with this malicious application, we recommend reading our full article to learn more about it. Also, we can offer deletion instructions available at the end of the article if you decide to erase .lightning Ransomware File Extension.
Where does .lightning Ransomware File Extension come from?
In most cases threats similar to .lightning Ransomware File Extension are distributed with email attachments, installers, and other data that may look harmless. Such content can come from various unreliable sources, such as Spam emails, unknown senders, file-sharing web pages, and so on. If your system has vulnerabilities like unsecured Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections, the hackers could exploit it to set up the malware as well. Thus, in addition to staying away from files that could come from untrustworthy sources or raise suspicion, you should also replace weak passwords, update outdated tools, and do everything you can to remove the computer’s weaknesses. No doubt, a legitimate antimalware tool could increase the device’s security and help you separate malicious content too.
How does .lightning Ransomware File Extension work?
.lightning Ransomware File Extension is not particularly sophisticated as it has a simple working manner. First, the infection should identify targeted data and then encrypt it. To separate it from all other files on the computer, the malicious application is supposed to apply a particular extension (.[youhaveonechance@cock.li].lightning) to all encrypted files, for example, picture.jpg.[youhaveonechance@cock.li].lightning.
The next malware’s task is to show a ransom note that would explain to the user how to contact the hackers behind .lightning Ransomware File Extension. For this reason, the threat should drop text documents named !=How_to_decrypt_files=!.txt in all the folders containing encrypted files. The message they ought to carry claims users can learn the price of needed decryption tools by emailing the cybercriminals. Also, they threaten to double the price if the user does not contact them in 7 days. The reason we advise against contacting the malicious application’s developers is there is a chance you could get scammed.
How to erase .lightning Ransomware File Extension?
If you think dealing with the malware’s developers could be too risky too, we encourage you to remove .lightning Ransomware File Extension. It can be erased manually if you complete the steps available below the article. On the other hand, users can also eliminate the infection with a legitimate antimalware tool. All there is to do is pick a reputable tool and scan the system. Later on, you should be able to get rid of all detections by pressing a deletion button. Do not forget if you have a backup you could use it to replace encrypted files as soon as the system is malware-free again.
Remove .lightning Ransomware File Extension
- Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Pick Task Manager and select Processes.
- Locate a process belonging to the threat.
- Select it and click End Task.
- Exit Task Manager.
- Click Windows key+E.
- Locate these paths:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%\Downloads
%USERPROFILE%\Desktop - Locate the malicious application’s launcher.
- Right-click it and select Delete.
- Find documents named !=How_to_decrypt_files=!.txt, right-click them and choose Delete.
- Exit File Explorer.
- Empty your Recycle Bin.
- Restart the computer.
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