What is LockerGoga Ransomware?
LockerGoga Ransomware is a malicious application that encrypts almost every single file that is not associated with the operating system. The malware marks data it affects with the .locked extension, which is not particularly unique since other similar threats are using it as well. Later on, it should display a note explaining what has happened and what the victim is supposed to do to receive decryption tools. To be more precise, the hackers ask to pay a ransom. They do not say how much to pay but mention the price could depend on how fast the user contacts them. Anyone who encounters this malicious application or any threat alike should understand it would be unwise to trust cybercriminals. There are no guarantees they will do as promised, and if the victim does not wish to risk losing money in vain, we advise deleting LockerGoga Ransomware. For more information we invite you to read the full article, as for removal instructions, you should take a look at the steps available below.
Where does LockerGoga Ransomware come from?
Our researchers at Anti-spyware-101.com noticed the note claims “There was a significant flaw in the security system of your company.” The word company suggests LockerGoga Ransomware could be attacking computers belonging to various organizations. In such case, it is likely it could enter via unsecured RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) connections, which is why those who wish to avoid the threat should make sure they do not have this vulnerability.
Such malicious applications are often spread via infected email attachments, so it is possible the hackers behind this malware may use this method too. To protect the computer from such attacks, the user should not open attachments or links received from unknown sources. However, it might not be enough since cybercriminals are capable of creating email messages that may look legitimate. Therefore, before interacting it is vital to confirm the sender’s address is genuine and used by the organization he claims to represent. Also, if you are in doubt, it is best to scan the suspected data with a chosen antimalware tool.
How does LockerGoga Ransomware work?
At first, LockerGoga Ransomware should create a copy of its launcher in the %TEMP% directory. According to our researchers, the malicious application’s copy is supposed to be called svch0st.10470.exe (the numbers at the end are most likely random). Next, the threat should identify its targeted data, which, as we explained earlier, is everything except the files used by the operating system. Thus, the malware might encrypt precious photos, important documents, and so on.
Soon after encrypting files with the RSA4096 and AES-256 encryption algorithms, the malicious application is supposed to create a text file named README-NOW.txt in the computer’s C: disk. It claims LockerGoga Ransomware encrypts data with the mentioned encryption systems. Also, it tries to convince the victim it is a lucky coincidence he received the threat as other hackers could have “damaged all of your data by mistake or for fun.” Usually, cybercriminals create file-encrypting malware for money extortion, so it is rarely done for fun or by mistake. Not to mention, encrypted or not, without the decryption tools the data is as good as damaged.
The last part of the ransom note explains the victim should not do anything with encrypted files. The hackers recommend contacting them and paying a ransom. It is not something we advise since it is entirely possible these people could scam you. They can promise anything, but one cannot know what they will do.
How to eliminate LockerGoga Ransomware?
Provided you do not wish to deal with the hackers and do not trust they will hold on to their end of the bargain; we recommend erasing LockerGoga Ransomware. To get rid of it manually you should complete the steps listed below the text. As for users who find the task too challenging, they could remove the threat with the help of a legitimate antimalware tool.
Erase LockerGoga Ransomware
- Tap Ctrl+Alt+Delete.
- Pick Task Manager.
- Select the Processes tab.
- Look for a process associated with the malware.
- Select the process and click End Task.
- Leave Task Manager.
- Tap Win+E.
- Go to these locations:
%TEMP%
%USERPROFILE%\Downloads
%USERPROFILE%\Desktop - Find executable files called svch0st.{random numbers}.exe and check for other data that could be malicious, right-click it and select Delete.
- Search for a document titled README-NOW.txt in the C: disk, right-click it and select Delete.
- Close File Explorer.
- Empty Recycle Bin.
- Restart the computer.
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