Lock93 Ransomware - How to remove

Lock93 ransomware comes from Russia. It was discovered by MalwareHunterTeam on the 22nd of October, 2016. A thorough analysis of this new ransomware virus will be implemented as soon as the sample of the virus is received. For the time being, it is our job to introduce you with Lock93 file-encrypting virus so that you knew how to avoid its attack and how to act, if it has already infected your computer.

How is the Ecryption Process by Lock93 Ransomware Carried out?

Lock93 crypto-malware is likely to use the asymmetric encryption to lock the victim’s data. It appends .lock93 extension to the existing extensions of the certain file types. These particular data files are the following:

.3gp, .7z, .apk, .avi, .bmp, .cdr, .cer, .chm, .conf, .css, .csv, .dat, .db, .dbf, .djvu, .dbx, .docm, .doc, .epub, .docx .fb2, .flv, .gif, .gz, .iso .ibooks, .jpeg, .jpg, .key, .mdb, .md2, .mdf, .mht, .mobi, .mhtm, .mkv, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .mpg, .mpeg, .pict, .pdf, .pps, .pkg, .png, .ppt, .pptx, .ppsx, .psd, .rar, .rtf, .scr, .swf, .sav, .tiff, .tif, .tbl, .torrent, .txt, .vsd, .wmv, .xls, .xlsx, .xps, .xml, .ckp, .zip, .java, .py, .asm, .c, .cpp, .cs, .js, .php, .dacpac, .rbw, .rb, .mrg, .dcx, .db3, .sql, .sqlite3, .sqlite, .sqlitedb, .psd, .psp, .pdb, .dxf, .dwg, .drw, .casb, .ccp, .cal, .cmx, .cr2

The ransom note, which appears on the lock screen can be either in English or Russian. It is delivered using the HTML application and looks like the following image:

The lock screen of Lock93 crypto malware in Russian:

The contact e-mail provided in the note is [email protected], it is followed by an alternative e-mail address: [email protected]. The ransom message on the lock screen does not contain the specified amount of the ransom, though the text file of the note, which is stored in the infected folders, clearly indicates that the sum of money, which should be paid in the exchange of the stolen data, is 1000 RUR (Old Russian Rubles), which is exactly one RUB (Russian Ruble) or 2 cents. It is a completely absurd ransom payment demanded by the hackers. Accordingly, we may assume that the main purpose of the hackers behind Lock93 crypto-locker is not to become rich. The notes of the text file:

Send the code to the e-mail
You will get payment instructions
After payment you will get the unlock code and your data will be decrypted

Do not delete or modify files with extension lock93 and virus files because it can
destroy your data

Price: 1000 RUR

Для расшифровки данных отправьте код на E-mail
После этого вы получите инструкции по оплате
После оплаты вы получите код разблокировки и все данные будут расшифрованы

Не удаляйте и не редактируйте файлы с расширением lock93 и фалы самого вируса,
т. к. это может привести к потере данных

Стоимость расшифровки: 1000 рублей

Both of the texts are placed into one text file, which is named ИНСТРУКЦИЯ INSTRUCTION.txt.

How Does the Executable File of Lock93 Ransomware Get on Your PC?

The executable file of Lock93 file-locking virus may be either PDF, DOCX or RAR file. This file is disguised as some important document (e.g. some notice, invoice, etc.), added to spam e-mails as an attachment and sent to random e-mail addresses in search for the potential victims. When the victim opens such file, it is executed, the code of the virus starts running and the encryption process is begun.

How to Remove Lock93 Ransomware and Secure Your Computer?

Lock93 ransomware belongs to the category of malware, bearing high danger level. Consequently, remove it with automatic tools – the professional software such as Spyhunter or Malwarebytes. Though, manual removal can still be an option. The instructions are written below. If you go for the automatic removal, which is recommended, you will have security software active on your computer’s system, which will ensure your safer browsing and diminish the number of potential cyber infections greatly. In addition to this, be more careful with the spam e-mails you receive. It would be better, if you visited this folder only to delete the spam e-mails received.

What about Your Data?

As Lock93 trojan virus’ vulnerabilities are not examined yet, there is no decryption key available. Thus, you have to rely upon alternative means of data restore, such as external backup, system restore, data recovery software (e.g. Recuva), etc. As soon as the decryptor for Lock93 virus is released, we will update the article and provide with the link and/or instructions. The comment section below the removal instructions is at your service.

How to recover Lock93 Ransomware encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before Lock93 Ransomware has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of Lock93 Ransomware

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to Lock93 Ransomware. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore Lock93 Ransomware affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually Lock93 Ransomware tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover Lock93 Ransomware encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.