Lokd file extension
.Lokd file extension is a file extension that is appended to the name of files affected by the latest version of STOP (djvu) ransomware. Ransomware is a malware that encrypts victims’ files and thus locks up the information contained in them. Ransomware developers demand a ransom in exchange for a decryptor and a key, which are necessary for decrypting the files. Fortunately, since Lokd is one of the variants of STOP (djvu), in some cases you can use the free STOP (Lokd) decryptor to decrypt files affected by it. More details about this decryptor, as well as other ways of recovering encrypted files, will be discussed in this article.
Screenshot of files encrypted by Lokd virus (‘.lokd’ file extension)
Lokd virus
Lokd virus is malware that is 212th version of STOP (DJVU) ransomware. Like other versions of this ransomware, it is distributed through key generators, cracked software, adware and torrents web-sites. Upon execution, Lokd creates a folder in the Windows system directory and copies itself there. Then the virus changes some Windows OS settings so that it starts automatically every time the PC is turned on or restarted.
Having collected information about the victim’s computer, Lokd virus tries to establish a connection with its command-and-control server (C&C). If the connection has been established, the virus receives a key (so called ‘online key’) from the command server that will be used to encrypt files. In addition, Lokd virus may receive additional commands and files that will be executed on the victim’s computer. If the virus could not connect to the command server, then it uses a fixed key, which the security researchers called ‘offline key’.
There is a significant difference between ‘online key’ and ‘offline key’. The online key is unique for each victim, that is, the key from one victim will not help decrypt the files of the other victim. The offline key is the same for all victims. Thus, it can be used to decrypt files regardless of where they were encrypted.
Having a key to encrypt files, Lokd virus proceeds directly to the process of encrypting files. It encrypts file-by-file, so that all files of the victim will be encrypted. It doesn’t matter where the files are located, on the internal drive, flash drive, external media, cloud storage, all of them can be encrypted. There is a small exception, the virus does not encrypt files located in the Windows system directories, files with the extension from the list ‘.lnk, .bat, ini, .sys, .dll’ and files with the name ‘_readme.txt’. Thus, almost all of the victim’s data will be encrypted, including documents, pictures, databases, archives and other types of files, such as:
.mpqge, .xlk, .py, .jpe, .wri, .ff, .svg, .xmmap, .wb2, .0, .ltx, .iwi, .itm, .x3d, .webdoc, .wcf, .xlsm, .dbf, .ai, .vfs0, .sidd, .wsc, .mdf, .ybk, .txt, .xml, .db0, .wpl, .crw, .mef, .big, .hplg, .m4a, .xy3, .zdb, .icxs, .bsa, .xls, .wp4, .kdc, .ppt, .webp, .y, .qdf, .flv, .wdp, .fos, .ods, .wot, .w3x, .desc, .js, .zif, .ncf, .bkf, .mddata, .xlsx, .kdb, wallet, .rb, .xyp, .3fr, .wp, .xlsb, .xlsx, .cas, .pdd, .dng, .mrwref, .wav, .mov, .kf, .sb, .wgz, .raw, .ibank, .hvpl, .bc6, .snx, .m3u, .t12, .srw, .cdr, .dxg, .x3f, .pem, .xld, .litemod, .erf, .jpg, .gho, .doc, .docx, .pptx, .rgss3a, .psd, .sum, .asset, .bik, .wbz, .yal, .xdl, .syncdb, .nrw, .ztmp, .mlx, .tax, .bay, .t13, .dwg, .lbf, .wbmp, .wp6, .dazip, .xwp, .pfx, .odp, .bc7, .wmo, .wma, .jpeg, .png, .wmf, .crt, .odt, .xar, .layout, .mdbackup, .blob, .xyw, .rim, .xpm, .rtf, .dba, .xx, .wpd, .wma, .itl, .pef, .pst, .mcmeta, .xbdoc, .yml, .rw2, .d3dbsp, .wotreplay, .pkpass, .orf, .wp5, .wmv, .pak, .dmp, .wm, .zip, .wpg, .wsh, .fsh, .hkx, .xlsm, .p12, .lrf, .wpw, .ysp, .p7b, .xlgc, .esm, .menu, .xbplate, .wpt, .xdb, .wbm, .odc, .vdf, .3ds, .x, .z3d, .wpb, .bkp, .wpe, .p7c, .sis, .7z, .forge, .srf, .arch00, .avi, .vtf, .wp7, .raf, .wpd, .indd, .r3d, .arw, .hkdb, .vpk, .vcf, .xll, .xxx, .re4, .lvl, .wsd, .psk, .1st, .pptm, .odb, .z, .slm, .zi, .tor, .sql, .fpk, .qic, .ntl, .accdb, .iwd, .mdb, .ws, .sid, .rwl, .wps, .ptx, .das, .sidn, .xls, .odm, .m2, .cfr, .eps, .sr2, .dcr, .vpp_pc, .xmind, .3dm, .zip, .cr2, .wbd, .xf, .pdf, .apk, .itdb, .wps, .wmd
Each file that has been encrypted by Lokd virus will be renamed. It will append the extension ‘.lokd’ at the end of the name of the affected file. Thus, a file named ‘image.jpg’, after it is encrypted, will receive the name ‘image.jpg.lokd’. To encrypt as many files as possible in the minimum time, the virus does not encrypt the entire file, but only its initial part in the amount of 154 kb. Lokd virus encrypts files sequentially, when all files in the directory are encrypted, it places a new file in it. This file is called ‘_readme.txt’ and its contents are shown below.
Screenshot of the contents of ‘_readme.txt’ file (ransom demand message)
This file is a ransom note that is a message from Lokd creators. In this message, the criminals report that the victim’s files are encrypted and there is only one way to decrypt them – buy the key and the decryptor from them. Attackers set the price for the key and decryptor at $980. If the victim pays the ransom within 72 hours, then Lokd authors agree to make a discount of half the ransom, that is, reduce the size of the ransom to $490. Criminals offer to decrypt one file for free. To do this, the victim needs to send this file to one of the email addresses listed in the ransom demand message. But successful decryption of one file does not guarantee the possibility of decryption of files even after payment of the ransom.
Threat Summary
| Name | Lokd |
| Type | Filecoder, Crypto malware, Crypto virus, File locker, Ransomware |
| Encrypted files extension | .lokd |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt |
| Contact | helpdatarestore@firemail.cc, helpmanager@mail.ch |
| Ransom amount | $490/$980 in Bitcoins |
| Detection Names | Riskware.Win32.Generic.1!c, Trojan/Win32.MalPe.R328033, FileRepMalware, Gen:NN.ZexaF.34098.YuW@auDhIkx, Win32/Kryptik.HBTH, Trojan.Win32.Crypt, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.la, Trojan.MalPack.GS, BehavesLike.Win32.BadFile.cc, Trojan.Kryptik!8.8 (CLOUD), Win32/Trojan.Ransom.304, |
| Symptoms | Encrypted documents, photos and music. Odd, new or missing file extensions. Files named like ‘_readme.txt’, ‘#_README_#’, ‘_DECRYPT_’ or ‘recover’ in each folder with at least one encrypted file.. Ransom demanding message on your desktop. |
| Distribution methods | Phishing emails that contain malicious attachments. Exploit kits (cybercriminals use crypto virus packaged in an ‘exploit kit’ that can find a vulnerability in Browser, Adobe Flash Player, PDF reader, Microsoft Windows operating system). Social media posts (they can be used to force users to download malicious software with a built-in ransomware downloader or click a misleading link). Remote desktop protocol (RDP) hacking. |
| Removal | Lokd virus removal guide |
| Decryption | Free Lokd Decryptor |
In the ransom note, the authors of Lokd virus report that it is impossible to decrypt files without a key and a decryptor. In general, this is true; to decrypt .lokd files, you must use the key and the decryptor. This is confirmed by the security researchers.
As we reported at the very beginning of this article, there is a free decryptor, which in some cases can decrypt .lokd files. In the case when it could not decrypt the files, there are several more methods, each of which can help the victim restore the files encrypted by Lokd virus. These methods do not require the use of a key and decryptor, and therefore are suitable for all victims.
How to remove Lokd virus, Recover, Decrypt .lokd files
If you are a victim of ransomware, your files have been encrypted, then we recommend that you follow the simple steps described above. These steps will help you remove Lokd virus, and decrypt .lokd files that were affected by it. Moreover, we will also show you how to recover encrypted files if the decryption of the files was unsuccessful. Read the entire manual carefully. To make it easier for you to follow the instructions, we recommend that you print it or open it on your smartphone.
How to remove Lokd crypto virus
The first thing you need to do before decrypting .lokd files is to make sure that Lokd virus is no longer active, as well as find all its components and remove them. An active ransomware is very dangerous because it can encrypt all files that were recovered during decryption. Therefore, you need to check your computer for ransomware and other malware. To do this, we recommend using free malware removal tools that will find Lokd virus and remove it for free.
Use Zemana AntiMalware to remove Lokd ransomware
We recommend using Zemana AntiMalware to detect Lokd ransomware, remove it and make sure that no ransomware components are left in the system. Zemana is a well-known utility, originally created just to detect and remove ransomware, malware, trojans and worms. But by now it has seriously changed and can not only rid you of malware, but also protect your machine from crypto virus, malicious software and worms, as well as identify and uninstall common viruses and trojans.
- Visit the following page to download Zemana Anti-Malware (ZAM). Save it to your Desktop so that you can access the file easily.
Zemana AntiMalware
164115 downloads
Author: Zemana Ltd
Category: Security tools
Update: July 16, 2019
- Once the download is done, close all apps and windows on your PC. Open a directory in which you saved it. Double-click on the icon that’s named Zemana.AntiMalware.Setup.
- Further, click Next button and follow the prompts.
- Once install is complete, click the “Scan” button for scanning your system for the Lokd ransomware, other malicious software, worms and trojans. Depending on your computer, the scan can take anywhere from a few minutes to close to an hour. While the Zemana Free is scanning, you can see how many objects it has identified either as being malware.
- Once the system scan is done, a list of all threats found is prepared. Make sure to check mark the items which are unsafe and then click “Next”. After that process is finished, you can be prompted to reboot your computer.
Remove Lokd with MalwareBytes Free
Another way to remove Lokd virus is to use MalwareBytes. You can download and install MalwareBytes Free to scan for and remove Lokd ransomware virus from your personal computer. When installed and updated, this free malware remover automatically identifies and deletes all threats exist on the computer.
- MalwareBytes can be downloaded from the following link. Save it on your MS Windows desktop or in any other place.
Malwarebytes Anti-malware
326469 downloads
Author: Malwarebytes
Category: Security tools
Update: April 15, 2020
- When the downloading process is finished, close all software and windows on your PC. Open a file location. Double-click on the icon that’s named mb3-setup.
- Further, click Next button and follow the prompts.
- Once installation is done, click the “Scan Now” button . MalwareBytes Anti-Malware utility will start scanning the whole machine to find out Lokd ransomware virus, other malicious software, worms and trojans. Depending on your PC system, the scan can take anywhere from a few minutes to close to an hour.
- When the checking is complete, MalwareBytes AntiMalware will display a scan report. Make sure to check mark the items that are unsafe and then press “Quarantine Selected”. Once that process is complete, you may be prompted to restart your personal computer.
The following video offers a steps on how to uninstall hijackers, adware and other malware with MalwareBytes Anti Malware.
Remove Lokd ransomware virus with KVRT
Kaspersky virus removal tool (KVRT) is a free portable malware removal tool that scans your PC system for adware software, PUPs, worms, spyware, trojans and ransomware viruses such as Lokd and helps delete them easily.
Download Kaspersky virus removal tool from the link below. Save it to your Desktop.
129082 downloads
Author: Kaspersky® lab
Category: Security tools
Update: March 5, 2018
When downloading is done, double-click on the KVRT icon. Once initialization procedure is finished, you will see the KVRT screen as displayed in the figure below.
Click Change Parameters and set a check near all your drives. Press OK to close the Parameters window. Next click Start scan button . KVRT utility will begin scanning the whole computer to find out Lokd ransomware and other trojans and harmful software. Depending on your system, the scan can take anywhere from a few minutes to close to an hour. When a threat is found, the number of the security threats will change accordingly.
When Kaspersky virus removal tool completes the scan, you can check all items found on your PC as displayed in the following example.
Make sure to check mark the items that are unsafe and then click on Continue to start a cleaning process.
How to decrypt .lokd files
To decrypt .lokd files, you need to use a unique key and decryptor. Security researchers confirm that it is impossible to access the contents of encrypted files without decryption. Renaming the affected files, changing their extension cannot help the victim, the files will still remain encrypted. Fortunately, Emsisoft created a free decryptor, which in some cases can decrypt .lokd files.
Attention, be sure to scan your computer for ransomware before decrypting .lokd files. You must be 100% sure that there is no Lokd virus on the computer. To check your computer for ransomware, we recommend using free malware removal tools.
STOP Djvu decryptor
To decrypt .lokd files, use free STOP (Lokd) decryptor
- Download STOP (Lokd) decryptor from the following link.
STOP Djvu decryptor - Scroll down to ‘New Djvu ransomware’ section.
- Click the download link and save the decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe file to your desktop.
- Run decrypt_STOPDjvu.exe, read the license terms and instructions.
- On the ‘Decryptor’ tab, using the ‘Add a folder’ button, add the directory or disk where the encrypted files are located.
- Click the ‘Decrypt’ button.
As we have said several times, this decryptor can decrypt files only in some cases, when the files were encrypted with an ‘offline key’. If the files were encrypted with an ‘online key’, then they cannot be decrypted. The reason for this is that the decryption key is in the hands of criminals and this key can not be determined. But even in this case, there is a chance to restore the contents of encrypted files, we will talk about how to do this a little later.
How to find out which key was used to encrypt files
Below we show two ways to help you determine what type of key was used to encrypt your files. This is very important, since the type of key determines whether it is possible to decrypt .lokd files. We recommend using the second method, as it is more accurate.
Personal ID is highlighted here
Find out the type of key using ‘_readme.txt’ file
- Open the ransom demand message (‘_readme.txt’ file).
- Scroll down to the end of the file.
- There you will see a line with the text ‘Your personal ID’.
- Below is a line of characters that starts with ‘0212’ – this is your personal id.
Find out the type of key using ‘PersonalID.txt’ file
- Open disk C.
- Open directory ‘SystemID’.
- Open file named ‘PersonalID.txt’. This file lists ‘Personal ID’s that match the keys that the Lokd virus used to encrypt files.
The ‘Personal ID’ is not a key, it is an identifier related to a key that was used to encrypt files. If the ID ends with ‘t1’, then the files are encrypted with an offline key. If the ID does not end with ‘t1’, Lokd ransomware virus used an online key. If you could not figure out how to determine which key was used to encrypt files, then we can help. Just write a request here or in the comments below.
What to do if STOP (Lokd) decryptor says “No key for New Variant offline ID”
If during decryption of .lokd files the decryptor reports No key for New Variant offline ID, then this means the following: your files are encrypted with an ‘offline key’, but the key itself has not yet been found by security researchers, in this case, you need to be patient and wait a while, in addition, you can also use alternative ways for recovering encrypted data. It is impossible to say exactly when the ‘offline key’ will be determined. Sometimes it takes several days, sometimes more. We recommend that you try to decrypt .lokd files from time to time. You can also use alternative ways listed below for recovering encrypted data.
What to do if STOP (Lokd) decryptor says “No key for New Variant online ID”
If, when you try to decrypt .lokd files, the decryptor reports No key for New Variant online ID, then this means that your files are encrypted with an ‘online key’ and their decryption is impossible, since only the Lokd authors have the key necessary for decryption. In this case, you need to use alternative methods listed below to restore the contents of encrypted files.
How to restore .lokd files
If the free decryptor did not help you, or your files are encrypted using an online key, then there is no need to panic! There are several other alternative methods that may allow you to restore the contents of encrypted files. Once again, remember to be sure to check your computer for ransomware and malware using free malware removal tools. You must be sure that Lokd virus is completely removed.
Each of the methods presented below uses a different mechanism for recovering encrypted files. So try each one. It often happens that if the first method did not help, then the second helped.
Run ShadowExplorer to recover .lokd files
First of all, try to recover .lokd files from Shadow Volume Copies, which are automatically created by Windows OS. In order to recover photos, documents and music encrypted by Lokd virus from Shadow Volume Copies you can use a tool called ShadowExplorer. We recommend using this free utility because it is small in size, has a simple interface and does not require installation on a computer. Unfortunately, ransomware often removes all Shadow copies. Therefore, if Shadow Explorer cannot help you, then immediately proceed to the second method, which is given below.
Please go to the following link to download the latest version of ShadowExplorer for MS Windows. Save it directly to your Microsoft Windows Desktop.
438828 downloads
Author: ShadowExplorer.com
Category: Security tools
Update: September 15, 2019
Once the downloading process is complete, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to ShadowExplorer-0.9-portable and select Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the ShadowExplorerPortable folder as displayed below.
Launch the ShadowExplorer utility and then choose the disk (1) and the date (2) that you want to recover the shadow copy of file(s) encrypted by the Lokd crypto malware like the one below.
Now navigate to the file or folder that you want to restore. When ready right-click on it and click ‘Export’ button as shown on the screen below.
Recover .lokd files with PhotoRec
Another alternative way to recover .lokd files is to use data recovery software. This method requires a lot of time, but in most cases it allows you to recover part, and sometimes all, encrypted files. To restore .lokd files, use a free tool called Photo Rec. It has a simple interface and does not require installation.
Download PhotoRec on your Windows Desktop from the following link.
When the downloading process is done, open a directory in which you saved it. Right click to testdisk-7.0.win and choose Extract all. Follow the prompts. Next please open the testdisk-7.0 folder as displayed in the figure below.
Double click on qphotorec_win to run PhotoRec for MS Windows. It’ll display a screen as displayed below.
Choose a drive to recover as displayed below.
You will see a list of available partitions. Select a partition that holds encrypted photos, documents and music as displayed in the following example.
Click File Formats button and select file types to recover. You can to enable or disable the recovery of certain file types. When this is complete, click OK button.
Next, click Browse button to select where restored personal files should be written, then click Search.
Count of recovered files is updated in real time. All restored photos, documents and music are written in a folder that you have chosen on the previous step. You can to access the files even if the restore process is not finished.
When the recovery is complete, click on Quit button. Next, open the directory where restored files are stored. You will see a contents as shown on the screen below.
All recovered files are written in recup_dir.1, recup_dir.2 … sub-directories. If you’re searching for a specific file, then you can to sort your restored files by extension and/or date/time.
How to protect your machine from Lokd crypto virus?
Most antivirus programs already have built-in protection system against the ransomware. Therefore, if your system does not have an antivirus application, make sure you install it. As an extra protection, run the HitmanPro.Alert. All-in-all, HitmanPro.Alert is a fantastic tool to protect your personal computer from any ransomware. If ransomware is detected, then HitmanPro.Alert automatically neutralizes malware and restores the encrypted files. HitmanPro.Alert is compatible with all versions of Microsoft Windows OS from Windows XP to Windows 10.
Visit the following page to download the latest version of HitmanPro.Alert for Windows. Save it on your Desktop.
After the download is finished, open the directory in which you saved it. You will see an icon like below.
Double click the HitmanPro Alert desktop icon. When the utility is opened, you’ll be shown a window where you can select a level of protection, as displayed in the following example.
Now press the Install button to activate the protection.
Finish words
This guide was created to help all victims of Lokd ransomware virus. We tried to give answers to the following questions: how to remove ransomware; how to decrypt .lokd files; how to recover files, if STOP (Lokd) decryptor does not help; what is an online key and what is an offline key. We hope that the information presented in this manual has helped you.
If you have questions, then write to us, leaving a comment below. If you need more help with Lokd related issues, go to here.
recover files Lokd