LockBeast Ransomware

LockBeast ransomware is a new variant in the ever-growing underground family of file-encrypting malware. Once it infects your system, it scrambles your files using strong encryption, appending the .lockbeast extension. Victims also receive a ransom note—READ_THIS_LOCKBEAST.txt—demanding payment in exchange for a decryption key.

This guide will help you identify, remove, and understand the full impact of the LockBeast ransomware threat. Act quickly to prevent further damage.

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LockBeast Ransomware Summary

Threat Type	Ransomware
Encrypted File Extension	.lockbeast
Ransom Note Filename	READ_THIS_LOCKBEAST.txt
Email Contact	N/A (uses Tor-based contact page)
Detection Names	Win32/Filecoder.LockBeast, Trojan.Ransom.LockBeast, etc.
Symptoms	Files encrypted and renamed, ransom note dropped, slowed system
Damage + Distribution Methods	File encryption, dropped ransom note, spreads via phishing, cracked software, malicious installers
Danger Level	★★★★★ High

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Download to scan and remove LockBeast

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How Did I Get Infected With LockBeast Ransomware?

LockBeast ransomware is typically spread through deceptive or unsafe methods, including:

• Phishing Emails: Often disguised as invoices or business requests with malicious attachments (.ZIP, .DOCM, etc.).
• Torrent Files & Warez: Cracked games, pirated software, and keygens often serve as carriers.
• Fake Software Installers: Some victims download what looks like a legitimate app, only to find their files encrypted minutes later.
• Exploit Kits: Vulnerable systems (especially unpatched Windows machines) are prime targets.

Once launched, the malware quietly installs itself and begins the encryption process with little to no warning.

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What LockBeast Ransomware Does to Your Files

Once active, LockBeast:

• Encrypts documents, photos, videos, and backups using military-grade algorithms.
• Renames them with the .lockbeast extension (e.g., invoice.pdf becomes invoice.pdf.lockbeast).
• Drops READ_THIS_LOCKBEAST.txt ransom notes in affected folders and on the desktop.
• Demands victims visit a Tor-based payment portal to learn how much to pay and how.

The note threatens permanent data loss if the victim refuses to pay within a time limit. However, paying the ransom does not guarantee decryption.

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Should You Be Worried About LockBeast?

Yes—and here’s why:

• No Free Decryption Tool Exists (as of now). LockBeast uses secure encryption, and researchers haven’t cracked it yet.
• Files Are Essentially Locked Forever Without a Key. Without backups, you may lose access permanently.
• Paying the Ransom Funds Cybercrime. Even if you do pay, there’s no obligation for the attacker to help you.

If you have backups, disconnect them immediately before cleaning the system. Do not open any more files, and do not interact with the ransomware portal.

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Ransom Note Dropped by LockBeast

Here’s an excerpt from the ransom message:

“Your files have been encrypted by LockBeast. The only way to recover them is by purchasing a decryption tool through our private network. Visit the link below using a Tor browser…”

The attackers provide detailed instructions for using Tor and typically demand cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin or Monero, to stay anonymous. They may also include a chat portal on their .onion site.

🛑 Important: Do not download anything from the Tor link, and avoid messaging the criminals.

Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

LockBeast ransomware is a serious data-extortion threat that offers no guarantees—even if you pay. If your system has been infected:

1. Disconnect from the internet.
2. Use SpyHunter to remove LockBeast and associated payloads.
3. Do not pay the ransom.
4. Restore files from a backup if available.

You can mitigate future infections by avoiding suspicious downloads, updating software regularly, and using strong endpoint protection.