LockZ Ransomware

LockZ ransomware is a destructive malware strain designed to encrypt files and extort victims for a ransom payment. Upon infection, it adds the “.lockz” extension to files and displays a ransom note named @HELP_HERE_TO_RESCUE_YOUR_FILES@.txt. The cybercriminals behind LockZ demand 1 Bitcoin (BTC), threatening to double the ransom after 48 hours and delete the encrypted files permanently after 72 hours if no payment is made.

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LockZ Ransomware Overview

Attribute	Details
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.lockz
Ransom Note Filename	@HELP_HERE_TO_RESCUE_YOUR_FILES@.txt
Contact Email	asadopollo230@gmail.com
Bitcoin Wallet	3B7VJ9hQ5A2FpX4Z78Y3T6L1D4kM0W9G
Detection Names	Win64:Evo-gen [Trj], Trojan.GenericKD.76313745, UDS:Trojan-Downloader.PowerShell.Agent, Program:Win32/Wacapew.C!ml
Symptoms of Infection	Files renamed with .lockz, ransom note appears, altered desktop wallpaper
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments, pirated software, drive-by downloads, tech support scams, torrent platforms
Damage Level	High – File encryption, data loss, potential backdoor installation
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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Detailed Analysis of LockZ Ransomware

How Did I Get Infected?

LockZ ransomware spreads through a variety of vectors, including:

• Email Attachments: Malicious files sent via phishing campaigns.
• Cracked Software: Unauthorized downloads bundled with hidden malware.
• Fake Updates & Ads: Exploiting users through deceptive update prompts or banner ads.
• Torrent Downloads: Compromised installers shared across peer-to-peer networks.

Once executed, the malware encrypts the majority of file types on the system, making them unusable and displaying a ransom note demanding cryptocurrency.

What Does LockZ Ransomware Do?

• Encrypts your files and changes their names with the .lockz extension.
• Drops a ransom note instructing victims to pay 1 BTC for file recovery.
• Changes the desktop wallpaper to enforce psychological pressure.
• Threatens to increase the ransom after 48 hours and delete all files after 72 hours.

This ransomware can also disable security features and may open the door for additional malware infections.

Should You Be Worried About Your System?

Absolutely. LockZ ransomware is classified as a high-risk threat due to its ability to:

• Cause permanent file loss.
• Create a financial burden by demanding a substantial ransom.
• Potentially serve as a conduit for other malware threats.

The best course of action is immediate disconnection from the network, followed by using a robust malware removal tool like SpyHunter.

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LockZ Ransom Note Text

vbnetCopyEditSecurity Alert!

Your system has been infected by **LockZ**. All your files have been securely encrypted.

What does this mean?
Your documents, images, databases, and other important files have been locked, and you cannot access them.
Do not attempt to restore or recover the access by other means. Any attempt to interfere with the encryption process will make your files irrecoverable.

To recover your files, follow these steps:

1. Make the payment of **1 BTC** to the following Bitcoin address (this is the only way to restore your files):

Bitcoin Address: **3B7VJ9hQ5A2FpX4Z78Y3T6L1D4kM0W9G**

2. After the payment is made, you will receive a **decryption file** within **24 hours**.

Important:
- If you do not make the payment within the next **48 hours**, the ransom will **double**.
- If the payment is not made within **72 hours**, your files will be **permanently deleted**.

Warning:
- Do not attempt to contact authorities. Doing so will forfeit any chance of recovering your files.
- Do not try to use third-party decryption software. This will permanently destroy your data.

For further information or inquiries, contact:
asadopollo230@gmail.com

Remember, **LockZ** holds the key to your files. Make the payment and regain access to your data quickly.

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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.

Conclusion

LockZ ransomware is an aggressive and dangerous file-locking malware that can cripple your system within minutes. With threats of data deletion and escalating ransom demands, it’s essential to remove LockZ immediately using a professional malware removal tool such as SpyHunter. Avoid paying the ransom—there’s no guarantee of data recovery, and it fuels further cybercrime.