Anonymous (Xorist) is a dangerous variant of the infamous Xorist ransomware family. It targets personal files on infected systems, encrypts them, and appends a unique extension – .LO0KC1ZHDFI – to the filenames. Once the encryption is complete, victims are presented with a ransom note demanding $1500 in Bitcoin to recover their data.
The ransomware creates a ransom note in a text file titled “HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt” and also displays a pop-up with the same message. Cybercriminals behind this malware threaten to raise the ransom after four days and warn victims not to tamper with the system, stating that doing so could make file recovery impossible.
Threat Details
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Threat Name | Anonymous (Xorist) Ransomware |
Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files Locker |
Encrypted File Extension | .LO0KC1ZHDFI |
Ransom Note File Name | HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt |
Pop-up Message | Yes |
Ransom Amount | $1500 in Bitcoin |
Discount Timeline | Within 4 days of infection |
Contact Information | ICQ: 747201461, Email: kil4tx@secmail.pro |
Bitcoin Wallet | 12et3ym4PnDzc9L5AfXyJz7bTfb8zvc8Hn |
Free Decryptor Available | No |
Detection Names | Avast (Win32:Evo-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Trojan.Ransom.AIG), |
ESET-NOD32 (Win32/Filecoder.Q), Kaspersky (Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Xorist.ln), | |
Symantec (Trojan.Gen.MBT) | |
Symptoms of Infection | Inaccessible files, altered extensions, ransom message display |
Damage Caused | Permanent file encryption, potential trojan and malware installation |
Distribution Methods | Malicious email attachments, torrents, cracked software, malvertising |
Danger Level | High |
Ransom Note Text
Displayed in pop-up and “HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt”:
Device ID :-
The device files have been encrypted at the moment and it is impossible to access them at the moment except when you pay the amount of 1500 $ in BTC by currency you have 4 days to get a discount
Communication ways :-
Phone Application ICQ :747201461
Email : kil4tx@secmail.pro
WALLET BTC : 12et3ym4PnDzc9L5AfXyJz7bTfb8zvc8Hn
Note Do not tamper with the files or settings of the device Tip because if tampered with, we will not be able to restore your files
All rights reserved : Anonymous ? .
How It Works
After infiltrating a system – typically via phishing emails, malicious downloads, or bundled software – Anonymous (Xorist) begins encrypting files with strong encryption methods. Each affected file receives the .LO0KC1ZHDFI extension, rendering it unreadable. Victims then encounter a demand to pay a hefty ransom to regain access to their data.
Unfortunately, decrypting the files without the attacker’s key is nearly impossible. Moreover, there’s no guarantee that paying the ransom will result in successful recovery.
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
- 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:
- 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.
- Press Windows + R, type
- 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:
- Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
- Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
- Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.
Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes
For Windows Users:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
- Right-click on the process and select End Task.
For Mac Users:
- Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
- Look for unusual processes.
- Select the process and click Force Quit.
Step 4: Delete Malicious Files
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
%temp%
, and hit Enter. - Delete all files in the Temp folder.
- Navigate to:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
C:\Windows\System32
- Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.
For Mac Users:
- Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
- Type
~/Library/Application Support
and delete suspicious folders. - 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.
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit
, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
- Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
- Right-click and select Delete.
For Mac Users:
- Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
- Navigate to
~/Library/Preferences
and remove malicious.plist
files.
Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)
For Windows Users:
- Press Windows + R, type
rstrui
, and hit Enter. - Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.
For Mac Users:
- Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
- Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
- 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.
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
- Open the downloaded file (
SpyHunter-Installer.exe
). - Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
- Once installed, launch SpyHunter.
Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan
- Click on Start Scan Now.
- SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
- Wait for the scan to complete.
Step 4: Remove Detected Threats
- After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
- 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.
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
Anonymous (Xorist) ransomware is a severe threat that encrypts users’ files and demands payment to recover them. Its use of the .LO0KC1ZHDFI file extension and aggressive ransom tactics mark it as a high-risk infection. Users are strongly advised not to pay the ransom, as it fuels cybercrime and does not guarantee data restoration. Recovery is only possible through pre-existing backups stored on external or cloud-based platforms.