Remove Lokf ransomware

What kind of infection are you dealing with

Lokf ransomware file encrypting malware will lock your files and you will be unable to open them. Ransomware is how this type of malware is mainly referred to. There’s a high possibility that you recently opened an infected attachment or downloaded from harmful sources, and that is how the infection got in. If you are looking for tips on how the infection may be prevented, carry on reading this article. A file-encrypting malware infection may lead to very serious consequences, so it is essential to know how it spreads. It can be particularly surprising to find your files locked if it is your first time encountering ransomware, and you have little idea about what it is. A ransom note should appear soon after the files are locked, and it will explain that a payment is needed in exchange for file decryption. If you’ve decided to comply with the requests, take into consideration that what you’re dealing with is criminals who won’t feel any accountability to send you a decryption program after they get your money. We’re more inclined to believe that you’ll be ignored after you pay. This, in addition to that money going towards other malware projects, is why paying the ransom is not recommended. In some cases, malware analysts are able to crack the ransomware, which might mean that there may be a free decryptor. Look into the free decryption software before you even think about paying. For those who do have backup, just erase Lokf ransomware and then access the backup to restore files.

Download Removal Toolto remove Lokf ransomware

Ransomware spread methods

You could have picked up the infection in various ways, which we will discuss in more detail. Commonly, simple methods are commonly employed to infect devices, but it’s also probable infection occurred through more sophisticated ones. Sending spam emails and hosting their malicious software on various download platforms are what we refer to when we say simple, as there’s little skill needed, therefore popular among low-level cyber criminals. By opening a spam email attachment is likely how you got the malware. An infected file is attached to a somewhat legitimate email, and sent to all possible victims, whose email addresses they store in their database. Despite the fact that those emails tend to be clearly fake to those who know the signs, users with less experience in such matters might not know what is going on. You can note certain signs that an email could be harboring malware, such as the text being full a grammar errors, or the nonsense email address. We should also mention that cyber crooks claim to be from known companies to not cause suspicion for users. Even if you think you know the sender, always check that the email address is correct. A red flag should also be your name being absent in the greeting, or anywhere else in the email for that matter. Senders who have business with you would be familiar with your name, thus common greetings like Sir/Madam, User or Customer wouldn’t be used. To be more specific, if you are a customer of Amazon, your name will be automatically put into any email you are sent.

In case you want the shortened version of this section, always check sender’s identity before opening an attachment. And if you’re on a questionable website, don’t go around clicking on ads or engaging in what they propose. It wouldn’t be a surprise if by pressing on an advert you end up obtaining something dangerous. It is best to disregard those adverts, no matter what they’re advertising, because they’re always never reliable. By downloading from questionable sources, you might also be putting your machine at risk. If you’re downloading through torrents, you may at least read what other users are saying before you download something. Infection is also possible through flaws that may be discovered in software, because programs are flawed, malicious software could use those flaws to enter. In order for those vulnerabilities to not be used, you have to keep your programs updated. All you have to do is install the patches that software vendors release.

What does it do

If you launch the ransomware file, your device will be checked for certain file types, and when they’re identified, they will be encrypted. It will target documents, photos, videos, etc, all files that could hold some value to you. The ransomware will use a powerful encryption algorithm for data encryption once they’ve been found. The file extension added will help you find out with files were encrypted. You will then find a ransom note, in which crooks will explain that your files have been encrypted and ask you to buy their decryptor. Different ransomware ask for different amounts of money, some request as little as $50, while others as much as a $1000, in digital currency. While we have mentioned that paying isn’t the suggested option, it is your choice to make. You may have other means to recover files, therefore you should research them before making any decisions. If the ransomware was decryptable, it’s probable that that a free decryption program has been released, released by malicious software analysts. Or maybe you’ve made copies of your files a short while ago but simply don’t remember. You should also try file recovery via Shadow Explorer, the ransomware might have not erased the copies of your files known as Shadow copies. And if you don’t want to risk losing your files again, make sure you back up your files regularly. If backup is available, just remove Lokf ransomware and proceed to file recovery.

How to eliminate Lokf ransomware

It ought to be said that it isn’t encouraged to try manual elimination. While you mightbe successful, you might do irreversible harm to your system. It would be much wiser to use a malicious software removal software instead. The tool would successfully delete Lokf ransomware since it was created for this intent. However, do keep in mind that an anti-malware program will not help with file restoring, it is not developed to do that. You yourself will need to research file recovery methods instead.

Download Removal Toolto remove Lokf ransomware

Learn how to remove Lokf ransomware from your computer

• Step 1. Remove Lokf ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.
• Step 2. Remove Lokf ransomware using System Restore
• Step 3. Recover your data

Step 1. Remove Lokf ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.
• b) Step 2. Remove Lokf ransomware.

a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.

For Windows 7/Vista/XP

1. Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options appears.
3. Choose Safe Mode with Networking

For Windows 8/10 users

1. Press the power button that appears at the Windows login screen. Press and hold Shift. Click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

b) Step 2. Remove Lokf ransomware.

You will now need to open your browser and download some kind of anti-malware software. Choose a trustworthy one, install it and have it scan your computer for malicious threats. When the ransomware is found, remove it. If, for some reason, you can't access Safe Mode with Networking, go with another option.

Step 2. Remove Lokf ransomware using System Restore

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
• b) Step 2. Restore files and settings.

a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

For Windows 7/Vista/XP

1. Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options appears.
3. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

For Windows 8/10 users

1. Press the power button that appears at the Windows login screen. Press and hold Shift. Click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

b) Step 2. Restore files and settings.

1. You will need to type in cd restore in the window that appears. Press Enter.
2. Type in rstrui.exe and again, press Enter.
3. A window will pop-up and you should press Next. Choose a restore point and press Next again.
4. Press Yes.

While this should have taken care of the ransomware, you might want to download anti-malware just to be sure no other threats are lurking.  

Step 3. Recover your data

• a) Using Data Recovery Pro to recover encrypted files.
• b) Restore files through Windows Previous Versions
• c) Using Shadow Explorer to recover files

While backup is essential, there is still quite a few users who do not have it. If you are one of them, you can try the below provided methods and you just might be able to recover files.

a) Using Data Recovery Pro to recover encrypted files.

1. Download Data Recovery Pro, preferably from a trustworthy website.
2. Scan your device for recoverable files.
3. Recover them.

b) Restore files through Windows Previous Versions

If you had System Restore enabled, you can recover files through Windows Previous Versions.

1. Find a file you want to recover.
2. Right-click on it.
3. Select Properties and then Previous versions.
4. Pick the version of the file you want to recover and press Restore.

c) Using Shadow Explorer to recover files

If you are lucky, the ransomware did not delete your shadow copies. They are made by your system automatically for when system crashes.

1. Go to the official website (shadowexplorer.com) and acquire the Shadow Explorer application.
2. Set up and open it.
3. Press on the drop down menu and pick the disk you want.
4. If folders are recoverable, they will appear there. Press on the folder and then Export.

* SpyHunter scanner, published on this site, is intended to be used only as a detection tool. More info on SpyHunter. To use the removal functionality, you will need to purchase the full version of SpyHunter. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, click here.