How to remove Lockhyp ransomware and recover files

Easy tips to delete Lockhyp ransomware and decrypt files

Lockhyp ransomware is a ransomware-type malware from MedusaLocker ransomware family. The malware is designed to encrypt stored files and then demand ransom payment for the decryption. During the encryption process, it appends filenames of each of the encrypted files with .lockhyp extension. For example, a file initially named 1.jpg would become 1.jpg.lockhyp –after encryption.  Following to this, the ransomware creates HOW_T_RECOVER_DATA.html file and drops it on each folder containing affected data.

Typically, ransomware type viruses generate ransom notes containing email address belongs to crooks, price of decryption tool, bitcoin wallet address and other contact or payment information. The Lockhyp ransomware’s ransom note mainly contains the instruction on how to contact the attackers. Initially, it states about the files encryption and informs the victims that their files have been encrypted using RSA and AES cipher algorithms.

It is stated in the ransom note that the decryption requires a unique decryption tool that can be purchased only from the attackers. They are warned not to rename or modify the files as this will render the permanent data loss. In order to contact the crooks and purchase the tool, they are instructed to write an email to [email protected] or [email protected] or use provided Tor Website link.

The victims are asked to contact the crooks within 72 hours after the attack since upon that the decryption tool’s cost will be increased. They are threatened to pay the ransom as if they deny this all their files that are copied to remote server will be sold to third parties or published on some websites. In most cases, crooks are the only people who can provide the decryption tool. However, contacting/paying them is highly not recommended as there is a major chance of getting scammed.

The best you can do in such cases is to remove Lockhyp ransomware and recover the files using existing backups. The malware removal is necessary as it will prevent further files encryption and possible system damages. Also, it will clear the path for data recovery. For the recovery purpose, you should rely on existing backups. If no backup is available, then move to our data recovery section after performing ransomware removal –there you will find some data recovery alternatives with complete stepwise user-guide.

How did Lockhyp ransomware enter my system?

The most common ways through which ransomware type of viruses are distributed are spam emails, Trojans, fake software updaters, software cracking tools and questionable sources for downloading files, programs. Users can install malware via emails when they open malicious file attachment or a file downloaded via a website link in them. Trojans are malicious computer malware, especially designed to cause chain infection on already compromised systems.

Fake software updaters are designed to install malware directly or by exploiting bugs/flaws of outdated software, instead of any fix or updates. Unreliable sources for downloading files, programs are p2p networks, free file hosting sites, download pages for freeware, unofficial pages, third party downloaders and etc. users infect their systems when they open malicious files that they have downloaded through these sources. Cracking tools are illegal tools to activate licensed software. Also, these tools have malware hidden in them.

Text presented in Lockhyp ransomware‘s “HOW_TO_RECOVER_DATA.html” file:

YOUR PERSONAL ID:

–

/!\ YOUR COMPANY NETWORK HAS BEEN PENETRATED /!\

All your important files have been encrypted!

Your files are safe! Only modified. (RSA+AES)

ANY ATTEMPT TO RESTORE YOUR FILES WITH THIRD-PARTY SOFTWARE

WILL PERMANENTLY CORRUPT IT.

DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES.

DO NOT RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES.

No software available on internet can help you. We are the only ones able to

solve your problem.

We gathered highly confidential/personal data. These data are currently stored on

a private server. This server will be immediately destroyed after your payment.

If you decide to not pay, we will release your data to public or re-seller.

So you can expect your data to be publicly available in the near future..

We only seek money and our goal is not to damage your reputation or prevent

your business from running.

You will can send us 2-3 non-important files and we will decrypt it for free

to prove we are able to give your files back.

Contact us for price and get decryption software.

qd7pcafncosqfqu3ha6fcx4h6sr7tzwagzpcdcnytiw3b6varaeqv5yd.onion

* Note that this server is available via Tor browser only

Follow the instructions to open the link:

1. Type the addres “hxxps://www.torproject.org” in your Internet browser. It opens the Tor site.
2. Press “Download Tor”, then press “Download Tor Browser Bundle”, install and run it.
3. Now you have Tor browser. In the Tor Browser open qd7pcafncosqfqu3ha6fcx4h6sr7tzwagzpcdcnytiw3b6varaeqv5yd.onion
4. Start a chat and follow the further instructions.

If you can not use the above link, use the email:

[email protected]

[email protected]

* To contact us, create a new free email account on the site: protonmail.com

IF YOU DON’T CONTACT US WITHIN 72 HOURS, PRICE WILL BE HIGHER.

How to prevent ransomware infection?

Programs and files should always be downloaded from official websites and direct links.  All installed software should have to be updated/ activated using implemented tools/ functions from official software developers. Attachments and website links on any irrelevant emails received from unknown senders should never be opened. Finally, the operating system should have to be scanned for threats regularly. This should be done using some reputable antivirus after updated to its latest virus detection database.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Lockhyp ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Lockhyp ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Lockhyp ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete Lockhyp ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Lockhyp ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to Lockhyp ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Lockhyp ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of Lockhyp ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by Lockhyp ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like Lockhyp ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by Lockhyp ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with Lockhyp ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove Lockhyp ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.