Lalo ransomware

Lalo ransomware – a dangerous virus that renders all personal files on  a host machine useless

Lalo ransomware is a file-encrypting cyber infection that launches the AES-256 encryption algorithm and encrypts most of the non-system files on the compromised PC. It has been detected in the middle of April 2020 by a well-known malware researcher Michael Gillespie who shared his findings on Twitter. The researcher revealed that the Lalo virus is a new strain of an infamous DJVU ransomware, which is already known as s sub-variant of STOP ransomware. It is built on the same malicious code as its ancestors, renders AES-256 cipher to lock files, and demands $980 ransom payment. The symptom of a Lalo ransomware attack is a .lalo file extension attached to locked files. Besides, a victim is also supplied with a ransom note called _readme.txt.

Criminals are initiating spam attacks to spread a malicious B236.tmp.exe file, which is one of the main malicious executables that the virus is based on. In addition to malicious spam attachments, bad actors may also exploit vulnerable RDPs^[1] to forcibly inject a malicious payload via a remote server. In any case, if the payload is launched, Lalo ransomware roots deeply into the OS and runs multiple malicious processes in the background and alters Windows registry entries. Besides, it blocks AV software, removes Windows Volume Shadow copies, and builds a firewall to terminate third-party data recovery tools. 

Upon all background activities are done, Lalo virus launches a scanner for non-system files  (more than 100 extensions), including photos, videos, music, documents, database sheets, and similar. The ransomware encryption process is initiated using the AES-256 encryption algorithm, which applies a difficult mathematical structure to encode the files and generate diverse IDs and decryption keys for each victim. 

As soon as the encryption process is finished, victims are introduced with a ransom note, which is, as usual for many ransomware, named _readme.txt. That’s a really unpleasant message from hackers behind the Lalo virus, which states the fact that the computer is hacked, all personal files encrypted, and the ransom payment is expected. 

ATTENTION!

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At this time, if the victim hasn’t yet noticed the malicious changes executed on the system, most probably will get a shock seeing all files with .lalo file extension. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to remove the extension in any way manually. One of the options to get files back is to contact bad actors standing behind Lalo ransomware via [email protected] or [email protected] within 72 hours and pay $490 for a personal Lalo decryption software. 

The other method is to boot your PC into Safe Mode immediately and run a full system scan with it to remove Lalo ransomware package. No, the data will not be decrypted this way. However, having in mind that Djvu ransomware has been cracked by a DemonSlay355 virus researcher who shared a STOPdecryptor software, there are many chances that Lalo will be defeated as well. Keep in mind that tens of professional IT-savvy virus experts are continuously analyzing this virus and can release a free decryption key at any time. Therefore, we do not recommend rushing to pay the ransom, especially having in mind that contact with criminals may lead to scam or a second ransomware attack. Although the ransom note does not specify how the payment has to be done, based on the practice with previous Lalo ransomware variants, it’s very likely that crooks will require the payment in Bitcoins. That’s the safest way for criminals to remain untrackable. 

Files with .lalo appendix indicate ransomware infection

Files with .lalo appendix indicate ransomware infection

Instead of having any contact with criminals, initiate a full Lalo removal and make a copy of files with .lalo extension. Upon virus removal, you will be able to try to recover them using third-party data recovery tools or wait a while for decryption software. As for the future, we strongly recommend you not to keep valuable information without backups. It’s always advisable to have copies of files on the cloud storage, remote server or a USB hard drive, which is accessible for you only. 

Criminals exploit users’ inexperience and systems’ vulnerabilities to spread ransomware widely

While Lalo ransomware is still under investigation, we can only generalize the ways that it can infect computers. However, it’s more than clear that the most vulnerable devices that it enters are lacking system updates, are poorly protected, and already infected with malware. 

In many cases, criminals managed to inject ransomware into devices with the help of Trojans – the infections that may operate in the disguise of a seemingly-legitimate executable file. However, Trojans can serve as a backdoor allowing criminals to steal logins and initiate brute-force attacks. 

Malicious emails or spam is yet another perfect medium to spread. Criminals tend to disguise ransomware payloads under .zip or .exe attachments that are supposedly coming from governmental institutions, well-known companies or even friends of a potential victim. To read the attachment the potential victim may be asked to enable Macros. In this case, the Agree button serves as an allowance to launch ransomware payload. 

Lalo ransomware drops multiple malicious files and renders files useless

Lalo ransomware drops multiple malicious files and renders files useless

Software cracks^[3] or keygens are by far the most successful working ransomware distribution technique. These tools are widely used as they serve as a key for launching pains software for free. The vast majority of users are aware of the risk that they take by downloading those cracks from torrent websites or other questionable sources as they have started been used for malware dissemination many years ago. 

Therefore, to keep files save from Lalo virus and similar infections it’s not only important to install AV tools, staying away from suspicious websites, unknown downloads, online software updates, and similar content is of equal importance. 

Manual Lalo removal is impossible

Manual Lalo removal is not possible due to the multiplicity of malicious files on the random system’s folders. These files are typically chained, i.e. manual removal of .exe files will either be blocked or the file will be automatically restored by another related executable. Therefore, to remove Lalo or any of its previous variants you’ll have to use a professional software utility. A full system scan with SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes tool in the Safe Mode environment will eliminate the whole ransomware package. 

However, this malicious infection usually compromises Windows registry entries and deletes a multitude of necessary Windows executables. As a consequence, the system may start crashing or even delivering BSODs. Therefore, you should use a professional repair tool capable of fixing ransomware damage. Our recommendation is Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego. 

Remove Lalo using Safe Mode with Networking

You can try to launch the antivirus scanner, but we are pretty sure that the ransomware will keep the AV idle. Therefore, to deactivate ransomware, boot your PC into Safe Mode with Networking:

• Windows 7 / Vista / XP
  1. Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
  2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
  3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list

  Windows 10 / Windows 8

  1. Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
  2. Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
  3. Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.

• Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete Lalo removal.

If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.

Remove Lalo using System Restore

System Restore feature can help to get rid of the virus. Use these instructions if help is needed:

Bonus: Recover your data

Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Lalo from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.

If all important documents on the system were locked with .lalo suffix, you can select from one of the following options: forget about them, pay the ransom to criminals or delete the virus and try to recover the files with the following software:

If your files are encrypted by Lalo, you can use several methods to restore them:

Data recovery Pro – a powerful tool for data recovery and encryption

Data Recovery Pro is the number one solution for people who are facing an issue with a file loss, be it after the system’s crash or ransomware attack. 

• Download Data Recovery Pro;
• Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
• Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Lalo ransomware;
• Restore them.

Check for Windows Previous Versions availability

• Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
• Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
• Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.

The Shadow Explorer tool might recover data encrypted by Lalo

Volume Shadow Copies might help. However, do not expect much from this option because crooks usually program ransomware to remove all copies. Nevertheless, it’s worth giving a try. 

• Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
• Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
• Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
• Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.

No Lalo decryption available yet

Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Lalo and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage Reimage Cleaner Intego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes