Do you know what LockedByte Ransomware is?
LockedByte Ransomware is the kind of infection that can both encrypt your files and paralyze your operating system. It can do that by covering your screen with a notification that cannot be closed or bypassed. When it comes to the encryption, our research team has found that the infection can corrupt your files using the XOR encryption key. It is strange that the infection locks the PC after encrypting the files because that makes it more difficult for the victim to assess the situation or even believe the threat. Unfortunately, this infection truly can encrypt your personal files, and you truly can end up losing them. Needless to say, the ransomware expects you to pay a ransom to get your files decrypted, but we have to warn you that paying the ransom is most likely to be a waste of money. Trusting cyber criminals is never a good idea, and paying the ransom is unlikely to bring you what you might be promised. Whatever you choose to do, in the end, you need to delete LockedByte Ransomware.
According to our research team, LockedByte Ransomware has incredible similarity to the malicious Deos Ransomware that was discovered not too long before this malicious threat. Both of them can lock up operating systems after encrypting the files found on them. Also, both target the files found in specific directories (%APPDATA%, %USERPROFILE%, and %TEMP%). Although these infections target personal files, it was found that LockedByte Ransomware targets more of them, including .db, .exe, .txt, .html, .png, .jpg, .mp3, .mp4, and .wmv files. That means that once this infection slithers in, it can encrypt your databases, documents, media files, and personal photos. That is if you keep personal files in the mentioned folders. If that is not the case, the only thing you are dealing with is the lock-down of your operating system. In either case – whether or not your personal files are encrypted – you might be pushed into paying a ransom of 1000 USD. That is a huge ransom, and we do not recommend paying it. The good news is that no one has because the cyber criminals’ wallet at 17UomAvt4YEDwNYdpFJotdm7CV1i8JJ16Q is empty.
If you transfer the money to this Bitcoin Address, it is unlikely that your files will be decrypted because the creator of LockedByte Ransomware is only interested in your money. Also, it is uncommon for the victims of ransomware to recover their files once they pay ransoms. In fact, you have better chances at recovering your files using third-party file decryptors. If you cannot find a legitimate decryptor, a certified technician might be able to help because XOR ciphers are not that complicated. If all fails, we hope that your files are backed up, and you can replace infected copies with the backup ones after you remove LockedByte Ransomware from your computer. Of course, if your computer is locked, you have to reboot your PC in Safe Mode because you want to check which files were locked, and that is the only way for you to delete the malicious launcher that is responsible for the encryption and the lock-down of your computer.
If you have no idea how to start your computer in Safe Mode, you can follow the instructions below. Note that you can reboot into Safe Mode with Networking if you wish to install an anti-malware tool instead. This tool will remove LockedByte Ransomware automatically. The manual removal guide below shows a few locations where the launcher of this threat might be found. If the launcher is not found in these locations, you need to install a malware scanner to help you find it, or an anti-malware tool to erase the file from your PC automatically. Think carefully before you choose which method you want to apply.
Delete LockedByte Ransomware
- Reboot your PC in Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking using the instructions below. First, try restarting the computer because that might be enough to unlock it.
- Launch Explorer by simultaneously tapping keys Win+E.
- Enter %TEMP%, %USERPROFILE\Desktop, or %USERPROFILE\Downloads into the bar at the top. These are few of the common locations of the malicious ransomware launcher.
- Right-click the launcher file and choose Delete.
- Empty Recycle Bin and then perform a full system scan using a legitimate malware scanner.
Reboot to Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1
- Windows 10 users click the Windows icon on the Taskbar and click Power, while Windows 8/ 8.1 users open the Charm bar and click the Power Options button.
- Click Restart while holding down the Shift key on the keyboard.
- Open the Troubleshooting menu then navigate to Advanced options.
- Move to the Startup Settings menu and then click Restart.
- Tap F4 if you want to reboot to Safe Mode or F5 if you want to reboot to Safe Mode with Networking.
Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP
- Restart your computer (you can click the power button).
- Wait for the moment the BIOS screen loads and start tapping the F8 key.
- Select Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking using arrow keys and then tap Enter.
In non-techie terms:
If LockedByte Ransomware has invaded your operating system, your files might be encrypted with the XOR encryption key. If that is the case, you should try applying legitimate file decryptors to get your files decrypted. The worst idea, in this case, is to follow the demands that might be represented using a screen-locking notification. According to it, your files will be decrypted only after you pay a ransom of $1000. Well, if you pay this much money, your files will most likely remain encrypted, and you will have lost your money for no good reason. Therefore, we do not recommend paying the ransom. When it comes to the removal of LockedByte Ransomware, we advise installing anti-malware software that can also provide you with full-time protection, but you might also successfully erase this threat using the guide above.