Lick ransomware – How does it operates
Lick ransomware is surely a variant of Kirk File Encoder virus. Footprint of the ransomware was first seen on ID-Ransomware official site. Probably, Windows users may have submitted suspicious file there for identification and proper solution to avoid such attacks. According to latest news, Jakub Kroustek discovered evidences against Lick ransomware. His initial analysis report reveals that Lick file encoder virus marks enciphered files by appending “.Licked” as extension. Next, the ransomware creates following 3 different files on your computer for various purposes:
-
ERRORLOG.txt – this file displays ransom text along with instruction on how to contact ransomware developers.
-
Stats.txt – it contains a wide list of encoded files which have become unreadable and unmodifiable. It may display name of the most important files which were stored in most commonly used data containers.
-
A secret encrypted file – this file is also know as PWD file which contains private key (aka decryption key) but unluckily you can not read it without using a decryption passwords.
Unlike so many other infamous ransomware viruses, Lick ransomware ask victims to pay off ransom within 3 to 30 days via Monero Cryptocurrency. However, ransom amount will be increased day by day from 100 Monero to 500 Monero. You should note that 1 Monero is equivalent to 23 USD. Even, after paying off ransom, there will be no guarantee that you receive proper data decryption key. Thus, we don’t recommend you to waste your 2300 USD, instead you should utilize alternative ways to get back your encrypted files featuring “.Licked” suffixes. Ransom note of Lick ransomware is partially presented below:
Where Does Lick ransomware Come From?
Since, Lick ransomware is new, research on it is still undergoing. We have heard some rumors that Lick file encoder virus arrive onto Windows computers via spam emails containing suspicious attachment file. Despites this, the ransomware may take over onto your system if you install pirated games or software post disabling Antivirus shield. You should remember that cyber crooks take advantage of social engineering perpendicularities and mislead users into opening shady links or malicious attachments by displaying short phishing text. Crooks may represent these text like it is genuine and beneficial for you. It increase the changes that you double suggested item literally.
Hence, we recommend you not to participate in such malicious activities to avoid Lick ransomware attacks. Also, you need to keep your Antivirus software activated and up-to-date always. As you may have heard that updated Antivirus software provides real time protection against latest threats. Finally, you have to follow the given removal guide to delete Lick ransomware and recover encoded files.
Looking For Lick ransomware Removal Guide, Watch This Video
Free Scan your Windows PC to detect Lick ransomware
Remove Lick ransomware From Your PC
Step 1: Remove Lick ransomware in Safe Mode with Command Prompt
- First of all disconnect your PC with network connection.
- Click restart button and keep pressing F8 key regularly while system restart.
- You will see “Windows Advanced Options Menu” on your computer screen.
- Select “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and press Enter key.
- You must login your computer with Administrator account for full privilege.
- Once the Command Prompt appears then type rstrui.exe and press Enter
- Now follow the prompts on your screen to complete system restore.
Step 2: Remove Lick ransomware using MSConfig in Safe Mode:
- Power off your computer and restart again.
- While booting press the “F8 key” continuously to open “Windows Advanced Options Menu”.
- Use the arrow keys to select “Safe Mode” option and press Enter key.
- Once system get started go to Start menu. Type “msconfig” in the search box and launch the application.
- Go to the Startup tab and look for files from %AppData% or %Temp% folders using rundll32.exe. See an example below:
C:\Windows\System32\rundll32.exe C:\Users\username\appdata\local\temp\regepqzf.dll,H1N1
- Disable all the malicious entries and save the changes.
- Now restart your computer normally.
Step 3 : Kill Malicious Process Related To Lick ransomware
- Press Alt+Ctrl+Del buttons together.
- It will open the Task manager on your screen.
- Go to Process Tab and find Lick ransomware related process.
- Click the End Process Now button to stop the running process.
Step 4 : Remove Lick ransomware Virus From Registry Entry
- Press “Windows + R” key together to open Run Box.
- Type “regedit” and click OK button.
- Find and remove Lick ransomware related entries.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceEx
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Runonce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run
Now hopefully you have completely removed the Lick ransomware virus from your computer. If you are still get ransom message from the threat or unable to access your files, then it means that virus still remain into your computer. In such situation you don’t have any other option except removing this virus using any powerful malware removal tool.
Whereas if you have any backup of your infected or encrypted files, then you can also reinstall your Windows OS. This will erase all your files and data as along with the Lick ransomware infection. You will get a completely empty computer system with no files. Now you can use your backup to get your files. If you don’t have any backup then using malware removal tool is a better option for you.
If you have any query or question regarding your computer, then you can easily ask your problem to our experts. Go to the Ask Any Question page and get the answer for your query directly from out experts.