Lukitus, a new version of Locky ransomware is on the loose via spam emails

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Published onAugust 21, 2017

published onAugust 21, 2017

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Locky ransomware strikes again with its new variant calledLukituswhich is a part of a new campaign. Before all this,the ransomwarewas using a new file extension called “diablo6”. Now, this new .lukitus extension was spotted.

Lukitus lurks in spam emails

As expected, the malware is being distributed viaspam emails, so you’d better be extremely cautious. The spam message will come with an attached Microsoft Office file or with a ZIP attachment, which both come packed with malicious scripts. Once a trustful user downloads and executes the file, it will start toencrypt the host computer’s filesand data. The malware will also manage to scramble file names, so the users will get confused and not know which file is which anymore.

In the end, the extension ‘lukitus’ will appear next to all infected files, and the downloaded software will disappear. But this is not all as things don’t end here. The program will be replaced by a file which contains the ransom note and users will see that Locky will demand 0.49 Bitcoins which translates into $2,000.

The sad thing is that there is no known way todecrypt the filesthat have been infected by this variant of the nasty software.

Protect your file against ransomware attacks

What you can do for more protection is to have an offlinebackup of all of your files. You can also try to restore the encrypted files from Shadow Volume Copies.

As you can see, there’s not much you can to fix the issue, but you can prevent it from happening by being careful when openingemail attachments. You should be cautious especially when the emails seem to be random and none of your concern. Another essential thing you have to consider is keeping yourantivirus softwareupdated because this will also help block these aggressive cyberattacks.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

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Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Lukitus, a new version of Locky ransomware is on the loose via spam emails#

Lukitus lurks in spam emails#

Protect your file against ransomware attacks#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Lukitus, a new version of Locky ransomware is on the loose via spam emails

Lukitus lurks in spam emails

Protect your file against ransomware attacks