Lokd Ransomware Removal Guide

Lokd Ransomware is a variant of Stop Ransomware. It encrypts files and marks them with the .lokd extension, for example, oranges.jpg.lokd. Files that get encrypted are not ruined as they can still be restored with the right decryption tools. Sometimes cybersecurity specialists can offer such tools to ransomware’s victims, but, usually, only the malware’s creators can provide them. The problem is that they ask to pay first and there are no guarantees that they will deliver the promised decryption tools. In this case, hackers ask from 490 to 980 US dollars. If you do not want to risk losing such amounts of money, we advise not to put up with the hackers’ demands. Also, we recommend removing Lokd Ransomware as it could still cause you trouble if you leave it unattended. To learn how to erase it as well as more about its working manner, we advise checking our full article and the deletion instructions located below it.

As many similar threats Lokd Ransomware could be distributed through unreliable file-sharing websites, malicious email attachments, and unsecured Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections. Consequently, we advise disabling or securing your RDP connections and staying away from data that comes from unreliable sources if you want to avoid ransomware and other malicious applications. To be sure that all your received or downloaded files cannot harm your system, we advise scanning them with a reliable antimalware tool before you open them. Scanning a file should not take long and if it appears to be harmful, a reputable antimalware tool ought to help you remove it safely from your system.

After being launched Lokd Ransomware should create files mentioned in the deletion instructions located below. Placing such data on a victim’s computer should allow it to settle in and ensure that it will get launched again and again. Afterward, the malicious application should start encrypting various files like text documents, photos, pictures, and so on. At the end of the encryption process, all targeted files should be marked with .lokd extension and Lokd Ransomware ought to drop a text document called _readme.txt. The message inside of the mentioned text file should say that users can get decryption tools that would restore all the malware’s encrypted files, but they must contact the hackers behind it and pay ransom.

Moreover, the ransom note ought to say that users can send one file for free decryption and get a 50 percent discount if they contact the threat’s creators in 72 hours. Even if the offer seems tempting, we advise not to rush and to think carefully whether you are willing to risk your money for something that you might never get. Whatever you decide to do about the hacker’s proposal, we advise deleting Lokd Ransomware if you do not want to put your future data at risk. Also, if you remove the malware and clean your computer, it should become safe to replace encrypted files with backup copies.

To erase Lokd Ransomware manually, you could follow the instructions located below this paragraph. The task could be difficult and if you find it too tricky, you should not hesitate to employ a reliable antimalware tool. Perform a full system scan, and you should be able to remove Lokd Ransomware as well as other possible threats by clicking the deletion button that ought to appear right after the scan.

Get rid of Lokd Ransomware

1. Click Ctrl+Alt+Delete at the same time.
2. Launch Task Manager and go to Processes.
3. Locate a process belonging to the malware.
4. Select it and press End Task.
5. Exit Task Manager.
6. Tap Win+E.
7. Check these folders:
   %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
   %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
   %TEMP%
8. Locate the Lokd Ransomware’s installer, right-click the malicious file, and press Delete.
9. Navigate to:
   %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data
   %LOCALAPPDATA%
10. Locate folders with long titles that are made from random characters, for example, 9f9er774-59f4-487a-5f16-7y20uc4f8om1.
11. Right-click such folders and press Delete.
12. Find documents called _readme.txt, right-click them, and select Delete.
13. Go to: %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
14. Locate a task belonging to the threat, e.g., Time Trigger Task.
15. Right-click the suspicious task and press Delete.
16. Exit File Explorer.
17. Press Win+R.
18. Type Regedit and click Enter.
19. Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
20. Find a value name belonging to the malware, e.g., SysHelper, right-click it, and choose Delete to erase it.
21. Close Registry Editor.
22. Empty Recycle Bin.
23. Restart your computer.