LLTP Ransomware

What is LLTP?

First discovered by malware researcher, MalwareHunterTeam, LLTP is an updated version of a ransomware-type virus called VenusLocker. Once infiltrated, LLTP encrypts files using AES-256 and RSA-2048 algorithms. In addition, the virus renames encrypted files by encoding the original filenames with Base64 scheme.

It also changes the file extension to either ".ENCRYPTED_BY_LLTP" or ".ENCRYPTED_BY_LLTPp" (depending on the type of file).

For example, "1.jpg" might be renamed to "MS5qcGcNCg0K.ENCRYPTED_BY_LLTPp". After successfully encrypting files, LLTP changes the desktop wallpaper, opens a pop-up window, and creates a text file ("LEAME.txt"), placing it on the desktop. All three contain ransom demand messages.

Note that the LLTP messages within the wallpaper, text file, and pop-up are not identical. The wallpaper and text file contain messages in English, whilst the pop-up's is in Spanish. Delivering different messages in this fashion is quite uncommon to ransomware-type viruses.

Although the languages are different, they deliver an identical message: files are encrypted and the victim must purchase a unique key to restore them. As mentioned above, LLTP uses AES-256 and RSA-2048 cryptographies. Therefore, restoring files without unique keys is impossible.

To receive these keys, victims must send the equivalent of $200 in Bitcoins to cyber criminals. Research shows, however, that criminals often ignore victims, once payments are submitted. Thus, paying does not guarantee that your files will ever be decrypted and there is a high probability that you will be scammed.

You are strongly advised to ignore all requests to pay or contact these people. Unfortunately, there are no tools capable of decrypting files compromised by LLTP ransomware. The only solution is to restore files/system from a backup.

Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:

There are many ransomware-type viruses virtually identical to LLTP. The list of examples includes CryptoDevil, ZinoCrypt, RozaLocker, and Enjey Crypter. Note that, as with LLTP, these viruses also encrypt files and make ransom demands. There are just two major differences: 1) cost of decryption, and; 2) type of encryption algorithm [symmetric/asymmetric] used.

Even the distribution methods are identical. Ransomware-type viruses are often distributed via spam emails (infectious attachments), peer-to-peer networks (torrents, etc.), third party software download sources (freeware download websites, free file hosting websites, etc.), fake software update tools, and trojans.

Therefore, be very cautious when opening files received from suspicious emails, and when downloading software from unofficial sources.

Furthermore, keep your installed applications up-to-date and use a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite. Bear in mind, however, that criminals often employ fake updaters to proliferate malware. Therefore never update software via third party tools. The key to computer safety is caution.

Ransom-demand message presented within LLTP ransomware pop-up:

A partir de este momento, todos los archivos importantes almacenados en este computador, tales como: documentos (excel, pdf, doc, etc), bases de datos (sql, mdb, etc), fotos, musica, videos entre otros,
se encuentran encriptados con cifrado AES-256 y RSA-2048, esto significa que estos archivos estan actualmente BLOQUEADOS con una llave virtual unica generada excusivamente para este computador, la cual se encuentra almacenada en nuestro servidor secreto de internet, y le aseguramos que es IMPOSIBLE desbloquearlos sin dicha llave virtual.
Pero no se preocupe, sus archivos aun se encuentran en su computador, pero estan bloqueados.
Si a usted le importan sus archivos y desea recuperarlos, todo lo que debe hacer es realizar un pago de 0,2 Bitcoins (Cerca de $ 200 USD) por la llave virtual y el servico de decifrado, enviando dichos bitcoins a la siguiente direccion:
Si desea realizar el pago y recuperar sus archivos, favor envienos un e-mail a nuestra direccion oficial: LLTP@mail2tor.com con su ID personal y recibira toda la asesoria necesaria para completar su pago y desbloquear sus archivos.
NOTA: SOLO DISPONE DE 72 HORAS PARA REALIZAR EL PAGO, DE LO CONTRARIO SU LLAVE VIRTUAL SERA ELIMINADA AUTOMATICAMNETE Y
TODOS SUS ARCHIVOS QUEDARAN BLOQUEADOS PERMANENTEMENTE
NOTA2: NO INTENTE RECUPERAR SUS ARCHIVOS POR SU CUENTA YA QUE PODRIA DAÑARLOS Y ESTO ENCARECERIA EL SERVICIO DE DECIFRADO, O PEOR AUN PODRIA TERMINAR DE PERDERLOS PARA SIEMPRE.

Screenshot of LLTP ransomware text file ("LEAME.txt"):

Text presented within LLTP ransomware text file:

--- THE LLTP RANSOMWARE ---
Unfortunately, you are hacked.
1. What happened to my files?
Your personal files, including your photos, documents, videos and other important files on this computer, have been encrypted with RSA-4096, the strongest encryption algorithm. RSA algorithm generates a public key and a private key for your computer. The public key was used to encrypt your files a moment ago. The private key is necessary for you to decrypt and recover your files. Now, your private key is stored on our secret Internet server. And there is no doubt that no one can recover your files without your private key.
For further information about RSA algorithm, please refer to hxxps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSA_(cryptosystem)
2. How to decrypt my files?
To decrypt and recover your files, you have to pay - US Dollars for the private key and decryption service. Please note that you have ONLY 72 HOURS to complete your payment. If your payment do not be completed within time limit, your private key will be deleted automatically by our server. All your files will be permanently encrypted and nobody can recover them. Therefore, it is advised that you'd better not waste your time, because there is no other way to recover your files except making a payment.
3. How to pay for my private key?
There are three steps to make a payment and recover your files:
1). For the security of transactions, all the payments must be completed via Bitcoin network. Thus, you need to exchange #ramt# US dollars (or equivalent local currencies) to Bitcoins, and then send these Bitcoins (about BTC) to the following address. 19fhNi9L2aYXTaTFWueRhJYGsGDaN6WGcP
2). Send your personal ID to our official email: LLTP@mail2tor.com
Your personal ID is: -
3). You will receive a decryptor and your private key to recover all your files within one working day.
4. What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is an innovative payment network and a new kind of money. It is based on an open-source cryptographic protocol that is independent of any central authority. Bitcoins can be transferred through a computer or a smartphone with an intermediate financial institution.
5. How to make a payment with Bitcoin?
You can make a payment with Bitcoin based on Bitcoin Wallet or Based on Perfect Money. You can choose the way that is more convenient for you.
About Based on Bitcoin Wallet
1) Create a Bitcoin Wallet. We recommend Blockchain.info (hxxps://blockchain.info/)
2) Buy necessary amount of Bitcoins. Our recommendations are as follows.
LocalBitcoins.com -- the fastest and easiest way to buy and sell Bitcoins.
CoinCafe.com -- the simplest and fastest way to buy, sell and use Bitcoins.
BTCDirect.eu -- the best for Europe.
CEX.IO -- Visa / MasterCard
CoinMama.com -- Visa / MasterCard
HowToBuyBitcoins.info -- discover quickly how to buy and sell Bitcoins in your local currency.
3) As mentioned above, send about - BTC (equivalent to USD) to our Bitcoin receiving address.
4) As mentioned above, and then, send us your personal ID via email, you will receive your private key soon.
About Based on Perfect Money
1) Create a Perfect Money account. (hxxps://perfectmoney.is)
2) Visit to PMBitcoin.com. (hxxps://pmbitcoin.com/btc)
input our Bitcoin receiving address in the "Bitcoin Wallet".
input - in the "Amount", the amount of Bitcoin will be calculated automatically.
click "PAY" button, then you can complete you payment with your Perfect Money account and local debit card.
6. If you have any problem, please feel free to contact us via official email.
Best Regards
The LLTP Locker Team

Screenshot of LLTP desktop wallpaper:

Text file presented within LLTP ransomware desktop wallpaper:

You are hacked
Your personal files are encrypted
To decrypt and recover all your files, you need to pay 200 US dollars for decryption service.
1. Exchange 200 USD (or equivalent local currencies) to Bitcoins, and then send these Bitcoins to our Bitcoin receiving address: 19fhNi9L2aYXTaTFWueRhJYGsGDaN6WGc
2. Send your Personal ID to our official email: LLTP@mail2tor.com
3 You will receive your private key to recover your files within on working day.
For detailed information, please refer to the dialog or “ReadMe.txt” on your desktop.

Screenshot of files encrypted by LLTP (Base64 encoded filename with ".ENCRYPTED_BY_LLTP" or ".ENCRYPTED_BY_LLTPp" extension):

LLTP ransomware removal:

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Video suggesting what steps should be taken in case of a ransomware infection:

Quick menu:

• What is LLTP virus?
• STEP 1. Reporting ransomware to authorities.
• STEP 2. Isolating the infected device.
• STEP 3. Identifying the ransomware infection.
• STEP 4. Searching for ransomware decryption tools.
• STEP 5. Restoring files with data recovery tools.
• STEP 6. Creating data backups.

Reporting ransomware to authorities:

If you are a victim of a ransomware attack we recommend reporting this incident to authorities. By providing information to law enforcement agencies you will help track cybercrime and potentially assist in the prosecution of the attackers. Here's a list of authorities where you should report a ransomware attack. For the complete list of local cybersecurity centers and information on why you should report ransomware attacks, read this article.

List of local authorities where ransomware attacks should be reported (choose one depending on your residence address):

•  USA - Internet Crime Complaint Centre IC3
•  United Kingdom - Action Fraud
•  Spain - Policía Nacional
•  France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
•  Germany - Polizei
•  Italy - Polizia di Stato
•  The Netherlands - Politie
•  Poland - Policja
•  Portugal - Polícia Judiciária

Isolating the infected device:

Some ransomware-type infections are designed to encrypt files within external storage devices, infect them, and even spread throughout the entire local network. For this reason, it is very important to isolate the infected device (computer) as soon as possible.

Step 1: Disconnect from the internet.

The easiest way to disconnect a computer from the internet is to unplug the Ethernet cable from the motherboard, however, some devices are connected via a wireless network and for some users (especially those who are not particularly tech-savvy), disconnecting cables may seem troublesome. Therefore, you can also disconnect the system manually via Control Panel:

Navigate to the "Control Panel", click the search bar in the upper-right corner of the screen, enter "Network and Sharing Center" and select search result:

Click the "Change adapter settings" option in the upper-left corner of the window:

Right-click on each connection point and select "Disable". Once disabled, the system will no longer be connected to the internet. To re-enable the connection points, simply right-click again and select "Enable".

Step 2: Unplug all storage devices.

As mentioned above, ransomware might encrypt data and infiltrate all storage devices that are connected to the computer. For this reason, all external storage devices (flash drives, portable hard drives, etc.) should be disconnected immediately, however, we strongly advise you to eject each device before disconnecting to prevent data corruption:

Navigate to "My Computer", right-click on each connected device, and select "Eject":

Step 3: Log-out of cloud storage accounts.

Some ransomware-type might be able to hijack software that handles data stored within "the Cloud". Therefore, the data could be corrupted/encrypted. For this reason, you should log-out of all cloud storage accounts within browsers and other related software. You should also consider temporarily uninstalling the cloud-management software until the infection is completely removed.

Identify the ransomware infection:

To properly handle an infection, one must first identify it. Some ransomware infections use ransom-demand messages as an introduction (see the WALDO ransomware text file below).

This, however, is rare. In most cases, ransomware infections deliver more direct messages simply stating that data is encrypted and that victims must pay some sort of ransom. Note that ransomware-type infections typically generate messages with different file names (for example, "_readme.txt", "READ-ME.txt", "DECRYPTION_INSTRUCTIONS.txt", "DECRYPT_FILES.html", etc.). Therefore, using the name of a ransom message may seem like a good way to identify the infection. The problem is that most of these names are generic and some infections use the same names, even though the delivered messages are different and the infections themselves are unrelated. Therefore, using the message filename alone can be ineffective and even lead to permanent data loss (for example, by attempting to decrypt data using tools designed for different ransomware infections, users are likely to end up permanently damaging files and decryption will no longer be possible even with the correct tool).

Another way to identify a ransomware infection is to check the file extension, which is appended to each encrypted file. Ransomware infections are often named by the extensions they append (see files encrypted by Qewe ransomware below).

This method is only effective, however, when the appended extension is unique - many ransomware infections append a generic extension (for example, ".encrypted", ".enc", ".crypted", ".locked", etc.). In these cases, identifying ransomware by its appended extension becomes impossible.

One of the easiest and quickest ways to identify a ransomware infection is to use the ID Ransomware website. This service supports most existing ransomware infections. Victims simply upload a ransom message and/or one encrypted file (we advise you to upload both if possible).

The ransomware will be identified within seconds and you will be provided with various details, such as the name of the malware family to which the infection belongs, whether it is decryptable, and so on.

Example 1 (Qewe [Stop/Djvu] ransomware):

Example 2 (.iso [Phobos] ransomware):

If your data happens to be encrypted by ransomware that is not supported by ID Ransomware, you can always try searching the internet by using certain keywords (for example, a ransom message title, file extension, provided contact emails, crypto wallet addresses, etc.).

Search for ransomware decryption tools:

Encryption algorithms used by most ransomware-type infections are extremely sophisticated and, if the encryption is performed properly, only the developer is capable of restoring data. This is because decryption requires a specific key, which is generated during the encryption. Restoring data without the key is impossible. In most cases, cybercriminals store keys on a remote server, rather than using the infected machine as a host. Dharma (CrySis), Phobos, and other families of high-end ransomware infections are virtually flawless, and thus restoring data encrypted without the developers' involvement is simply impossible. Despite this, there are dozens of ransomware-type infections that are poorly developed and contain a number of flaws (for example, the use of identical encryption/decryption keys for each victim, keys stored locally, etc.). Therefore, always check for available decryption tools for any ransomware that infiltrates your computer.

Finding the correct decryption tool on the internet can be very frustrating. For this reason, we recommend that you use the No More Ransom Project and this is where identifying the ransomware infection is useful. The No More Ransom Project website contains a "Decryption Tools" section with a search bar. Enter the name of the identified ransomware, and all available decryptors (if there are any) will be listed.

Restore files with data recovery tools:

Depending on the situation (quality of ransomware infection, type of encryption algorithm used, etc.), restoring data with certain third-party tools might be possible. Therefore, we advise you to use the Recuva tool developed by CCleaner. This tool supports over a thousand data types (graphics, video, audio, documents, etc.) and it is very intuitive (little knowledge is necessary to recover data). In addition, the recovery feature is completely free.

Step 1: Perform a scan.

Run the Recuva application and follow the wizard. You will be prompted with several windows allowing you to choose what file types to look for, which locations should be scanned, etc. All you need to do is select the options you're looking for and start the scan. We advise you to enable the "Deep Scan" before starting, otherwise, the application's scanning capabilities will be restricted.

Wait for Recuva to complete the scan. The scanning duration depends on the volume of files (both in quantity and size) that you are scanning (for example, several hundred gigabytes could take over an hour to scan). Therefore, be patient during the scanning process. We also advise against modifying or deleting existing files, since this might interfere with the scan. If you add additional data (for example, downloading files/content) while scanning, this will prolong the process:

Step 2: Recover data.

Once the process is complete, select the folders/files you wish to restore and simply click "Recover". Note that some free space on your storage drive is necessary to restore data:

Create data backups:

Proper file management and creating backups is essential for data security. Therefore, always be very careful and think ahead.

Partition management: We recommend that you store your data in multiple partitions and avoid storing important files within the partition that contains the entire operating system. If you fall into a situation whereby you cannot boot the system and are forced to format the disk on which the operating system is installed (in most cases, this is where malware infections hide), you will lose all data stored within that drive. This is the advantage of having multiple partitions: if you have the entire storage device assigned to a single partition, you will be forced to delete everything, however, creating multiple partitions and allocating the data properly allows you to prevent such problems. You can easily format a single partition without affecting the others - therefore, one will be cleaned and the others will remain untouched, and your data will be saved. Managing partitions is quite simple and you can find all the necessary information on Microsoft's documentation web page.

Data backups: One of the most reliable backup methods is to use an external storage device and keep it unplugged. Copy your data to an external hard drive, flash (thumb) drive, SSD, HDD, or any other storage device, unplug it and store it in a dry place away from the sun and extreme temperatures. This method is, however, quite inefficient, since data backups and updates need to be made regularly. You can also use a cloud service or remote server. Here, an internet connection is required and there is always the chance of a security breach, although it's a really rare occasion.

We recommend using Microsoft OneDrive for backing up your files. OneDrive lets you store your personal files and data in the cloud, sync files across computers and mobile devices, allowing you to access and edit your files from all of your Windows devices. OneDrive lets you save, share and preview files, access download history, move, delete, and rename files, as well as create new folders, and much more.

You can back up your most important folders and files on your PC (your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders). Some of OneDrive’s more notable features include file versioning, which keeps older versions of files for up to 30 days. OneDrive features a recycling bin in which all of your deleted files are stored for a limited time. Deleted files are not counted as part of the user’s allocation.

The service is built using HTML5 technologies and allows you to upload files up to 300 MB via drag and drop into the web browser or up to 10 GB via the OneDrive desktop application. With OneDrive, you can download entire folders as a single ZIP file with up to 10,000 files, although it can’t exceed 15 GB per single download.

OneDrive comes with 5 GB of free storage out of the box, with an additional 100 GB, 1 TB, and 6 TB storage options available for a subscription-based fee. You can get one of these storage plans by either purchasing additional storage separately or with Office 365 subscription.

Creating a data backup:

The backup process is the same for all file types and folders. Here’s how you can back up your files using Microsoft OneDrive

Step 1: Choose the files/folders you want to backup.

Click the OneDrive cloud icon to open the OneDrive menu. While in this menu, you can customize your file backup settings.

Click Help & Settings and then select Settings from the drop-down menu.

Go to the Backup tab and click Manage backup.

In this menu, you can choose to backup the Desktop and all of the files on it, and Documents and Pictures folders, again, with all of the files in them. Click Start backup.

Now, when you add a file or folder in the Desktop and Documents and Pictures folders, they will be automatically backed up on OneDrive.

To add folders and files, not in the locations shown above, you have to add them manually.

Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the folder/file you want to backup. Select the item, right-click it, and click Copy.

Then, navigate to OneDrive, right-click anywhere in the window and click Paste. Alternatively, you can just drag and drop a file into OneDrive. OneDrive will automatically create a backup of the folder/file.

All of the files added to the OneDrive folder are backed up in the cloud automatically. The green circle with the checkmark in it indicates that the file is available both locally and on OneDrive and that the file version is the same on both. The blue cloud icon indicates that the file has not been synced and is available only on OneDrive. The sync icon indicates that the file is currently syncing.

To access files only located on OneDrive online, go to the Help & Settings drop-down menu and select View online.

Step 2: Restore corrupted files.

OneDrive makes sure that the files stay in sync, so the version of the file on the computer is the same version on the cloud. However, if ransomware has encrypted your files, you can take advantage of OneDrive’s Version history feature that will allow you to restore the file versions prior to encryption.

Microsoft 365 has a ransomware detection feature that notifies you when your OneDrive files have been attacked and guide you through the process of restoring your files. It must be noted, however, that if you don’t have a paid Microsoft 365 subscription, you only get one detection and file recovery for free.

If your OneDrive files get deleted, corrupted, or infected by malware, you can restore your entire OneDrive to a previous state. Here’s how you can restore your entire OneDrive:

1. If you're signed in with a personal account, click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Options and select Restore your OneDrive.

If you're signed in with a work or school account,  click the Settings cog at the top of the page. Then, click Restore your OneDrive.

2. On the Restore your OneDrive page, select a date from the drop-down list. Note that if you're restoring your files after automatic ransomware detection, a restore date will be selected for you.

3. After configuring all of the file restoration options, click Restore to undo all the activities you selected.

The best way to avoid damage from ransomware infections is to maintain regular up-to-date backups.

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