Lazarus (.Lazarus) ransomware virus - removal and decryption options
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is Lazarus?
Discovered by Alex Svirid, Lazarus ransomware is derived from King Ouroboros, another ransomware-type program. Ransomware encrypts data (blocking access to it). Cyber criminals create these programs to extort money from victims by demanding ransom payments in return for a decryption tool and/or key.
Lazarus changes the names of encrypted files by adding a string that contains an email address, the victim's ID, and the ".Lazarus" extension. For example, "1.jpg" might become "1.jpg.[ID=LNDxrzJ2Aw][Mail=Mr.TeslaBrain@gmail.com].Lazarus".
Updated variants use ".Lazarus+" extension. It also creates a text file named "Read-Me-Now.txt" and displays a pop-up window.
Screenshot of files encrypted by Lazarus (".Lazarus" extension):
Ransom note overview
The Read-Me-Now.txt file contains a ransom message that Lazarus developers use to instruct victims about how to decrypt their files. The message and a pop-up window state that this ransomware encrypts files with a high level cryptography algorithm and victims who wish to access their files must pay for decryption (in effect, pay cyber criminals a ransom).
They are permitted to first send one file (up to 1 MB) to mr.teslabrain@gmail.com. The cost of decryption is unknown, however, it is stated that this will double unless Lazarus developers are contacted within 48 hours of encryption, or if victims try to decrypt files using third party software. It is stated that attempts to decrypt files with other tools might also damage encrypted files.
Typically, encryptions caused by ransomware-type programs can be decrypted only using tools held by cyber criminals (ransomware developers). Therefore, people are often tempted to contact these people to purchase decryption tools and/or keys (since there are no other tools capable of decrypting locked data).
Despite this, do not trust cyber criminals or pay any ransoms - they usually send no decryption tools, even after a payment. In such cases, the best way to avoid data and financial loss is to restore files from a backup, if one was created prior to encryption.
Ransomware in general
Most ransomware-type programs encrypt data stored on computers (and connected storage devices) and create (or display) ransom messages. Common differences are cost of decryption and cryptographic algorithm (symmetric or asymmetric) that ransomware uses to encrypt files.
Unfortunately, most programs of this type perform encryptions that are impossible to decrypt without the involvement of the cyber criminals who developed them. It is only possible to decrypt files without payment or contacting cyber criminals in rare cases when the ransomware is not finished (contains bugs/flaws).
To avoid problems caused through these malicious programs, have data backed up and store it on a remote server or unplugged storage device (or both). Some examples of other programs similar to Lazarus are Carote, Gero, and Hese.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
There is no information about how Lazarus developers attempt to infect computers with this ransomware, however, most cyber criminals proliferate malware through spam campaigns (emails), trojans, unofficial software download sources, software 'cracking' tools and fake software updating tools.
They send emails that contain malicious attachments and present them as 'important documents'. The main goal of these campaigns is to trick recipients into opening the attached file. If opened, it downloads and installs ransomware or other malware.
Examples of files attached to their emails are Microsoft Office or PDF documents, archives such as RAR, ZIP, executable files (.exe), JavaScript files, and so on. Trojans are malicious programs that often cause chain infections: once the computer is infected with a trojan, this program downloads and installs other malicious software.
Dubious file and software download sources such as freeware download websites, free file hosting pages, Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule), third party downloaders and other such tools can be used to proliferate malicious software. Typically, cyber criminals use them to disguise malicious files as legitimate.
If people download and open the files, they install high-risk programs such as ransomware. Software 'cracking' tools are programs that supposedly activate installed software or operating systems free of charge, however, many cyber criminals design these tools to infect computers with viruses.
Fake software update tools cause damage by downloading and installing malware rather than updating outdated programs, or by exploiting bugs/flaws of outdated, vulnerable software.
| Name | Lazarus virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Decryption Tool | Files encrypted by Lazarus (with specific extensions) can be decrypted using this tool. |
| Encrypted Files Extension | .Lazarus (ransomware also appends filenames with the victim's unique ID and developer's email address) |
| Ransom Demanding Message | Read-Me-Now.txt and a pop-up window |
| Cyber Criminal Contact | mr.teslabrain@gmail.com, dadacrc@protonmail.ch |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:Malware-gen), BitDefender (DeepScan:Generic.Ransom.Ouroboros.9588D3CF), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.NXE), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan.Win32.Generic), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Cannot open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension (for example, my.docx.locked). A ransom demand message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals demand payment of a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Additional Information | Lazarus developers use a publicly-accessible email service (Gmail). It is easy to track people who use services of this kind, which suggests that the cyber criminals who created and spread Lazarus are amateurs in this field. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password-stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?
Download, install, update software, and browse the web responsibly. Do not use third party downloaders, installers, unofficial websites, Peer-to-Peer networks, or other tools of this kind. All software should be downloaded software from official, trustworthy websites.
Installed software should be updated using implemented functions or tools designed by official software developers. Irrelevant emails that are sent from unknown, suspicious addresses and contain attachments (or web links) should not be trusted. Do not open open files attached to emails of this type, especially if there is reason to believe that they are unsafe.
Software cracking tools are illegal and often cause computer infections - these tools should never be used. Operating systems should be scanned with reputable anti-spyware or anti-virus software and all detected threats eliminated immediately.
If your computer is already infected with Lazarus, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.
Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:
Text in the pop-up window:
Your Files Has Been Encrypted
How To Recover :
Your Data Has Been Encrypted Due The Security Problem
If You Want To Restore Your Files Send Email to Us
Before Paying You Can Send 1MB file For Decryption Test to guarantee that your Files Can Be Restored
Test File Should Not Contain Valuable Data ( Databases Large Excels , Backups )
Do Not Rename Files or Do Not Try Decrypt Files With 3rd Party Softwares , It May Damage Your Files
And Increase Decryption PriceYour ID : -
Our Email : Mr.TeslaBrain@gmail.comHow To Buy Bitcoin :
Payment Should Be With Bitcoin
You Can learn how To Buy Bitcoin From This Links :
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
hxxps://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins
Screenshot of Lazarus text file ("Read-Me-Now.txt"):
Text presented in this file:
Your All Files Encrypted With High level Cryptography Algorithm
If You Need Your Files You Should Pay For Decryption
You Can Send 1MB File For Decryption Test To Make Sure Your Files Can Be Decrypted
After 48 hour If You Dont contact us or use 3rd party applications or recovery tools Decryption fee will Be Double
After Test You Will Get Decryption Tool
Your ID For Decryption:LNDxrzJ2Aw
Contact Us: Mr.TeslaBrain@gmail.com
Update October 14, 2019 - Malware researcher BloodDolly has recently released a tool capable of decrypting data compromised by multiple variants of Ouroboros (King Ouroboros) ransomware. The tool is capable of decrypting data with the following extensions:
- ".Email(*)(ID=.*"
- ".Email=(*)ID=.*"
- ".Email=[*]ID=[*].*"
- ".Email=[*]ID=[*].Angus"
- ".Email=[*]ID=[*].KRONOS"
- ".[ID=*][Mail=*].Lazarus"
- ".[ID=*][Mail=*].Lazarus+"
You can download this tool by clicking this link (you'll find the instructions for decryption within the archive).
Screenshot of Ouroboros decrypter by BloodDolly:
Update October 30, 2019 - BitDefender has recently released a decryption tool capable of restoring data encrypted by Lazarus ransomware (with ".Lazarus" and ".Lazarus+" extension). You can find more information and download the tool in this page.
Lazarus ransomware removal:
Instant automatic malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
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Video suggesting what steps should be taken in case of a ransomware infection:
Quick menu:
- What is Lazarus 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How was my computer hacked and how did hackers encrypt my files?
Cybercriminals distribute ransomware via pirated software, cracking tools, malicious advertisements, emails containing malicious files or links, compromised websites, drive-by downloads, P2P networks, and similar channels. Vulnerabilities in outdated software can also be exploited to infiltrate ransomware.
How to open ".Lazarus" files?
These files have been encrypted. Thus, they cannot be opened without a decryption tool.
Where should I look for free decryption tools for Lazarus ransomware?
Files encrypted by Lazarus may be decrypted using this tool. Also, you should check the No More Ransom project website (more information above).
I can pay you a lot of money, can you decrypt files for me?
We do not offer this service. Files encrypted by ransomware cannot be decrypted without the developers' intervention unless there is a flaw in the ransomware. Therefore, a third party offering paid decryption will likely either scam you or act as a middleman.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Lazarus ransomware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan the operating system and eliminate ransomware. It is important to remove ransomware to avoid additional damage. However, removing such malware is only the first step in recovery and it does not involve data decryption.
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