Loki Locker (.Loki or .Rainman) ransomware virus - removal and decryption options
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of malware is Loki Locker ransomware?
Loki Locker prevents victims from accessing their files by encrypting them. Also, it renames all encrypted files, changes the desktop wallpaper, displays a pop-up window, and creates the "Restore-My-Files.txt" text file. Loki Locker's wallpaper, pop-up window, and text file contain instructions on how to contact the attackers.
Loki Locker renames encrypted files by replacing their filenames with the recoverdata@onionmail.org email address, victim's ID, original filename and the ".Loki" extension. For example, it renames "1.jpg" to "[recoverdata@onionmail.org][C279F237]1.jpg.Loki", "2.jpg" to "[recoverdata@onionmail.org][C279F237]2.jpg.Loki", and so on. Updated variants of Loki Locker append ".Rainman" or either ".PayForKey" extension instead of ".Loki".
Screenshot of files encrypted by Loki Locker (".Loki" extension):
Overview of the Loki Locker's ransom notes
Loki Locker's ransom notes inform victims that all their files have been encrypted and instruct them to send their ID to recoverdata@onionmail.org or recoverdata@mail2tor.com email address to receive further instructions. Also, they offer victims to send one encrypted file and get it back decrypted for free (that file cannot contain valuable information).
Additionally, Loki Locker's ransom notes warn victims not to rename files or try to decrypt them with third-party software. By doing so, victims may damage their files irreversibly. In conclusion, all three ransom notes instruct victims to contact cybercriminals via the provided email addresses for more information regarding data decryption.
More information about ransomware
Most ransomware variants encrypt files with strong encryption algorithms. Therefore, victims cannot decrypt files without the right decryption tools that only cybercriminals can provide. In some cases, victims can decrypt their files for free - when there is a third-party tool available on the Internet.
Unfortunately, there is no free tool that can decrypt files encrypted by Loki Locker. On top of that, multiple victims confirmed that Loki Locker's developers never provide the decryption tool once the ransom is paid, hence you should never do that. Victims who have a data backup can use it to restore their files without contacting and paying cybercriminals.
One more important detail about ransomware attacks is that installed ransomware may encrypt more (new) files or infect computers on the local network. Any further damage can be prevented by uninstalling ransomware from the infected operating system. Although, its uninstallation does not make already encrypted files accessible.
Similarities with other ransomware variants
Typically, ransomware provides contact and (or) payment information - it generates a ransom note that has an email address (or addresses), payment deadline, decryption price, or other details. The main purpose of ransomware is to encrypt files so that victims could not access them until a ransom is paid.
The only main differences between ransomware attacks are the prices of decryption tools and cryptographic algorithms used to encrypt files. More ransomware examples are Ufymmtjonc, L47, and Vzlom. It is recommended to have files backed up and keep them stored on a remote server or unplugged storage device. Data backup allows victims to restore their files for free.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
In most cases, ransomware is distributed through Trojans, emails, unreliable sources for downloading files and programs, fake software updaters, and software cracking tools. There are different types of Trojans. There are Trojans designed to install their payload (infect computers with additional malware).
Trojans can cause damage only if they are already installed on computers. It is important to know that Trojans can be disguised as legitimate programs. Another popular way to deliver malware is to send emails with malicious attachments or links in them. In such cases, cybercriminals attempt to trick recipients into downloading and opening a malicious file.
Typically, cybercriminals attempt to trick recipients into opening a malicious Microsoft Office, PDF documents, JavaScript files, archive files (their contents) like ZIP, RAR, and executable files like EXE. As a rule, emails used to deliver malicious software are disguised as letters from legitimate companies or other entities.
Also, cybercriminals can use Peer-to-Peer networks (torrent clients, eMule, and other P2P networks), unofficial pages, free file hosting sites, freeware download pages, third-party downloaders, and other unreliable sources for downloading files, programs to distribute malware. Users infect computers when they open a downloaded malicious file.
Fake software updaters infect computers by installing malicious software instead of updates, fixes for the installed software, or exploiting bugs, flaws of outdated software. Typically, cybercriminals design fake updaters to look similar (or even identical) to legitimate installers.
Unofficial software activation tools (cracking tools) infect computers when they have malware hidden in them. The same applies to installers for cracked (pirated) software. Cybercriminals behind malicious cracking tools target users who seek to activate licensed software without paying for it.
Name | Loki Locker virus |
Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
Encrypted Files Extension | .Loki, .Rainman, .PayForKey |
Ransom Demanding Message | Desktop wallpaper, info.hta (pop-up window), Restore-My-Files.txt |
Cyber Criminal Contact | recoverdata@onionmail.org, recoverlokidata@gmail.com, zxulansis@onionmail.org, zxulansis@mailfence.com, umbrage@onionmail.org, rdpdik6@gmail.com, rdpp771@gmail.com, companyadvanc@tutanota.com, adminloki@onionmail.org, lokiadmin@mail2tor.com, companyadvanc@onionmail.org, filesupport@airmail.cc, crypter@firemail.de, nolock@keemail.me, crypter1help@cyberfear.com, speedser@cyberfear.com, speedser@tutanota.com, decgodloki@tutanota.com, decgodloki@onionmail.com, deccryptyourfileenvi@onionmail.org, unlockerhelp@onionmail.org, contact03@tutanota.com, trust03@onionmail.org, envidecsupp@tutanota.com, unlockloki@onionmail.org, unlockloki@mailfence.com, vulcanteam@onionmail.org, vulcanteam@mail2tor.com, decryption.helper@aol.com, decryption.help@cyberfear.com, antilock@keemail.me, lokiloki@mailfence.com, lokisupp0rt@yandex.com, lokihelp@onionmail.org, lokihelp@mail2tor.com, emeraldcrypt@onionmail.org, decrliv@aol.com, decliv@aol.com, emeraldcrypt@tutanota.com, antilock@cock.li, go.ahead@tutanota.com, anylock@cock.li, anylock@keemail.me, sirhirad@cock.li, sirboz@onionmail.org, main642@tutanota.com, everythingwillbeok@onionmail.org, winston01@msgsafe.io, winston01@onionmail.org, supporting@firemail.cc, lokisupport@onionmail.org, ghosttm@zohomail.com, ransomware919@zohomail.eu, ransomware919@mailfence.com, lollooki@protonmail.com, lollooki@yandex.com, supploki@onionmail.org, supploki@mailfence.com, umbrage@cyberfear.com, ghostenc@mailfence.com, ghostenc@tutanota.com, reopen@tutanota.com, mrlokilocker@telegram.me, ransom101@tutanota.com, draculakink00@mailfence.com, draculakink99@outlook.com, willbeok1234@tutanota.com, everythingwillbeok@mailfence.com, sirsilent1@onionmail.org, loki_supp@outlook.com, trust003@protonmail.com, trust03@tutanota.com, data2022@aol.com, lokiguide@yahooweb.co, rdpmanager@onionmail.org, sirsilent2@onionmail.org, data2022@onionmail.org, vpsran1fat@cyberfear.com, vpsran1fat@tutanota.com, recoverdata@mail2tor.com, dr.dcrypter@mailfence.com, d4rkw4ve@tutanota.com, irishman@onionmail.com, irishman@tutanota.de, advanceloki@mailfence.com, advanceloki@tutanota.com, roxlock@keemail.me, minioncrypt@tutanota.com, recoverlokidata@gmail.com, minioncrypt@bingzone.net, rdecrypt@yandex.com, exploit1@mailfence.com, exploit2@cock.li, dark4wave@yandex.com, rdpmanager@airmail.cc, filemanager@mailfence.com, unlockpls.dr01@protonmail.com, unlockpls.dr01@yahoo.com, ultimatehelp@techmail.info, miracle11@keemail.me, ultimatehelp@keemail.me, decnow@tutamail.com, decnow@protonmail.com, leo.decrypter@protonmail.com, leo.rinse@mailfence.com, decnow@msgsafe.io, decnow@tutamail.com, dexter.xanax@tutanota.com, dexterxanax@criptext.com, tran9ino00@protonmail.com, anoniran@protonmail.com, miiracle11@yandex.com, falcon9@cyberfear.com, lockirswsuppurt@mailfence.com, rain_man13@keemail.me, loki.help@mailfence.com, payfordecrypting@gmail.com, payfordecrypting@outlook.com, loki.help@bingzone.net, roxlock@mailfence.com, rain.man13@mailfence.com, decoder@firemail.cc, helpingdecode@tutanota.com, lockteam@keemail.me, rdecrypt@mailfence.com, lockteam@cock.li, sapphire01@keemail.me, sapphire02@mailfence.com, darksoul@safeswiss.com, prodecryptor@yandex.com, mary2005@onionmail.org, mary2005@mailfence.com, payfordecryption@gmail.com, payfordecryption@outlook.com, xmaster22@tutanota.com, xmagic22@tutanota.com, helprecoverdata@aol.com, rrdata@aol.com, recovertwilightdata@gmail.com |
Detection Names | Avast (FileRepMalware), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Heur.MSIL.Krypt.2), Emsisoft (Gen:Heur.MSIL.Krypt.2 (B)), Kaspersky (VHO:Trojan-Spy.MSIL.Convagent.gen), Symantec (ML.Attribute.HighConfidence), 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. |
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?
Programs and files should be downloaded from trustworthy (official) pages and through direct download links. It is not recommended to use unofficial websites, third-party downloaders or installers, Peer-to-Peer networks to download or install any programs - files downloaded from the aforementioned sources can be malicious.
Installed programs should be updated and activated with tools or implemented functions provided by their developers. None of the third-party, unofficial are trustworthy - it is common for them to be used as tools to distribute malware. Also, it is against the law to use cracking tools/use cracked software.
Attachments and website links in irrelevant emails received from unknown, suspicious addresses should not be opened - emails of this kind are likely to be used to deliver malware. Usually, they are disguised as official letters from legitimate entities and contain malicious files or links.
The operating system should be scanned for malware and other threats regularly. It is recommended to scan it with a reputable antivirus or anti-spyware software and keep it up to date. If your computer is already infected with Loki Locker, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.
Screenshot of the Loki Locker's wallpaper:
Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:
Text in the Loki Locker's desktop wallpaper:
Loki locker
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your computer
If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail:
recoverdata@onionmail.org
Write this ID in the title of your message: -
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this e-mail:
recoverdata@mail2tor.com
Screenshot of the Loki Locker's pop-up window ("info.hta"):
Text in this pop-up window:
Loki locker
All your important files have been encrypted
If you want to restore them, write us to the e-mail recoverdata@onionmail.org
Write this ID in the title of your message -
In case of no answer in 24 hours write us to this e-mail: recoverdata@mail2tor.com
Free decryption as guarantee
Before paying you can send us 1 file for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 2Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click 'Buy bitcoins', and select the seller by payment method and price.
hxxps://localbitcoins.com/buy_bitcoins
Also you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
hxxp://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
Screenshot of Loki Locker's text file ("Restore-My-Files.txt"):
Text in this ransom note:
All your important files are encrypted!
There is only one way to get your files back:
1. Contact with us
2. Send us 1 any encrypted your file and your personal id
3. We will decrypt 1 file for test(maximum file size - 2MG), it is guarantee what we can decrypt your files
4. Pay
5. We send for you decryptor softwareWe accept Bitcoin
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files.
Do not try to decrypt using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
Decryption of your files with the help if third parties may cause increase price(they add their fee to our)Contact information: recoverdata@onionmail.org
Be sure to duplicate your message on the e-mail: recoverdata@mail2tor.com
Your personal id:
-
Files encrypted by another Loki Locker ransomware's variant which appends ".Rainman" extension:
Pop-up window delivered by another variant of Loki Locker ransomware:
Text presented within:
All your files have been encrypted by Loki locker!
14d,23:54:17 LEFT TO LOSE ALL OF YOUR FILES
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC.
If you want to restore them, please send an email lockteam@keemail.me
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoin. The price depends on how fast you contact us.
After payment we will send you the decryption tool.
You have to 48 hours(2 Days) To contact or paying us After that, you have to Pay Double.
In case of no answer in 24 hours (1 Day) write to this email lockteam@cock.li
Your unique ID is : 9ECFA84EYou only have LIMITED time to get back your files!
•If timer runs out and you dont pay us , all of files will be DELETED and you hard disk will be seriously DAMAGED.
•You will lose some of your data on day 2 in the timer.
•You can buy more time for pay. Just email us.
•THIS IS NOT A JOKE! you can wait for the timer to run out ,and watch deletion of your files :)What is our decryption guarantee?
•Before paying you can send us up to 3 test files for free decryption. The total size of files must be less than 2Mb (non archived), and files should not contain valuable information. (databases,backups, large excel sheets, etc.)Attention!
•DO NOT pay any money before decrypting the test files.
•DO NOT trust any intermediary. they wont help you and you may be victim of scam. just email us , we help you in any steps.
•DO NOT reply to other emails. ONLY this two emails can help you.
•Do not rename encrypted files.
•Do not try to decrypt your data using third party software, it may cause permanent data loss.
•Decryption of your files with the help of third parties may cause increased price (they add their fee to our) or you can become a victim of a scam.
Files encrypted by another Loki Locker ransomware's variant which appends ".PayForKey" extension:
Files encrypted by yet another variant of Loki Locker ransomware (".DATA" extension):
Video showing how to remove Loki Locker ransomware using Combo Cleaner:
Loki Locker 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:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Video suggesting what steps should be taken in case of a ransomware infection:
Quick menu:
- What is Loki Locker 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?
In most cases, users infect computers with ransomware via emails, cracked software download pages, and malicious drive-by downloads. As a rule, it happens when users execute ransomware by themselves.
How to open ".Loki" or ".Rainman" files?
If ransomware has encrypted your files, decryption is required for file usage. It is not possible to open files while they are encrypted.
Where should I look for free decryption tools for Loki Locker ransomware?
In case of a ransomware attack 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 provide a decryption service. It is important to know that third parties offering paid decryption cannot be trusted - they are either scammers or act as a man-in-the-middle. As a rule, there is no free way to decrypt files unless ransomware has certain bugs.
Will Combo Cleaner help me remove Loki Locker ransomware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your computer and remove ransomware. Once removed, ransomware will no longer be a threat to other files and computers. However, affected files will remain encrypted even after the removal. Antivirus software cannot decrypt the encrypted files.
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