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LockOn Ransomware

Posted: October 13, 2017

Threat Metric

Threat Level: 10/10
Infected PCs: 61
First Seen: October 13, 2017
OS(es) Affected: Windows

The LockOn Ransomware is a file-encryption Trojan, which seems to be based on HiddenTear and is yet to be finished. The current version of the LockOn Ransomware was found on an online file-scanning service, and it seems only to encrypt the files stored in the directory 'C:\Users\Exploits\Desktop\test\.' Since this will not cause any damage to just about every computer, it is highly unlikely that the authors of the LockOn Ransomware will begin to distribute their harmful program in its current state. After completing the encryption stage, the LockOn Ransomware is programmed to display a ransom message in a new window, which contains a Bitcoin wallet address and some additional data.

The authors of the LockOn Ransomware appear to have included translations in English and French, as well as a button, which can be clicked to check if the payment of the victim has been processed. However, the latter button is labeled 'test,' and it does not appear to function at the moment.

Even if the LockOn Ransomware gets finished and its authors begin to spread the threatening program, there's still a significant chance that their victims will be able to recover from the attack without paying any money to the attackers. Regardless of this, it is recommended to take all necessary security measures that can help you avoid ransomware attacks, as well as the consequences that such attacks may cause. The first line of defense should be installing and running a reputable anti-virus software suite that will help keep you safe from corrupted files and digital content. Since ransomware attacks target files, it also is a good idea to use a backup service that can provide you with reserve copies of your files in case they get damaged by ransomware or another cyber threat.

If somehow you end up getting your files locked by a working version of the LockOn Ransomware that does not just encrypt the 'test' directory on your desktop, then you need to remember that paying the ransom sum is not a viable solution. The cyber crooks behind threats like this one often lie to their victims and will not provide them with a decryptor even after they receive the money they asked for. The best way to counter the LockOn Ransomware is to eliminate the harmful program with the help of an anti-malware scanner, and then use a HiddenTear decryption utility to recover the encrypted data.

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