Lxhlp Ransomware

The Lxhlp Ransomware is a file-locker Trojan that comes from the Dharma Ransomware family. This Ransomware-as-a-Service specializes in blocking users' media files and can destroy backups and extort money with ransom messages. Users should let a trusted anti-malware service remove the Lxhlp Ransomware when appropriate and secure their backups for recovering without paying.

The 'Help' that's Far from a Welcome Sight on Your Computer

With both financial and software longevity being one of the typical characteristics of a Ransomware-as-a-Service, few should have any surprise remaining for seeing new variations on most RaaS families, like the Dharma Ransomware. This spin-off of the Crysis Ransomware Trojan-building kit includes refreshed campaigns weekly, with the Lxhlp Ransomware playing the part of the latest example. The Trojan's features are traditional elements of this illicit business and show how little criminals need to bother with updating their threats against complacent Windows users.

The Windows program the Lxhlp Ransomware uses randomized filenames without any overt meaning, themes or disguises for its executable. The Trojan uses Registry edits to set up its system persistence and command-line tools for attacks like deleting the Restore Point Shadow Volume Copies. Its 'lesser' features are part of the setup for its data encryption and the extortion that follows.

The Lxhlp Ransomware uses AES encryption as a way of locking the user's files, like other members of its family, in the style of the .HOW Ransomware and the Credo Ransomware, or last year's PLUT Ransomware and Wal Ransomware. This feature targets content that includes video, audio, spreadsheets, and various documents like PDFs, DOCs and TXTs. Since recent builds of the Dharma Ransomware are secure entirely, victims have few options for recovering the files that the Lxhlp Ransomware locks – besides the always-risky possibility of paying ransoms.

Being a Self-Helper with File Recovery

The Lxhlp Ransomware leaves highly-visible symptoms of infections behind that point towards its ransom and decryption service, including changes to filenames and two text messages. In general, however, users can best protect themselves from file-locking Trojans by saving backups onto sufficiently-protected devices, including detachable drives and limited-access NAS. Although the Lxhlp Ransomware doesn't give a direct price for its service, usually, file-locking Trojans expect payments of several hundred dollars minimum, up to a thousand or more.

Malware researchers also stress taking the time to prevent RaaS attacks, which use a handful of often-exploited attack vectors. Failing to use advanced passwords or install security patches, partaking of illicit downloading fare like game cracks, and running JavaScript in one's Web browser are typical vulnerabilities. Work environments also are at regular risk from e-mail attachments that may disguise themselves with more sophisticated elements than usual, such as detailed fake invoices.

The usual anti-malware vendors will find and delete the Lxhlp Ransomware appropriately if their services are active during an attempted infection or afterward. They also should block many drive-by-download efforts, including corrupted macros and browser scripts.

The bulk of Ransomware-as-a-Service money comes from those who take their safety for granted. The cost of such carelessness doesn't limit itself to an individual – threats like the Lxhlp Ransomware will take it out of an entire network's data, given a chance.