Loki Locker (.Loki or .Rainman) ransomware virus - removal and decryption options

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.

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 software

We 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 : 9ECFA84E

You 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:

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Removal and file recovery procedure

If your files are encrypted with a new extension and a ransom note has appeared, you've been hit by ransomware. Don't pay. The procedure below works in order: contain the infection, identify the variant, remove the ransomware itself (so anything you restore doesn't get re-encrypted), and try to recover files using free decryption tools, Windows Volume Shadow Copies, or backups. Run a full system scan with Combo Cleaner to remove the infection - then move on to file recovery.

Common ransomware behaviors

VisibleEncrypts your files and renames them

The ransomware reads each file, encrypts the contents with the attacker's public key, and writes the encrypted bytes back to disk. Most variants also rename the file by appending a new extension - .net, .locked, .crypt, .lockbit, .djvu, etc. Without the matching private key, the encrypted files cannot be opened normally. Recovery depends on a free decryption tool, a recoverable Volume Shadow Copy, or a clean backup.

VisibleDrops a ransom note in every encrypted folder

A text or HTML file (usually named HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, _readme.txt, or similar) is placed in every folder that contains encrypted files. The note explains the situation, lists a payment amount in cryptocurrency, gives a deadline, and provides a contact email or .onion site. Save the note - don't delete it. Its exact wording, the email address, and the bitcoin wallet are how you identify the variant in the next phase.

VisibleReplaces the desktop wallpaper

Many ransomware variants change the Windows wallpaper to a black or red image with the ransom message and instructions. The wallpaper is just a visual scare tactic - it doesn't add any actual capability and reverts to normal once the ransomware is removed. Photograph it before removal in case the contact details are useful for variant identification or for reporting to authorities.

HiddenDeletes Volume Shadow Copies

One of the first things modern ransomware does after launching is run vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to wipe Windows' built-in Volume Shadow Copies - the snapshots that Previous Versions and System Restore rely on. Some ransomware doesn't fully succeed (especially on systems where the user lacks full admin rights), leaving partial shadow copies recoverable. Phase 4 step 11 covers how to check what survived.

HiddenDisables Windows Defender and other security tools

Before encrypting, the ransomware tries to silence anything that could alert you or block it - Windows Defender real-time protection, third-party antivirus services, backup agents (Veeam, Acronis), and sometimes the Windows Event Log service. It often modifies Group Policy or registry keys to keep these off after reboot. Phase 3 step 9 explicitly turns Tamper Protection back on so the next ransomware attempt can't repeat the trick.

HiddenSpreads laterally to other PCs on the network

Network-aware ransomware (LockBit, Conti, BlackCat, Akira families) doesn't stop at the first machine. It scans for SMB shares, mapped drives, and other PCs on the same network, then encrypts whatever it can reach. On Windows domains, a single compromised user with admin rights can lead to all-domain encryption. This is why Phase 1 step 2 disconnects the network as the very first action - it stops the spread immediately.

HiddenSteals data before encrypting (double extortion)

Modern ransomware (LockBit, BlackCat / ALPHV, Akira, Cl0p, Royal) almost always exfiltrates data before encrypting. The attacker then runs a "double extortion" play: pay the ransom for decryption, plus pay again to prevent the stolen data from being leaked on the group's leak site. Paying the first ransom does not get the leaked data back - assume that anything the ransomware could read was uploaded. This is one more reason not to pay: the data is already out.

Tools you'll need

Combo Cleaner Antivirus 7-days free trial

Recommended primary scanner. VB100 certified. Removes the ransomware infection so file recovery doesn't get re-encrypted.

Microsoft Defender Offline Free · built-in

Built into Windows. Scans before Windows fully loads to catch persistence the running scanners miss.

Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT) Free

Microsoft's free on-demand scanner. Always-current signatures - the binary expires every 10 days.

ID Ransomware Free · web

Upload a ransom note and a sample encrypted file - identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.

No More Ransom Project Free · web

Joint project of Europol, Dutch Police, and security vendors. Free decryption tools indexed by ransomware family.

Shadow Explorer Free

Browse Windows Volume Shadow Copies as a normal file tree - useful when ransomware partially failed to delete them.

Recuva Free

Deleted-file recovery. Long-shot for ransomware - only helps if the variant deleted unencrypted originals before encrypting copies.

Phase 1~ 5 min

Don't pay & contain

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1

Don't pay the ransom

1 min · read⚠ Do not skip

Paying the ransom does not guarantee you'll get your files back. Major ransomware response studies consistently show that a meaningful percentage of paying victims either receive a non-working decryptor, only partial decryption, or no decryptor at all. Beyond that:

• Paying confirms you as a willing target - re-attack rates within 12 months are high
• Several ransomware groups have been sanctioned (US OFAC, UK OFSI). Paying these groups may be illegal under sanctions law in your country
• The ransom funds the next attack - on you or someone else
• Modern ransomware almost always exfiltrates data first, so paying doesn't get the leaked data back. Assume anything the malware could read was uploaded
• Decryptors, even when they work, often leave files corrupted because the encryption itself was buggy or rushed

The path below tries every legal, free recovery option first. Pay only as an absolute last resort, after consulting a lawyer and your country's cyber crime authority.

2

Disconnect from the network and log out of cloud storage

2 minNo tool needed

Pull the Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi on the affected PC. If multiple computers share the network, do the same on every machine you suspect could be affected, including any servers and NAS units.

Then sign out of cloud storage clients (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud) from their app settings. If you can, pause the sync. Some ransomware uses the running sync client to push encrypted versions over your clean cloud copies.

Why this matters

Modern ransomware spreads laterally across SMB shares, mapped drives, RDP, and reachable network neighbors. Disconnecting stops the spread the moment you do it. Logging out of cloud sync clients prevents the ransomware from encrypting the cloud copies of your files via the sync API.

3

Unplug external drives and USB storage

1 minNo tool needed

Safely eject any external drives, USB sticks, SD cards, and network-attached storage shares - then unplug them. If a drive was connected when the ransomware ran, the files on it may already be encrypted, but unplugging stops further damage.

Critically: don't reconnect any drive (including your most recent backup) to this PC until the ransomware is removed in Phase 3. Reconnecting an external backup to an actively-infected PC is the most common way that backup gets encrypted too.

Phase 2~ 5 min

Identify the variant

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4

Save the ransom note and a sample encrypted file

2 min

Copy the ransom note and one small encrypted file (under 1 MB) to a USB stick, or photograph the note with your phone. You'll need both for the variant identification step.

The ransom note is usually one of:

• A .txt file in every encrypted folder (typically HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, or _readme.txt)
• An .html file with the same purpose
• A changed desktop wallpaper - photograph it
• A lock-screen interrupt that runs at startup - rarer

Important

Don't delete the note. Variant identification depends on its exact wording, the contact email, and the bitcoin wallet address. The note is also evidence if you report to authorities.

5

Identify the variant with ID Ransomware

Tool: ID Ransomware3 min

From a clean device (your phone is fine, or another PC that wasn't on the affected network), visit id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com. Upload the ransom note and the sample encrypted file. The site identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.

Pro tip

ID Ransomware is run by the Malware Hunter Team. Files you upload are kept private - they're used for analysis, not published. If you're concerned about uploading data anyway, you can paste the contact email and bitcoin wallet from the note - those are often enough for identification.

Phase 3~ 30-45 min

Remove the ransomware

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The ransomware itself must be removed before any file recovery. If it's still active, anything you restore in Phase 4 gets re-encrypted within minutes.

6

Boot to Safe Mode with Networking and download the scanners

5 min

Safe Mode loads only the minimal Windows drivers, which prevents most ransomware from auto-running while you set up the scanners.

Windows 11: open Settings → System → Recovery, click Restart now next to Advanced startup. After the restart, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press 5 or F5.

Windows 10: click the Windows logo, hold Shift, click the Power icon and choose Restart. From the Choose-an-option screen, click Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart, then press F5.

Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in step 8) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in step 9). Save both installers to your Desktop, then disconnect Wi-Fi again before scanning.

7

Run Microsoft Defender Offline

Tool: Built into Windows15 min

Reboot to normal Windows. Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Scan options. Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads.

Why this comes first

Some ransomware variants drop bootkit components or kernel hooks that hide from any scanner running on the same Windows session that's already infected. A pre-boot offline scan sees the disk before the malware can load itself.

Recommended antivirus

Combo Cleaner

VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.

Download Combo Cleaner

8

Run a full Combo Cleaner scan

Tool: Combo Cleaner20-40 min

Run the installer you downloaded in step 6 and start a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete, review what it detected, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner quarantines the ransomware executable and the registry / scheduled-task entries that re-launch it on reboot.

9

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner and re-enable Defender

Tool: MSERT15 min

Run Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe) as a second-opinion full scan. The binary expires every 10 days so the copy you downloaded has the latest signatures.

Once it finishes, open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Many ransomware variants disable Defender during the attack - this is where you switch it back on so the next attempt can't repeat the trick.

Why a second scan

Different scanning engines catch different threats. Running an additional Microsoft scan after Combo Cleaner is the most underused verification step in malware removal - and free.

Phase 4~ 30-60 min · results vary

Try to recover files

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Try the steps in order. The first decryptor that works ends the recovery process - no need to do all four.

10

Check the No More Ransom Project for a free decryptor

Tool: nomoreransom.org★ Cleanest path if listed5 min

Visit nomoreransom.org and search the Decryption Tools list for the variant name returned by ID Ransomware. The project is run by Europol, the Dutch Police, and security vendors - everything listed is legitimate and free.

If a decryptor exists, download it onto a clean PC, copy it across, and follow its instructions exactly. Decryptors usually want you to point them at a sample encrypted file plus its known unencrypted version (sometimes any image you previously had a backup of works).

Free decryptors exist for parts of the STOP/Djvu, GandCrab, REvil, Avaddon, Conti and Hive families, among others. Most modern variants don't have public decryptors - if yours isn't listed, that's expected; move to the next step.

11

Try Windows Volume Shadow Copies

Tool: Shadow Explorer / vssadmin15 min

Windows automatically creates Volume Shadow Copies of files when System Restore points are made or scheduled backups run. Most ransomware tries to wipe these (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet), but the deletion sometimes fails partially - especially if the running user doesn't have full admin rights. When it does fail, snapshots survive that contain pre-encryption versions of your files.

First, check what's there. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

vssadmin list shadows

If you see entries listed, shadow copies survived. To restore from them:

• Built-in: right-click any folder → Properties → Previous Versions tab. Pick a snapshot dated before the infection and restore.
• Better tool for browsing: install Shadow Explorer (free). It shows all snapshots as a normal file tree and lets you copy out only the files you want.

Why check this even when there's a decryptor

Shadow Copies recover the original files exactly, with no risk of decryption errors. If they survived, this is faster and cleaner than running a decryptor on the encrypted set.

12

Restore from cloud or external backup

Tool: your backup software30 min

If you have a backup that pre-dates the infection, this is the cleanest recovery available. Important precautions:

• Don't reconnect a backup drive until Phase 3 is complete. If the ransomware is still active, plugging in the backup encrypts it too.
• For cloud backups (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud), use the Version History feature to roll individual files back to pre-encryption versions.
• OneDrive specifically has a "Restore your OneDrive" feature: if it detected mass file changes, you can roll back the entire account up to 30 days. Sign in at OneDrive on the web, click the Settings gear, and choose Restore your OneDrive. Microsoft 365 subscribers also get ransomware detection alerts; non-subscribers get one free recovery.
• Verify the restored files open correctly before you delete the encrypted set. Test a few documents, photos, and any database / project files.

13

Try Recuva as a last-resort recovery

Tool: Recuva30 min

Recuva is a long shot, not a primary recovery tool. Most modern ransomware encrypts files in place - it reads the original, encrypts the data, and writes the encrypted bytes back to the same disk location. In that case, the original isn't deleted, just rewritten - and Recuva has nothing to find.

But for older or simpler variants that deleted originals before creating encrypted copies (rather than encrypting in place), Recuva can sometimes pull the originals from unallocated disk space. Worth trying as a last resort, especially before you use the disk much further.

If you try it:

• Stop using the disk as much as possible - every disk write reduces recovery odds
• Run Recuva from a USB stick, not from the affected disk
• Use Deep Scan mode (slower but the only mode worth running for this scenario)

Don't skip the steps above expecting Recuva to bail you out. It works in maybe 5-20% of cases, depending on the variant and how soon you try.

Phase 5~ 20 min + ongoing

Report & prevent re-infection

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14

Report the attack to authorities

10-20 min

Even if your files aren't recovered, your report helps authorities track variants, attribute groups, and warn future victims. In some jurisdictions (especially the US and UK) early reporting can sometimes help recall a wired ransom payment via banking partners.

United States: ic3.gov (FBI) + stopransomware.gov (CISA)

United Kingdom: reportfraud.police.uk (Report Fraud, the successor to Action Fraud) + NCSC

Canada: antifraudcentre.ca

Australia: ReportCyber

Spain: Policía Nacional (Oficina Virtual de Denuncias)

France: cybermalveillance.gouv.fr

Germany: BKA

Italy: Polizia Postale

Netherlands: Politie

Poland: CERT Polska

Portugal: CNCS

EU (other): your national CERT

Save the report number - banks, insurers, and credit bureaus will ask for it. If you operate a business, you may also have legal disclosure obligations (GDPR in the EU, state breach laws in the US) that run on a 72-hour clock.

15

Plan 3-2-1 backups going forward

30 min initial

The single best defense against ransomware is a tested backup. Use the 3-2-1 rule:

• 3 copies of your data
• 2 different storage media (e.g., internal drive + external drive)
• 1 offline / air-gapped copy (an external drive that isn't always connected)

Recommended cadence:

• Daily: cloud sync (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive) - convenient, but vulnerable if the ransomware reaches the sync folder. The Version History feature is what saves you
• Weekly: external drive that you connect briefly, then disconnect - the air-gap is what protects against ransomware
• Monthly: a second external drive stored off-site (different physical location) - protects against fire, theft, flood

Important

Test the backup at least once. Open a few files from it, check sizes match, restore one to a different folder. An untested backup isn't a backup - it's a hope.

16

Patch the entry point and monitor for 30 days

5 min/day · 30 days

Most reinfections happen via the same vector that worked the first time. Until you've patched the entry point, watch for:

• Unusual disk activity, unexpected file modifications, or unfamiliar processes in Task Manager
• Unexpected reboots or new accounts you didn't create
• Defender or your antivirus turning itself off again

Common entry vectors and what to do about each:

• Phishing email with a malicious attachment - review email filters and train yourself / staff to recognise the patterns - see pcrisk's Phishing/Scam reference
• Exposed RDP with weak passwords - disable Remote Desktop from Settings → System → Remote Desktop if you don't need it. If you do, put it behind a VPN and require a long password plus MFA
• Unpatched VPN appliances or public-facing apps - check the vendor's advisories page and apply the latest firmware
• Cracked / pirated software - was the most common vector for STOP/Djvu in particular. Don't run software from torrent sites

Run a Combo Cleaner scan weekly for the first month. Update Windows, browsers, and applications aggressively.

Important: Removing a ransomware infection requires a full system scan, not a manual file delete. If you're not confident with the manual procedure, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there - that combination removes the vast majority of consumer ransomware variants. Then move to Phase 4 for file recovery, or to Phase 5 if your files are unrecoverable and you need to start fresh from a clean Windows install.

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.