LimeDecryptor ransomware - How to remove

LimeDecryptor crypto-malware is also referred to as a Hsociety and BigEyes virus. It is a fresh ransomware sample and it encrypts data with AES algorithm for encryption. The same technique is used by infections like KoreanLocker and Server CryptoMix. The newly-detected virus creates a hidden directory C:\Microsoft\hash which contains the AES key. Damaged files are going to feature .Lime extension.

Researchers have figured out two payloads of this infection: Crypt.exe and BigEyes.exe files. Controllers of this ransomware encourage victims to contact them thru [email protected] email address. However, we do not recommend following the instructions of hackers since they can deceive you and leave the encrypted data damaged. However, there recommendations do not seem to reach users as many people do pay the required fee (https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2017/11/02/ransomware-ransom/).

LimeDecryptor crypto-malware encrypts data with AES algorithm and is actually based on Hidden Tear

Hackers only care about getting paid. In order to decrypt files that LimeDecryptor has ruined, people are required to pay $100. Of course, this sum of money has to be converted to bitcoins and then sent to the crooks’ bitcoin wallet. According to the current rates, victims are required to pay 0.008480 BTC to the attackers. Currently, mostly all anti-malware tools are capable of detecting this malware threat without any issues. Based on the detection, we are also convinced that this ransomware is based on the http://www.securityweek.com/variants-spawn-hidden-tear-ransomware.

The creators of LimeDecryptor ransomware require victims to pay the ransom in approximately 30 days. After that, the files are supposed to be permanently deleted. A month is a long time for security researchers to find alternative ways of decrypting files. Therefore, we do not think that paying the fee for decryption needs to be done, especially if you have stored important data in alternative location.

We are sure that people that become infected with this virus should be scared of losing all of their digital files. Nevertheless, we hope that people won’t panic. It is appropriate to contact reliable security specialists and ask them for help. Since new ransomware viruses are being born every single day, it is important that you keep yourself updated with the latest news. One of the latest threats are MadBit and Sigma infections. In order to stop hackers from profiting, we have discourage victims from paying ransoms.

How can you protect your files from ransomware like LimeDecryptor virus?

Every user should back up data in a reliable storage. There are many backup storages that you can choose from and our researchers encourage you not to waste any time. This means that even if LimeDecryptor malware will ruin your original files, you will be able to retrieve them from the alternative source (https://www.backblaze.com/blog/data-backup-minimizing-impact-ransomware/).

For now, we have no knowledge about a free decryption tool for this infection. There are some other methods that could be applied for file-decryption. First of all, you should check whether LimeDecryptor crypto-virus has deleted Shadow Volume Copies. This is a standard command for ransomware, but it could be that some variants miss this step. Secondly, you could try universal file-recovery tools that have also had some success in the past. However, none of these options guarantee that your files are going to be recovered.

How is this LimeDecryptor crypto-malware distributed?

Authors of ransomware viruses usually use a couple time-tested methods for the distribution of their viruses. First of all, they might initiate spam campaigns, delivering malicious attachments. They might be seemingly-harmless PDF, Doc, EXE or any type of other files. However, it is very common that ransomware would be distributed in .doc files. After users download these files, they should be very careful about clicking on the “Enable Editing” button.

We should also discuss the methods of removing LimeDecryptor ransomware virus from your computer. For this process, we have two options. You can follow the guidelines below and complete the so-called manual removal. However, for better results, we hope that you will consider getting an anti-malware to do the job. Simply get Spyhunter in order to detect all malicious files in your operating system. Such programs are necessary because they will protect your computer from all types of malware, including Trojans, potentially unwanted programs, adware parasites and browser hijackers.

How to recover LimeDecryptor ransomware encrypted files and remove the virus

Step 1. Restore system into last known good state using system restore

1. Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt:

for Windows 7 / Vista/ XP

• Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
• Press F8 key repeatedly until Advanced Boot Options window appears.
• Choose Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

for Windows 8 / 10

• Press Power at Windows login screen. Then press and hold Shift key and click Restart.
• Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings and click Restart.
• When it loads, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list of Startup Settings.

 

2.Restore System files and settings.

• When Command Prompt mode loads, enter cd restore and press Enter.
• Then enter rstrui.exe and press Enter again.
• Click “Next” in the windows that appeared.
• Select one of the Restore Points that are available before LimeDecryptor ransomware has infiltrated to your system and then click “Next”.
• To start System restore click “Yes”.

 

Step 2. Complete removal of LimeDecryptor ransomware

After restoring your system, it is recommended to scan your computer with an anti-malware program, like Spyhunter and remove all malicious files related to LimeDecryptor ransomware. You can check other tools here.  

Step 3. Restore LimeDecryptor ransomware affected files using Shadow Volume Copies

If you do not use System Restore option on your operating system, there is a chance to use shadow copy snapshots. They store copies of your files that point of time when the system restore snapshot was created. Usually LimeDecryptor ransomware tries to delete all possible Shadow Volume Copies, so this methods may not work on all computers. However, it may fail to do so. Shadow Volume Copies are only available with Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8. There are two ways to retrieve your files via Shadow Volume Copy. You can do it using native Windows Previous Versions or via Shadow Explorer. a) Native Windows Previous Versions Right-click on an encrypted file and select Properties → Previous versions tab. Now you will see all available copies of that particular file and the time when it was stored in a Shadow Volume Copy. Choose the version of the file you want to retrieve and click Copy if you want to save it to some directory of your own, or Restore if you want to replace existing, encrypted file. If you want to see the content of file first, just click Open.

b) Shadow Explorer It is a program that can be found online for free. You can download either a full or a portable version of Shadow Explorer. Open the program. On the left top corner select the drive where the file you are looking for is a stored. You will see all folders on that drive. To retrieve a whole folder, right-click on it and select “Export”. Then choose where you want it to be stored.

Step 4. Use Data Recovery programs to recover LimeDecryptor ransomware encrypted files

There are several data recovery programs that might recover encrypted files as well. This does not work in all cases but you can try this:

• We suggest using another PC and connect the infected hard drive as slave. It is still possible to do this on infected PC though.
• Download a data recovery program.
• Install and scan for recently deleted files.

Note: In many cases it is impossible to restore data files affected by modern ransomware. Thus I recommend using decent cloud backup software as precaution. We recommend checking out Carbonite, BackBlaze, CrashPlan or Mozy Home.