Ransomware is a harmful computer virus. Unlike other malware entities that focus on damaging your computer, this one locks your files by encrypting them. This malicious entitiy offers the perpetrators an opportunity to extort money from the victims in exchange for unlocking the files. Files eventually become encrypted, rendering them inaccessible through the AES+RSA technique. Most ransomware types append several extensions to the locked files for identification purposes.
What is LANDSLIDE Ransomware?
LANDSLIDE ransomware is part of the “King Of Ransom” end products that is spread using various methods. The most efficient technique deployed when spreading LANDSLIDE ransomware is phishing email. When the virus infects your system, it targets personal files like videos, images, documents, as well as audio files.
Spam mass-mailing campaigns allow the orchestrators to embed the virus to the email, disguising it as a real document. The email contains a convincing message meant to trick the targeted user into opening the attached document. When the attached file is opened, the LANDSLIDE ransomware starts the infection vector.
There are a bunch of executable files that trigger the LANDSLIDE ransomware. These include freeware, product key generators, torrent files, as well as other dubious software updates. Users usually download these insecure files from untrustworthy software distributors and pop-up adverts.
What Does LANDSLIDE Ransomware Do?
As the virus launches, it prepares the system for the attack. It sends various commands that change the computer configurations and block it from creating a restore point. Once done, the virus will begin to encrypt the files. It applies a complex algorithm in encrypting the files. A decryption key is then sent to the perpetrators remotely.
A ransom note is then dropped on the desktop of the victim’s computer in a .txt format. The note alerts the user that their files have been encrypted. To regain access, they must communicate with one of their representatives. After which, they have to arrange a ransom fee payment. The note message states:
Your SERVER/COMPUTER is encrypted by us !_
Hello Admin/Guest!
[ENCRYPTER] => All your data is encrypted by us ..
[ENCRYPTER] => Your Server Unique ID : [D2C85***]
[ENCRYPTER] => Do you want to decrypt your data?
[ENCRYPTER] => To trust us, first send us a 100-200 KB file,
we will decrypt it to build trust for you.
[AFTERTRUST] => What should you do after building trust?
Help
(
All your data is encrypted,
If your data is important and you want to decrypt it,
You must pay the bitcoin amount set by us,
Send a message to our emails first, after pricing, us and your trust,
Do a Google search to buy bitcoins,
For example: “Buy bitcoins in rubles”.
After purchasing Bitcoin, you must
transfer the Bitcoin to our wallet,
After payment, the decryption tool will be sent to you
along with how to execute it properly
)
ENCRYPTER@server ~ $ To contact us, first send a message to our first email.
[FiRsT Email:] nataliaburduniuc96@gmail.com
ENCRYPTER@server # If your email is not answered after 24 hours, our email may be blocked.
So send a message to our second email.
[SeCoNd email:] aliseoanal@gmail.com
King Of Ransom
LANDSLIDE Ran$omW4rE
The ransom fee varies from a couple of hundreds to thousands of dollars. Usually, the perpetrators choose cryptocurrency as a form of payment to avoid being tracked by law enforcement agencies.
LANDSLIDE ransomware removes all backup copies and system restore points. This makes recovery of the encrypted data without the key impossible.
LANDSLIDE Ransomware Removal Instructions
Due to the lack of genuine decryption tools, most victims have no choice but to pay the demanded fee. The best recommendation is to do nothing as there is no guarantee you will get your files back. Even if you do get them back, you’re likely to become a victim again in future. Paying the ransom fee also encourages this criminal act.
There are also other criminals taking advantage of the affected victims. They offer fake decryption tools at ridiculous prices. The user will suffer a double loss since the bought software will fail to decrypt the files.
The chances of decrypting LANDSLIDE ransomware locked files are very low. So, to avoid further loss of time and finances, its best to consider your files gone, at least for now. Don’t spend money on any tools that promise to decrypt locked files.
When affected by LANDSLIDE ransomware, follow the solutions provided below. Also, make sure to have a backup of the encrypted files before initiating the removal process. Take note of the top precautions once you discover your computer is affected by the LANDSLIDE ransomware virus:
- Disconnect the infected system from the internet to avoid the spread of the virus.
- Isolate the machine and make sure it stays off all the time until there is a solution.
- Do not plug in any external devices to the affected computer.
Solution #1: Disable System Restore
This is an important step to avoid LANDSLIDE from coming back in future. It usually exploits the System Restore feature of the Windows OS to reinstate itself. So, we recommend disabling the feature when exercising the removal procedure. But make sure to enable it when the virus is removed.
Solution #2: Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Networking
Safe Mode launches the computer with limited essential processes in the background. To boot your Windows 10/11 in Safe Mode, follow the steps below:
- Press the Windows logo key before clicking on the Power option.
- Click on Restart from the emerging menu while also pressing the Shift key.
- In the new window titled Choose an Option, click on the Troubleshoot feature.
- Now, select Advanced Option, and then choose the Startup Settings option.
- Click on the Restart button to restart the machine.
- While booting on Startup Settings, press the Num 5 or F5 key.
Solution #3: Use Anti-Malware to Scan the Computer
The nature of ransomware is that it runs deep into the system. A thorough scan can detect and remove the LANDSLIDE virus and its associates. There are a couple of strong anti-malware tools to use. But you must choose the best and most effective one to get the best results.
- Download and install a trusted anti-malware security suite.
- Use the default settings when carrying out the installation process.
- Select the scan option and make sure you perform a full system scan.
- This will take time depending on the size of your system as well as the areas affected.
- When the scan has completed, remove all the detected threats.
Solution #4: Clean the System sing Microsoft’s Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT)
It’s always best to double-check in case the first scan missed any malware in your system. You can do so by using another security tool. We recommend sweeping the remains using MSRT.
- Download and install the program from the official site.
- Run the software to begin scanning for LANDSLIDE ransomware.
- Select the full system scan option to make sure all corners are swept.
- The scan may take a while, so you should exercise some patience.
- When done, the detected malware will be revealed. Remove all of it.
Note that MSRT is not a protective tool. As a result, it cannot replace an antivirus tool in any way.
Conclusion
Ransomware is a harmful malware that can cause physical and emotional strains. It is best to know the measures on how to avoid it at all. This will help you avoid the risk of losing important files. We also emphasize not to pay any amount in exchange for the decryption key. Even if the perpetrators show their ability to unlock files, do not fall for the trap.