How to Remove and Prevent LockerGoga Ransomware [2019 Guide]

Remove LockerGoga Ransomware from PC

LockerGoga ransomware is a vicious file encrypting virus which evades the security vulnerable system and encrypts (lock) the stored files by placing the .locked extension on the victim’s computer and demands money as a ransom for the alleged restoration of your data.

LockerGoga Ransomware is categorized as dangerous malware because the infection can have severe outcomes and its presence alone can cause a whole lot of trouble to the PC especially to your personal data.

It is designed to modify predefined browser settings and manipulate various functionalities to run a built-in encryption module and corrupt every single data available on the hard drive and locks down the entire system.

The primary purpose of the LockerGoga ransomware is to blackmail you by not allowing you to access, use or modify the personal files that you keep on your system until you pay the ransom requested by the hackers.

However, since you are reading this article, you are already a step ahead and have a chance to prevent LockerGoga ransomware attack before it causes more harm to the PC.

As the article advances, you will come to know how the ransomware infected your system and how to restore .locked files without paying the ransom, followed by various LockerGoga ransomware removal instructions which will help to safeguard your PC.

What is LockerGoga ransomware?

.Locked file virus (LockerGoga ransomware) is infecting almost all Windows Operating System version like Windows XP, Windows7, Windows8, Windows8.1 and Windows 10.

It is developed by the team of cyber attackers with the sole motive to extract huge ransom money by phishing innocent users.

Instead of directly locking files, the LockerGoga ransomware changes the encrypted file names by appending .locked extension.

For example, an image named test.jpg will be encoded and renamed to test.locked.

Whenever a user attempts to open a compromised file, it displays a ransom message informing victims of the encryption and giving instructions regarding the method to pay ransom money in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.

Even if the victim contacts the developer and pays the ransom, it is tough to crack LockerGoga ransomware AES/DES cryptography technique that generates unique decryption keys, which means using any other keys does not give any positive result. Besides, they store them in remote servers and are the only ones who can access them.

Also Read: How to Remove Eegookiz.com Pop Up Ads from your Browser?

It is recommended that you should never believe such cybercriminals because once payment is submitted, there is no such guarantee that you would be able to recover Encrypted files.

Paying money is not a good option because once you start paying a ransom, the cyber attackers will demand more.

We suggest investing the money you are demanded to pay into some backup may be a better option because data loss wouldn’t be a problem.

Further, developers of such infections via these threats steal information like IP address, URL’s Search, browser history, search queries, username, ID, passwords, banking information, and ATM Card information.

This personal data, later, may be sold to third parties which can lead to serious privacy violations, financial loss or even theft.

Thus, it is important to use a successful robust anti-malware removal tool such as Malware Crusher which will help you to remove LockerGoga ransomware or other malicious content, saving you the time and struggle of hunting down various malicious files.

How Does LockerGoga Ransomware Get Inside Your PC

Currently, LockerGoga cyber-attack campaigns targeting computer users worldwide.

LockerGoga ransomware or other malicious programs are often bundled with other freeware or shareware program that you download from the Internet.

Unfortunately, some freeware programme does not adequately disclose that other software will also be installed and while doing so, may find that you have also installed adware or other malicious content without your consent, and in this case, the user is equally responsible for authorizing the installation of such malicious program without reading the terms and conditions. 

Here are some other distribution techniques which cybercriminals opt to inject malicious content in the targeted system:

• Spam and junk emails attachments.
• Social clickjacking
• Torrents & P2P File Sharing
• Malicious and deceptive websites
• Fake advertisement’s or download portals

How to prevent LockerGoga ransomware And Recover Encrypted Files

There have been instances in the past showing the users were hit by the same ransomware for the second time, even though they have already paid the ransom amount.

From here, all we can say is if you don’t act quickly in the right way, you might not get another chance, so we suggest you follow removal guide to delete LockerGoga ransomware that may also help you in the removal process of other malicious content. The guide is divided into two parts:

• Unlock Computer In Safe Mode
• Restore System 

Temporarily Disable LockerGoga ransomware in safe mode using Command Prompt 

1.      Steps to be followed to enter the safe mode Win XP/Vista/7

• Click start > then shut down > then restart.
• While the computer is booting up at the very first screen start tapping F8 until you see the advanced boot options.

• In the advanced boot option’s, you need to select safe mode with Command prompt from the list of given options.

2.      Steps to be followed to enter safe mode in Win 8/10

• On the windows login screen, you need to press the power option.
• Now, press and hold the shift key on the keyboard, and then click Restart.

• Now, among the list of options you need to select Troubleshoot, and then advanced options, then start-up settings and finally press restart.
• Once your computer restarts and gives you the list of start-up options you need to select Enable Safe Mode with Command prompt. 

3.      Restore System

• Once you see the command prompt windows, type in cd restore and hit enter on the keyboard.
• Now, type rstrui.exe and hit Enter again.
• Then you would see new windows, click on next over there and select a restore point that is before the date of infection.

• Then, click next followed by yes.

At present, your computer is in a state that has its file and data backed up at a safe restore point. We also suggest you make a copy of backed up data into some external hard drive.

It is now time, to reinstall your Windows via an external source such as pen drive, CD or DVD.

While installing Windows, allocates disk space to C, D and E drive. If asked to restore any files, select the restore point and get the backed up data into the new operating system.

Your system format is complete; also your data is backed up. Now you must create a strong firewall against such intrusions and prevent them in the future.

Also Read: Cosanostra Ransomware – Removal Tool and Prevention Guide

Nowadays, cyber attackers have learned to make their malware more adaptable, resilient and more damaging. Common antivirus software cannot protect you from all cyber threats at the same time.

Though, we need to comprehensively upgrade our cyber defense systems and processes to more effectively guard against cybersecurity risks, as well as to respond in a timely and robust manner to prevent any intrusion in the future.

Note* - We recommend ITL Total Security and Malware crusher, among the best reputed anti-malware software which will help you to block viruses, adware and other malware on your PC. It consists of several features to protect your system from damage and keep you safe always.

They are fully loaded with certain useful features like Real-Time Protection, Web Protection, Live updates, and many more.

Tips to Prevent virus and malware from Infecting Your System: