LOMX Virus (.LOMX File) 🔐 Decrypt & Removal Guide

The Lomx virus, known as a ransomware infection, is part of the STOP/DJVU family. This malware is notorious for malicious file ciphering. Once the Lomx virus gets into a computer, it targets various types of files, such as documents, videos, photos, and more. It changes the file structure and appends the “.lomx” extension to each file, making them inaccessible and unusable without the decryption key.

Lomx Virus Overview

Lomx

🤔 Lomx virus is ransomware that originates from the DJVU/STOP ransomware family. Its main target is to lock your files. After that this ransomware asks its victims for a ransom payment – ($490 – $980) in Bitcoin.

The Lomx virus is a type of malware that encrypts your files and coerces you into paying for their decryption. This malware ciphers different file types. ciphered files become identifiable by a distinct “.lomx” extension. The affected files become inaccessible and unusable.

Subsequently, the ransomware demands a file decryption payment in Bitcoin from the victims, ranging from $490 to $980. Typically, a text file with ransom payment guidances is named as “_readme.txt“.

Lomx Ransomware operates by Salsa20 encryption algorithms to cipher the targeted files. Since Lomx virus uses such a strong ciphering method, it becomes incredibly hard, if even possible, to find the decryption key without the assistance of the attackers.

Once the files are encrypted, the Lomx virus displays a ransom note to the victim, asking for a ransom payment for the decryption key. The ransom note contains instructions on how to pay off the bill and also often contains threats of data loss or ransom amounts surge if the ransom is not paid within a specified timeframe.

I have created a comprehensive list of potential solutions, tips, and practices to stop the Lomx ransomware and recover your files. In some cases, you can recover the files, while sometimes, it may be impossible.

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📌 Important Note!

It is critical to say that paying off the bill is not a guarantee of the successful recovery of your files. The crooks behind the Lomx virus are known for their untrustworthiness. There were the cases where victims have paid the ransom, only to be denied by the cybercriminals with the decryption key provision.

Lomx employs a unique key for every victim, with one exception:

The Lomx virus bears resemblance to other DJVU ransomware samples such as Lomx, Loqw, Ljaz, and Ljuy. This virus encrypts a wide range of common file types and appends its distinct “.lomx” extension to all files. For instance, a file named “1.jpg” would be altered to “1.jpg.lomx” and “2.png” to “2.png.lomx“.

After successful encryption, the virus spawns a special text file named “_readme.txt” and places it in every folder containing the encrypted files. It also adds the readme file to the desktop, so the user will not miss the attack even without opening folders.

The image below provides a visual representation of files with the “lomx” extension:

Encrypted Files by STOP/DJVU Ransomware

Name	Lomx Virus
Ransomware family¹	DJVU/STOP² ransomware
Extension	.lomx
Ransomware note	_readme.txt
Ransom	From $490 to $980 (in Bitcoins)
Contact	[email protected], [email protected]
Detection	Win32/Filecoder.Avaddon.H, TrojanDropper:Win32/BcryptInject.A!MTB, BScope.TrojanRansom.Reveton
Symptoms	Disables Volume Shadow copies, making victim’s attempts to restore data futile; Installs password-stealing Trojan on the system, like Vidar Stealer or RedLine Stealer; Successfully installs a SmokeLoader backdoor for remote access; Updates the HOSTS file with a list of domains to block access to certain security-related sites; Implements encryption to lock most of your files (photos, videos, documents) and adds a particular “.lomx” extension;
Fix Tool	To remove possible malware infections, scan your PC: 6-day free trial available.

This message asking payment is for restore files via decryption key:

_readme.txt (STOP/DJVU Ransomware) – The frightening warning requesting users to pay off the ransom to decrypt the encoded data contains these frustrating admonitions.

Lomx ransomware arrives as a set of tasks that are needed to execute different tasks on a victim’s computer. One of the first ones being launched is winupdate.exe, a sneaky process that shows a fake Windows update prompt during the attack. This is meant to convince the victim that a sudden PC slowdown is caused by a Windows update.

At the same time, the ransomware runs another process (which name commonly consists of 4 random characters) which initiates scanning the system for target files and ciphering them. Next, the ransomware removes Volume Shadow Copies from the system using the following CMD command:

vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet

Once erased, it becomes nearly impossible to retrieve the previous computer state using System Restore Points. The problem is, ransomware operators are eliminating any built-in Windows techniques that could aid the victim to restore files for free. In addition, the hackers modify the Windows HOSTS file by adding a list of domains to it and redirecting them to the localhost IP. As a result, the victim will face a DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error when trying to access one of the blacklisted websites.

We’ve observed that ransomware attempts to restrict websites that post various how-to guides for computer users. It is evident that by limiting specific domains, the malefactors are seeking to prevent the victim from reaching relevant and helpful ransomware-attack-related information online. This malware also keeps two text files on the victim’s computer that present attack-related particulars – the public key of this victim and personal ID. These two files are named bowsakkdestx.txt and PersonalID.txt.

After all these changes, the malware doesn’t halt. Variants of STOP/DJVU have a tendency to install Vidar password-stealing Trojan on compromised systems. This threat possesses an extensive list of capabilities, including:

Gathering sensitive data by running malicious software on the victim’s computer.
Acquiring unauthorized login credentials of Steam, Telegram, and Skype accounts.
Manipulating and viewing files on the victim’s computer without their knowledge.
Stealing cryptocurrency wallets from the victim’s system.
Granting the hackers remote control over the victim’s computer for various malicious activities.
Extracting sensitive information such as browser cookies, saved passwords, and browsing history.

The encryption algorithm used by DJVU/STOP virus is AES-256. So, if your data got encrypted with an online decryption key, the chances to get your files back are quite low. Thing is, the key is unique for each victim, and picking it will take too much time.

Obtaining the online decryption key in any other way is also close to impossible. It is stored on a command server controlled by the crooks who spread the Lomx malware. For receiving decrypting code the payment should be $980. To see the payment details, the victims should contact the hackers by email ([email protected]).

The message by the ransomware states the following information:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!

All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.

What guarantees you have?

You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.

You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:

https://we.tl/t-WJa63R98Ku

Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.

Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.

Check your e-mail "Spam" or "Junk" folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:

[email protected]

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:

[email protected]

Your personal ID:
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

How To Remove STOP/Djvu Ransomware?

Video Guide

How To Decrypt .lomx Files?

How to restore big files?

Try removing .lomx extension on a few big files and opening them. This malware has issues with large files encryption. Either the virus read and did not encrypt the file, or it bugged and did not add the filemarker. If your files are very large (2GB+), such a situation is highly probable. Please, let me know in comments if that will work for you.

The newest extensions released around the end of August 2019 after the criminals made changes. This includes Lomx, Loqw, Ljaz etc.

As a consequence of the modifications made by the criminals, STOPDecrypter is no longer supported. It has been replaced with the Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu Ransomware developed by Emsisoft.

You can download free decryption tool here: Decryptor for STOP Djvu.

Select folders for decryption.

Based on the default configurations, the decryptor will automatically choose the available directories in order to decrypt the currently reachable drives (the connected ones), including the network drives. Additional (optional) locations can be selected with the aid of the “Add” button.

Decryptors generally propose several options considering the specific malware family. The present possible options are presented in the Options tab and can be activated or deactivated there. You may find a detailed list of the currently active Options below.

Click on the “Decrypt” button.

As soon as you add all the desired locations for decryption into the list, click on the “Decrypt” button in order to initiate the decryption procedure.

Note that the main screen may turn you to a status view, letting you know of the active process and the decryption statistics of your data:

The decryptor will notify you as soon as the decryption procedure is completed. If you need the report for your personal papers, you can save it by choosing the “Save log” button. Note that it is also possible to copy it directly to your clipboard and to paste it into emails or messages here if you need to do so.

The Emsisoft Decryptor might display different messages after a failed attempt to restore your files:

✓ Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [your ID]

There is no corresponding decryption key in the Emsisoft decryptor’s database.

✓ No key for New Variant online ID: [your ID]

Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

Malware used an online key to cipher your files. There is no one to share the decryption key with you. Recovery of files without paying the criminals is impossible. 🙁

✓ Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]

This ID appears be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.

Malware used an offline key, but files could not be restored (the offline decryption key isn’t available yet). But, this message is a good news for you, because it might be possible to restore your files in the future. 🙂

It can take a few weeks or months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. Please follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here.

✓ Remote name could not be resolved

This stands for a DNS issues. Consider resetting your HOSTS file to default.

How to Restore .lomx Files?

In some case ransomware is not doom for your files…

The Lomx ransomware encryption mechanism is next: it encrypts every file byte-by-byte, then saves a duplicate, removing (not overriding!) the original file. Thus, the information of the file location on the disk drive is lost, but the original file is not removed from the disk. The cell, or the sector where this file was kept, can still contain this file, but it is not present in the file system and can be overwritten by data that has been loaded to this drive after the deletion. Hence, it is possible to retrieve your files using special software.

I recently had my pc infected by the this virus. It managed to bypass 2 Antivirus software and 2 malware fighters.

Anyway, after realizing it was an online algorithm, it is impossible to retrieve my encrypted files. I also had my backup drive plugged in at the time of the virus, and this was also infected, or so I thought. Every folder within my backup drive had been infected and was encrypted. However, despite losing some important files, I retrieved almost 80% of my 2TB storage.

When I started going through the folders, I noticed the readme.txt ransom note in every folder. I opened some of the folders and found that all files that were not in a subfolder within that folder had been encrypted. However, I found a flaw and glimmer of hope when I went into the subfolders in other folders and found that these files had not been encrypted. Every folder within my c and d drives, including subfolders, had been encrypted, but this was not the case with the backup drive. Having subfolders created within a folder has saved 80% of my data.

As I said, I believe this to be only a small loophole on a backup drive. I’ve since found a further 10 % of my data on another hard drive on a different pc. So my advice is if you use a backup drive, create subfolders. I was lucky, I guess. But I was also unlucky that the virus hit as I was transferring some files from my backup.

Hopefully, this can help some other people in my situation.

Jamie Newland

Some pointers for recovery repair of Lomx files (true for all STOP/DJVU variants):

I have seen Stop/Djvu variants fail to encrypt deeper nested folders, so that you can check that. You may find those are not encrypted.

This ransomware saves encrypted data to a new file, deletes the original. So there’s a slight chance part of that deleted file can be recovered using file recovery software. It’s unlikely the folder structure can be restored, so a free tool like PhotoRec may be as good as any.

This ransomware only partially encrypts (about the first 150 KB), so depending on file size and type of data, the not encrypted part may be recoverable.

Joep

Recovering your files with PhotoRec

PhotoRec is an open-source program, which is initially created for data recovery from damaged disks, or for file retrieval in case if they are unintentionally deleted. However, with time flow, this program got the ability to restore the files of 400 different file types. Hence, it can be used for file recovery after the Lomx attack.

First, you need to download this app. It is 100% free, but the developer states that there is no guarantee that your files will be retrieved. PhotoRec is spread together with another utility of the same developer – TestDisk. The resulting archive will have TestDisk name, but don’t worry. PhotoRec files are right inside.

To open PhotoRec, find and open “qphotorec_win.exe” file. No installation is needed – this program has all the files it need within the archive, hence, you can fit it on your USB drive, and try to help your friends/parents/anyone who has been attacked by Lomx ransomware.

After the start, you will witness the screen showing you the entire list of your drives. However, this data is likely unhelpful, because the required menu is placed a bit higher. Click this bar, then choose the disk which was attacked by ransomware.

After opting for the disk, you need to select the destination folder for the reclaimed files. This menu is located at the lower part of the PhotoRec window. The best choice is to export them on USB drive or any other type of removable disk.

Then, you need to indicate the file formats. This feature is located at the bottom, too. As it was mentioned, PhotoRec can regain the files of about 400 different formats.

Finally, you can begin files recovery by pressing the “Search” button. You will view the screen where the outcomes of the scan and recovery are shown.

Lomx files recovery Video Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 How can I open “.lomx” files?

No way. These files are encrypted by ransomware. The contents of encrypted files are not available until they are decrypted.

🤔 This virus has blocked infected PC: I can’t get the activation code.

In this situation, you need to prepare the memory stick with a pre-installed

🤔 Decryptor did not decrypt all my files, or not all of them were decrypted. What should I do?

Have patience. You are infected with the new version of STOP/DJVU ransomware, and decryption keys have not yet been released. Follow the news on our website. We will keep you posted on when new keys or new decryption programs appear.

🤔 What can I do right now?

The Lomx ransomware encrypts only the first 150KB of files. So MP3 files are rather large, some media players (Winamp for example) may be able to play the files, but – the first 3-5 seconds (the encrypted portion) will be missing. You can try to find a copy of an original file that was encrypted: Files you downloaded from the Internet that were encrypted and you can download again to get the original.

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Brendan Smith