LETO ransomware virus seeks to take your files hostage for a ransomThe ransom note contains a threatening messageThreat SummaryRansomware attack methodsBest methods to remove LETO ransomware virus
Once installed, LETO virus executes series of commands via command prompt. This way, it disables the firewall, deletes Volume Shadow Copies and disables important Windows services for a smooth virus operation. It also installs Azorult-password-stealing Trojan on the infected machine. Then it starts encoding files to make them inaccessible for the victim. At this point, you need to know that LETO ransomware virus can use either online or offline key to encrypt your data. If it uses the offline key, it inserts a personal ID ending with t1 in the ransom note (_readme.txt file). This means that you have chances to decrypt some of your files, so be patient until the experts create a Leto decryption tool. If your files were encrypted with the online key, your personal ID won’t end with t1, and at this moment there are no ways to decrypt your data.
The ransom note contains a threatening message
The ransom note created by the virus describes that important documents, databases, photos and other files were encrypted. The attackers have a private key which is required to decrypt .leto file extension files. However, the cyber attackers want the victim to pay for it, or, in other words, they try to extort the victim for a ransom by keeping one’s files hostage. The attackers demand a hefty sum of money, which depends on how fast the victim reaches out to the criminals via provided emails. In case the victim pays up within 72 hours, the ransom price is $490 (50% discount). Otherwise, the price is $980. The ransom must be paid in Bitcoin for the sake of the attackers’ anonymity. Full contents of the ransom note: This ransomware variant is essentially the same as previously released RECO, BORA, NOOS, BOOT OR KUUB variants. Based on the extension that it adds to encrypted files, this STOP/DJVU ransomware variant was called Leto file virus. 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:[removed link]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:gorentos@bitmessage.chReserve e-mail address to contact us: amundas@firemail.cc Your personal ID: 9e65hTlGeRsMht5pwDk4Ylm4RWx1y69zcacA5hSp3l60BnYmjql 282nhdu3n2sAJD7SH8JmYm298Wxkd34d3Bcf45Sp3l8f6nntjt1 Keep in mind that it is not advisable to pay the cybercriminals – they seek to convince you to transfer money to them, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you will get the decryption software. Remember that cybercriminals are scammers, and they don’t really care about your welfare. Therefore, if you have been attacked by this virus, think about the data backups you have and remove Leto ransomware using a strong antivirus solution. After removing the virus using the instructions provided at the end of this article, change all your passwords, especially those saved in your browser to prevent private data or financial loss due to Azorult Trojan activity.
Threat Summary
Ransomware attack methods
To prevent future ransomware attacks, victims need to learn what methods malware developers use to spread ransomware. First of all, ransomware viruses typically need very little user interaction in order to execute. Once run, it can bypass certain security solutions, so one of the main ransomware prevention methods is to AVOID clicking on something that contains malware. Leto (Stop/DJVU) malware developers are known to include the malicious executable in:
Pirated software;Windows and Office activators (KMSPico and others);Adware bundles;Software cracks;Emails containing malicious attachments or links.
No matter how attentive you are while browsing online, develop a habit of creating regular data backups as it is normally the ONLY way to recover your files after a ransomware attack.
Best methods to remove LETO ransomware virus
The best way to remove LETO ransomware virus is to start your computer in a safe environment and eliminate existing threats with up-to-date antivirus software. You can use the antivirus you have or choose from free or paid options. Keep in mind that most security programs remove viruses for free, but if you want real-time protection, you need to get the antivirus subscription. After LETO virus removal, concentrate on data recovery. If you didn’t have any backups, try to restore as many files as possible from sources such as Facebook messages, emails, USBs, Google Drive, and others. Finally, as mentioned earlier, if your personal ID starts with t1, you have a chance to recover some files in the future. At the moment, there are no ways to decrypt files no matter if your files were encrypted with online or offline key. Please be patient and wait. In the meantime, backup encoded data. It is unknown how long it might take to extract the offline key for data recovery due to the complexity of the ransomware. OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system: GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more. Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs. Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer. Read full review here. RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically. RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them. Read full review here.
Alternative software recommendations
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking
Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it: Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users Now, you can search for and remove LETO ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO Antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).
Method 2. Use System Restore
In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically. Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won’t be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future. Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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