What Does Locky Ransomware Do?

Updated on October 10, 2022, by Xcitium

In the emergence of intricate malware schemes, it pays to learn about some of the most common ones so you can fortify your defenses. The use of ransomware has become notorious in creating new ways to plague non-tech-savvy individuals into paying criminals with their hard-earned money and savings. Having an indestructible system that could very well enter any home or office computer is a frightening fact. Some businesses that have no protection, such as Locky ransomware decryptor, have even been made hostage simply because they are easy to attack.

In this article, we talk about specific ransomware that has been plaguing the public since its release in 2016.

First, let’s talk about Locky. It’s a ransomware-type of malware that attacks the victim’s files by encrypting it and taking it hostage, like cryptowall. So how does Locky ransomware work? It begins with the intended party receiving an email about a purchase that needs validating along with an attachment or two that when opened shows a link to malicious macros. Should the unknowing person take the bait and enable these macros, it will then begin its process of running a binary file which will encrypt all the files in the machine. Much like cryptowall, this effectively takes away the owner’s access as the files are now replaced with a unique 16-letter and number combinations. As soon as an entry is disallowed, a message will display on the screen indicating the demands of the hijacker. Usually, it displays the bitcoin address to which the amount they require as a ransom is to be sent over. Since even with a Locky ransomware decryptor there is no way to decrypt this, without the unique key from the criminal, the owner of the now locked down computer has no other option but to comply with the demand.

How Does Locky Ransomware Work And Why Should I Know It?

Ignorance may truly be bliss in some aspects of life. However, in the spirit of protecting personal information that can be used for online crime, it is important to be cautious and alert about the risk that may come your way. Being able to grasp the concept of “how does Locky ransomware work?” allows more people to better build safeguards against it. Since once it’s had a firm grip of your system, they are virtually impossible to break, preventive measures and continued awareness is the best way to tackle it.

Usual Victims

Generally, hackers choose small businesses and firms when handpicking their potential victims. It’s smart to pick out a small business that doesn’t have a lot of layers of online security. The fewer firewalls they have, the better chances there are for the Trojan malware to do its work. Another factor is that a lot of small businesses or firms rely heavily on computers saving and keeping multitudes of data related to their business. However, personnel don’t necessarily understand how the technology of it all works. In other words, they do not understand how Locky ransomware works, or even what ransomware might be. This means that they can just as easily fall prey to the email scam alert that triggers the encryption. And finally, these businesses that, as previously mentioned, rely on the safekeeping of their files on their computers, may succumb to the pressure faster than regular victims since their operations can be halted without working computers. Their documents are the lifeblood of the operations and thus, would be more willing to pay the ransom just so they can continue with their business. A Locky ransomware decryptor, however, can easily circumvent these financially devastating circumstances.

Distribution Methods

The key to understanding the question “how does Locky ransomware work?” is knowing how it gets from criminal minds to innocent office or home computers. 4 years later, Locky has developed many ways to deliver its cryptowall. It has since evolved to more conniving ways to slip into their victim’s systems. This involves exploit kits that come in many forms. It began by using Microsoft Word alone. Links to malicious macros, that if activated, begins the encryption of files are on the app are easy to get caught upon. It has long progressed to use other apps such as Microsoft Excel to deliver its malicious content. It can also come in the form of DOCM attachments, or in zipped JS attachments, all of which serve the same purpose.

Conclusion

“How does Locky ransomware work?” is an essential question every person who uses a computer should know. It sneaks into the victim’s computer as an email with attachments that, when enabled, encrypts their entire system and locks them out. They are then given instructions to pay a fee for it to be decrypted. This costs a lot of money and heartache on the side of the unknowing victim, so it’s better to lock up on security and to never run apps that owners are not privy to. Be wary of any method to which users are required to download and run anything that they don’t understand.

For stress-free protection, check out Xcitium Cybersecurity services!