LockBit Ransomware Decryptor
Our cyber response team has reverse-engineered LockBit’s encryption and built a recovery tool proven effective across multiple sectors worldwide. It works across Windows, Linux, and VMware ESXi, ensuring adaptability for both enterprise and government infrastructures. Designed with accuracy, speed, and resilience in mind, this decryptor is the frontline solution against LockBit infections.
The Process of Recovery
LockBit recovery involves advanced techniques to ensure secure decryption. Encrypted data is processed in a controlled environment, while blockchain technology is applied to validate recovery integrity. Each victim’s ransom note ID is mapped to its respective encryption batch for precise key matching. For cases where the ransom note is unavailable, an extended recovery option can be deployed to address the latest LockBit variants. Before any decryption attempt, a secure scan is performed to verify file status and prevent corruption.
What You’ll Need
To initiate recovery, victims must provide:
- A ransom note generated by LockBit
- Samples of encrypted files
- Network access for secure decryption
- Administrative-level permissions
Emergency Response Actions After a LockBit Attack
If hit by LockBit, time is critical. The following steps must be taken immediately:
- Disconnect compromised systems from the network to stop the spread.
- Do not delete ransom notes or encrypted data; preserve them as evidence.
- Shut down compromised machines without rebooting, as this can trigger additional encryption.
- Seek professional assistance instead of attempting unverified tools, which often worsen the damage.
Methods of Unlocking LockBit-Encrypted Data
LockBit’s rapid evolution requires a combination of free, backup-based, and professional recovery options.
Free Utilities
Some early LockBit strains had flaws that allowed researchers to release decryptors. These tools can restore files from older versions but are ineffective against current LockBit 3.0 and LockBit Green variants. They are best used for preliminary testing in isolated environments.
Backup-Based Restoration
If secure offline or off-site backups exist, restoring from them is the cleanest method. Administrators must validate backups for integrity before use, as LockBit often attempts to corrupt or delete them. Immutable or write-protected backups have the best chance of surviving.
Virtual Machine Rollback
Where hypervisors maintain snapshots, rolling back to pre-infection states can restore operations within minutes. However, snapshots must be carefully validated, as LockBit affiliates sometimes delete them once administrative privileges are gained.
Advanced Decryption Approaches
Independent researchers and incident responders have experimented with GPU-based brute force attacks against weak LockBit variants, but modern builds use hardened encryption that resists this method. Still, open-source efforts remain available for experimentation, mainly on Linux servers.
Paid Recovery Options and Negotiations
In situations where free or backup recovery is not possible, victims sometimes resort to ransom payment. LockBit affiliates usually provide decryptors tied to the victim’s ID after payment. However, these tools can be unreliable, and there is no guarantee of complete recovery. Payments also carry legal and ethical risks, as some jurisdictions prohibit transactions with sanctioned cybercriminal groups.
Third-party negotiators are occasionally hired to communicate with attackers, reduce ransom demands, and verify decryptor functionality. While effective in some cases, these services come at high costs.
Our Tailored LockBit Decryptor Solution
After extensive research, our experts have created a decryption framework for LockBit that integrates real-time analysis with secure blockchain validation. It combines reverse-engineered methods with controlled cloud execution to restore files safely. Offline and online recovery options are both available depending on victim needs.
Using Our LockBit Decryptor: Step-by-Step Guide
Our decryptor is designed to ensure maximum recovery efficiency while maintaining the integrity of your files. Below is the process victims should follow:
Prepare the Environment
- Disconnect the affected system from the internet to stop any ongoing encryption or exfiltration.
- Ensure you have administrator privileges (local or domain) before proceeding.
Gather the Required Files
- Locate and keep a copy of the ransom note (usually named Restore-My-Files.txt, LockBit_Recovery.txt, or variant-specific notes).
- Collect a sample set of encrypted files. Do not modify or rename them.
Launch the Decryptor
- Run the decryptor tool as an administrator.
- On startup, the decryptor will request the ransom note and at least one encrypted file to map the encryption batch.
Verification Stage
- The decryptor first performs a read-only scan to analyze file structures.
- It matches your Victim ID from the ransom note with our secure blockchain ledger to retrieve decryption keys.
Decryption Options
- Standard Mode: Uses the Victim ID from the ransom note to recover files.
- Universal Mode (premium): Works when the ransom note is missing or incomplete, using AI + blockchain-assisted key reconstruction.
Run the Recovery
- Start the process and let the decryptor work.
- Decryption occurs in a sandboxed, read-only environment, ensuring that original encrypted files are not corrupted during the attempt.
Validate the Results
- Once recovery is complete, the decryptor generates an audit report with:
- Total files decrypted.
- Files skipped (if corrupted or double-encrypted).
- Integrity verification logs.
- Total files decrypted.
Secure the Environment Post-Recovery
- Change all administrative passwords.
- Patch vulnerabilities that LockBit exploited.
- Restore systems to production only after confirming all malware traces are eliminated.
LockBit: An Overview of the Threat
LockBit emerged in 2019 and quickly rose to become one of the most active ransomware families. Operating under a ransomware-as-a-service model, LockBit recruits affiliates worldwide, making it highly versatile. With multiple versions including LockBit 2.0, LockBit 3.0, and LockBit Green, it continues to evolve by adding support for Linux, VMware ESXi, and even macOS.
LockBit specializes in double extortion, not only encrypting data but also exfiltrating it for public release if ransoms are not paid. The ransomware is known for its speed, often encrypting systems within minutes and spreading rapidly across networks.
How LockBit Gains Access
LockBit affiliates rely on a mix of entry points. They often exploit vulnerable VPNs and firewall appliances, target unpatched software, and use phishing lures to steal credentials. Remote Desktop Protocol exploitation is another major vector. Once inside a network, they use legitimate tools like Mimikatz, PowerShell, and Active Directory queries to escalate privileges and prepare for large-scale encryption.
LockBit’s Extortion Strategy
The ransom notes left by LockBit include TOR links for negotiation and threaten both permanent data loss and public leaks. Victims are pressured into communication by threats of data publication on LockBit’s dedicated leak sites.
Recognizing LockBit Infections
Typical signs include files encrypted with extensions linked to LockBit, ransom notes in each folder, suspicious outbound traffic to exfiltration services, and the presence of credential-harvesting tools. Execution often leaves traces in temporary directories or system logs.
Defensive Measures and Best Practices
To guard against LockBit, organizations should enforce multi-factor authentication on all remote access services, keep systems patched, and disable unused services. Network segmentation helps contain attacks, while monitoring tools provide early warnings of credential theft or data exfiltration. Organizations should also implement strict driver policies to counter LockBit’s use of vulnerable kernel drivers.
LockBit’s Technical Tactics and Procedures
LockBit affiliates employ a wide spectrum of techniques aligned with the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Entry is often gained through phishing emails, malicious attachments, or exploitation of unpatched vulnerabilities in VPNs and firewall appliances. Once inside, attackers escalate privileges using credential dumping tools like Mimikatz and LSASS memory scrapers, then establish persistence through scheduled tasks, registry run keys, and remote desktop configurations.
Lateral movement is achieved through PsExec, SMB exploitation, and stolen administrative credentials. Before encryption, LockBit disables recovery by deleting Windows Volume Shadow Copies, system restore points, and backups. File exfiltration typically leverages RClone, FileZilla, MEGA, or custom scripts, with stolen data uploaded to attacker-controlled cloud repositories.
Encryption employs a hybrid approach, with AES used for speed and RSA for key protection. In Linux and VMware environments, LockBit uses dedicated encryptors that target virtual machines and ESXi images.
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) Linked to LockBit
Victims often see clear markers of infection, including:
- File Extensions: Encrypted files frequently append custom extensions such as .lockbit, .abcd, .lockbit3, .lockbitblack, or .lockbitgreen.
- Ransom Note Filenames: Typically named Restore-My-Files.txt or variations containing “LockBit.”
- Registry Modifications: Creation of entries to disable recovery options and AV services.
- Network Indicators: Outbound traffic to TOR relay nodes, attacker-controlled IPs, and cloud storage providers.
- Process Indicators: Execution of tools such as taskkill.exe to shut down security processes, and vssadmin.exe delete shadows to erase shadow copies.
These indicators provide defenders with early opportunities for detection and mitigation if monitored properly.
Tools Frequently Used in LockBit Campaigns
LockBit affiliates rely on a blend of off-the-shelf utilities and legitimate administrative tools:
- Credential Theft & Reconnaissance: Mimikatz, BloodHound, ADRecon, LaZagne.
- Persistence & Remote Access: AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Cobalt Strike, Metasploit.
- Privilege Escalation & Lateral Movement: PsExec, Windows Remote Management (WinRM), RDP brute force.
- Data Theft & Exfiltration: RClone, FileZilla, MEGA, WinSCP, custom PowerShell scripts.
- Evasion & Disabling Security: GMER, Process Hacker, vulnerable kernel drivers (BYOVD), registry tampering.
These tools make LockBit attacks highly modular, allowing affiliates of varying skill levels to adapt based on target defenses
Victim Data and Impact Statistics
LockBit has become one of the most impactful ransomware families globally, targeting multiple sectors including finance, healthcare, education, and government.
Countries Most Affected
Organizations Impacted by LockBit
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Timeline of LockBit Activity (2019–2025)
Ransom Notes Across LockBit Variants
A key indicator of a LockBit infection is the ransom note left behind after encryption. These notes typically appear in every folder on the victim system and contain payment instructions, threats of data exposure, and directions to contact the attackers via TOR portals. While the wording evolves across versions, the file naming convention of the ransom notes provides a reliable detection mechanism.
- LockBit (ABCD Variant, 2019)
- Note Name: Restore-My-Files.txt
- LockBit 1.0 (2020)
- Note Name: Restore-My-Files.txt (slightly modified versions also seen).
- LockBit 2.0 (Red, 2021)
- Note Name: Restore-My-Files.txt or Restore-My-Data.txt
- LockBit Linux-ESXi (2021)
- Note Name: LockBit-ESXi-README.txt
- LockBit 3.0 (Black, 2022)
- Note Name: Restore-My-Files.txt (commonly) or LockBit-Black-Note.txt
- LockBit Green (2023)
- Note Name: Restore-My-Files.txt
- LockBit macOS Variant (2023)
- Note Name: README.LockBit.txt
Conclusion
Though LockBit is a sophisticated and evolving threat, recovery is possible with the right strategy. Avoiding panic, preserving forensic evidence, and leveraging trusted decryption solutions can ensure data restoration without paying the ransom. Our LockBit decryptor has already helped numerous organizations recover safely, across industries and infrastructures.
MedusaLocker Ransomware Versions We Decrypt