Loki Locker Ransomware: What It Is and How to Protect Yourself

Your computer starts behaving strangely. Files you could easily open yesterday now have incomprehensible names, and you can’t access them. An alarming note appears on your desktop: if you don’t pay in cryptocurrency within the next 48 hours, you’ll lose everything. Panic sets in. This isn’t a movie or an exaggeration—it’s the reality for those who’ve fallen victim to Loki Locker ransomware.

This type of malware doesn’t just encrypt your files; it can also simulate a complete system wipe, leaving many unsure of how to respond. In this guide, we’ll explain what LokiLocker is, how it operates, what makes it so dangerous, and most importantly, how you can protect yourself (and recover your data if you’ve already been affected). In cybersecurity, knowing what to do before, during, and after an attack makes all the difference.

What Exactly Is LokiLocker Ransomware and How Does It Work?

LokiLocker is a type of ransomware malware, which means it blocks access to your files by encrypting them and then demands a ransom to unlock them. But it doesn’t stop there—it also renames all affected files, changes your desktop background, launches a pop-up window, and leaves a text file named “Restore-My-Files.txt” with instructions on how to contact the attackers.

In short, the message is clear: if you want your data back, you’ll have to play by their rules—or at least, that’s what they want you to believe.

What Do the Affected Files Look Like?

LokiLocker renames each encrypted file following a very specific pattern. For example, your original file name might be transformed into something like:

[recoverdata@onionmail.org][C279F237]1.jpg.Loki

This name includes:

1. The attackers’ contact address (recoverdata@onionmail.org)

2. A unique victim identifier

3. The original file name

4. And the “.Loki” extension

Example of a Screen Showing Files Encrypted with the “.Loki” Extension (Source: PCrisk)

So, “1.jpg” becomes the long name shown above, “2.jpg” turns into “[recoverdata@onionmail.org][C279F237]2.jpg.Loki,” and so on.

Some newer variants of LokiLocker change the final extension to “.Rainman” or “.PayForKey” instead of “.Loki,” but the goal remains the same: to make it unmistakably clear that your files are being held hostage and that you’ll only get them back if you pay—though there’s no guarantee.

These changes not only make recovering your important documents, photos, or projects more difficult, but they’re also meant to visually intimidate you and pressure you into paying as quickly as possible.

What Do LokiLocker Ransom Notes Say?

When LokiLocker infects a computer, it doesn’t just encrypt your files—it also leaves behind a rather intimidating ransom note. In it, the attackers explain that all your files have been encrypted and instruct you to contact them via the email addresses recoverdata@onionmail.org or recoverdata@mail2tor.com. In exchange, they promise to send instructions on how to regain access to your data.

To earn your trust, they even offer to decrypt one file for free as “proof” (as long as it doesn’t contain valuable information). It might seem like a “kind” gesture, but it’s really just part of their strategy to lure you in.

They also make it very clear that you should not try to rename your files or use third-party decryption tools, warning that doing so could irreversibly damage your data. This is meant to discourage you from seeking alternative solutions and to pressure you into following their route—paying.

In short, every variant of LokiLocker pushes you to contact them directly to negotiate file recovery. But before you do that, there are things you need to know.

Example of the “Restore-My-Files.txt” Ransom Note Created by Loki Locker (Source: PCrisk)

Can You Recover Files Encrypted by LokiLocker?

Unfortunately, there is currently no free tool available to decrypt files affected by LokiLocker. And while some ransomware cases have seen solutions developed by cybersecurity experts, this has not been the case with LokiLocker.

Worse yet, there are reports of victims who, even after paying the ransom, never received a working decryption tool. This reinforces a key recommendation: do not pay. Not just for ethical reasons (you’d be funding criminal activity), but because you’re very likely to lose both your money and your files.

What Are Your Options If You’ve Been Infected?

If you backed up your files before the attack, you're in a much better position. You can remove the ransomware from your system and restore your files from that backup—without having to negotiate with the attackers or risk losing your money.

However, there are two critical steps you must not skip:

1. Completely remove the ransomware from your system before restoring any files. If you don’t, the malware could re-encrypt your newly recovered data.

2. Disconnect your device from the network as soon as possible, especially if you’re on a home or office network, since LokiLocker can spread to other connected devices.

Here’s a key point that many individuals and businesses overlook: backups are not helpful if they’re stored in the same location as the infected device. If the malware accesses those backups, it can encrypt them too.

To prevent this, it’s best to follow the 3-2-1 backup rule:

1. 3 copies of your data (one original and at least two backups)

2. 2 different storage types (e.g., an external drive and the cloud)

3. 1 copy offsite or disconnected from the network, to protect against attacks, theft, or disasters.

One tool that helps implement this strategy securely and automatically is TecnetProtect Backup. This solution combines cloud and local backups with active ransomware protection, meaning it can detect and stop threats like LokiLocker before your files are encrypted.

Additionally, TecnetProtect Backup lets you schedule automatic backups, store previous versions of files, and restore entire systems in emergencies—all from a user-friendly interface. If you don’t have a solid backup strategy in place, tools like TecnetProtect can be your best ally to avoid irreversible data loss.

Because when ransomware strikes, it’s too late to improvise. It's better to be prepared with a solution that protects you before, during, and after an attack.

Read more: How to detect and respond to a ransomware attack with TecnetProtect

LokiLocker and Other Ransomware: How Are They Similar?

Like many other ransomware strains, LokiLocker creates a ransom note that includes key details such as:

1. The attacker’s contact information (usually an email address)

2. Instructions for paying the ransom

3. Sometimes, a deadline to pressure the victim

The pattern is the same: block access to your files and demand money in return. What tends to differ between various ransomware families is the type of encryption used, the ransom amount, and some technical specifics. Other variants that have shown behavior similar to LokiLocker include Ufymmtjonc, L47, and Vzlom.

Message Displayed on the Desktop Background After Loki Locker Infection

How Did My Computer Get Infected with LokiLocker Ransomware?

If you’re wondering how ransomware ended up on your device, you’re not alone. Most infections occur without the user even realizing it, and cybercriminals are becoming increasingly creative and deceptive in their methods.

Here are the most common ways ransomware like LokiLocker manages to infiltrate your computer:

1. Trojans Disguised as Legitimate Programs

One of the most common methods is through Trojans—malicious software that disguises itself as a trustworthy program. You might think you’re downloading a document viewer, optimization tool, or even a harmless file… but in reality, you're opening the door to something far more dangerous.

Some Trojans are specifically designed to download and install ransomware in the background without you noticing. The worst part is that many of these malicious files are distributed on websites that look completely legitimate.

2. Emails with Malicious Attachments

Another widespread technique is email phishing. Attackers send messages that appear to come from well-known companies (like banks, courier services, or software providers), with attachments or links that, once opened, execute the malware.

The most commonly used file types in these attacks include:

1. Word or Excel documents with malicious macros

2. PDF files

3. Compressed files (.zip or .rar)

4. Executable files (.exe)

5. Scripts such as .js (JavaScript)

These emails are crafted to build trust or create urgency—invoice notifications, security alerts, job applications, and more.

3. Downloads from Untrusted Sites

If you’ve ever downloaded software from obscure websites, torrent platforms, or “alternative” installers of popular programs, you're at high risk.

P2P networks, free download portals, file hosting sites, and modified installers are common sources of malware.

Many users get infected simply by opening a file downloaded from an unofficial source. Even if the file names seem legitimate, they often contain malicious code that triggers the ransomware.

4. Fake Software Updates

Another trick attackers use is disguising malware as important software updates. For instance, you might see a prompt in your browser saying you need to update Flash Player, Chrome, or another program. When you click and install what looks like an update, you’re actually installing ransomware.

These fake updaters often mimic the appearance of legitimate installers, making them hard to spot.

5. Cracks and Activators for Pirated Software

Many people looking to activate paid software without a license end up downloading activation tools (cracks, keygens, or activators) that are actually infected.

Cybercriminals know that those seeking these files are more likely to disable antivirus protections or ignore warnings, making infection much easier.

Not only is this illegal, but it also leaves you completely exposed to all kinds of threats—including silent ransomware installation.

Read more: Ransomware in Mexico: Impact on IT and How to Prevent It

How Can You Protect Yourself from Ransomware Like LokiLocker?

The best defense against threats like LokiLocker is still prevention. Here are some practical tips that truly work:

1. Make regular backups and store them on external devices or in the cloud—always disconnected from your main system to prevent ransomware from encrypting them as well.

2. Follow the 3-2-1 rule: Keep 3 copies of your files, stored on 2 different types of media, with at least 1 copy offline or offsite.

3. Use professional backup solutions, like TecnetProtect Backup, which combines local and cloud backups with active ransomware protection. TecnetProtect not only makes it easy to restore your files, but also detects and blocks threats before they can harm your system.

4. Keep your operating system and all applications up to date. Many attacks exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software.

5. Be cautious with email attachments or suspicious links, even if they appear to come from known sources. Always verify before opening.

6. Install a reliable antivirus or security solution, and make sure it includes ransomware-specific protection.

7. Educate your family, colleagues, or team about phishing risks and how to spot malicious emails.

By implementing these practices, you not only reduce your risk of infection but also put yourself in a much safer position if a threat does manage to get through.

Conclusion: What to Do If You’re Hit by LokiLocker

If you see a ransom note from LokiLocker, the most important thing is to stay calm. Don’t act on impulse or pay right away. Check if you have a recent backup, and if you’re unsure how to proceed, seek professional help immediately.

Removing the ransomware is essential to stop further damage, but that alone won’t recover your encrypted files. The real key lies in prevention—especially in having a well-configured backup system and active protection tools like those offered by TecnetOne.

Protecting your data is no longer optional. It’s as important as safeguarding your physical devices. And the better prepared you are, the less power threats like LokiLocker will have over your information.