What is a .LILOCKED file?
File Extension: .LILOCKED File Type: Lilocked Ransomware Encrypted File Description: A file with the .lilocked extension is one that has been encrypted by a specific type of harmful software known as Lilocked or Lilu ransomware. This malware is used by cybercriminals to attack and take control of files, particularly on Linux-based web servers. Once the ransomware infects a server, it encrypts various files by locking them and changing their names to include the .lilocked extension. For instance, if there was a file named "example.html", after encryption by Lilocked ransomware, it would be renamed to "example.html.lilocked".
The Lilocked ransomware specifically targets vulnerabilities in software that runs on these servers, with a notable focus on outdated or unsupported versions of Exim mail transfer software. When the ransomware gains administrative (root) access to the server, it encrypts files that are typically associated with website content, such as HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript files. However, it does not usually encrypt essential system files.
After encrypting the files, the ransomware creates a ransom note named "#README.lilocked" in each affected directory. This note is intended to inform the server administrators of the attack and provide instructions on how to pay a ransom to decrypt the files.
Programs to Open: Opening a .lilocked file directly is not possible because the file is encrypted. The primary method to regain access to the files is by restoring them from a backup that was made before the infection occurred. It is crucial to maintain regular backups of all important data to prevent loss in such situations.
More Information: The .lilocked file extension became widely recognized in July 2019 when numerous reports of this ransomware affecting servers surfaced. It is important for server administrators to keep all software up to date and to implement strong security measures to protect against such ransomware attacks. Regular updates and security patches can significantly reduce the vulnerability of systems to these types of threats.
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