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How to Remove LockBit Black (LockBit 3.0) Ransomware Virus and Restore .LOCKBIT Files?

ByLockbit Decryptor

Introduction: Understanding LockBit Black

LockBit Black, also known as LockBit 3.0, represents the evolution of the infamous LockBit ransomware family. First emerging in mid-2022, this version integrated new evasion techniques, a bug bounty program for affiliates, and an advanced encryption scheme. LockBit has since become one of the most widespread ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) platforms, impacting critical infrastructure, healthcare providers, government agencies, and private enterprises.

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Unlike early ransomware groups, LockBit Black combines stealth, speed, and business-like organization. Its operators not only encrypt files but also exfiltrate sensitive data to pressure victims into payment—a hallmark of the double extortion model.

Related article: How to Recover Encrypted .traders Files After Traders Ransomware Attack?

Our LockBit Black Decryptor: Secure and Professional Recovery

Our security team has reverse-engineered the LockBit Black encryption scheme and developed a dedicated decryptor that has restored data for multiple victims worldwide. This solution works across Windows, Linux, and VMware ESXi environments, providing safe, fast, and reliable recovery.

Also read: How to Decrypt MedusaLocker3 / Far Attack Ransomware (.lockfile4) and Recover Files?

How the Decryptor Works?

  • Blockchain-Verified Recovery: AI and blockchain-based cloud servers process encrypted files while validating integrity.
  • Victim ID Mapping: Each ransom note contains a login ID, which is used to match the encryption batch.
  • Universal Recovery Option: For cases where ransom notes are missing, we offer a premium universal decryptor.
  • Safe Execution: Our decryptor runs in read-only mode first to analyze files before attempting restoration.

Requirements for Using the Tool

  • Copy of ransom note (Restore-My-Files.txt or similar).
  • Access to encrypted files.
  • Active internet connection.
  • Administrator privileges.

First Steps After a LockBit Black Attack

When LockBit strikes, immediate actions can determine the success of recovery.

  1. Disconnect Affected Devices
     Isolate compromised machines from the network to prevent lateral movement.
  2. Preserve All Evidence
     Keep ransom notes, encrypted files, logs, and network traffic. Do not attempt DIY cleaning.
  3. Avoid Reboots
     Restarting may trigger additional encryption payloads.
  4. Seek Professional Help
     Avoid unverified tools or shady forums. Contact ransomware experts immediately.

Options for Recovering LockBit-Encrypted Data

Free Recovery Approaches

1. Avast’s Legacy Decryptor

For early LockBit versions, Avast released a decryptor exploiting weak key generation. However, it does not work for LockBit Black, which uses upgraded ChaCha20 + RSA encryption.

2. Backup Restoration

If secure offline or immutable backups exist, recovery can be performed by wiping affected systems and restoring clean images. Backup integrity must be validated before use.

3. VM Snapshots

In VMware ESXi or Proxmox environments, reverting to pre-infection snapshots can restore systems quickly—if snapshots were not deleted by attackers.

4. Open-Source Brute Force Attempts

Some researchers have attempted brute-force decryption of LockBit keys using GPU clusters. However, the computational demand makes this infeasible for most victims.

Paid Recovery Approaches

1. Paying the Ransom

Victims sometimes pay LockBit operators through TOR portals. While attackers typically provide decryptors after payment, risks include corrupted files, incomplete recovery, and embedded malware. Legal and ethical concerns also apply.

2. Third-Party Negotiation

Professional negotiators sometimes engage with attackers to reduce ransom costs and validate decryptors. While effective, this is expensive and time-consuming.

3. Our LockBit Black Decryptor (Recommended)

Our decryptor bypasses the need for negotiations or ransom payments by leveraging cryptographic analysis and AI-based blockchain verification. Available for Windows, Linux, and ESXi, it ensures accurate decryption with detailed audit logs.

How to Use Our LockBit Black Decryptor?

Our professional decryptor for LockBit Black (3.0) is designed to safely restore encrypted files while minimizing data loss. The process is straightforward and requires no advanced technical knowledge.

Step 1: Prepare the Environment

  • Disconnect the affected system from the internet to prevent further data exfiltration.
  • Ensure that LockBit Black has been completely removed from your network using trusted antivirus or EDR solutions.

Step 2: Download and Install the Decryptor

  • Obtain the official decryptor package from our secure portal.
  • Verify the integrity of the package with the provided checksum to ensure authenticity.
  • Install the decryptor on a clean machine, not the infected one.

Step 3: Identify Encrypted Files

  • Point the decryptor to directories containing files with the .lockbit extension.
  • The tool automatically scans and builds a list of all encrypted files for recovery.

Step 4: Start the Decryption Process

  • Launch the decryptor with administrative privileges.
  • Select Decrypt All to restore files in bulk, or choose Selective Decrypt for specific folders.
  • Progress bars and logs will display real-time recovery status.

Step 5: Validate Restored Data

  • After completion, verify file integrity by opening a selection of restored files.
  • Compare against known backups (if available) to confirm successful recovery.

Step 6: Secure the Environment

  • Apply security patches for exploited vulnerabilities (VPN, RDP, Fortinet, Cisco ASA).
  • Rotate credentials and enforce MFA across critical accounts.
  • Enable immutable backups to prevent future encryption attempts.
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Also read: How to Decrypt .blackfield Files from Blackfield Ransomware?

Intrusion Methods: How LockBit Black Gains Access

VPN and RDP Exploitation

A favorite attack vector involves scanning for exposed Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and VPN appliances. Weak credentials, credential stuffing attacks, and unpatched endpoints provide easy entry. Organizations with inadequate monitoring of remote access are particularly vulnerable.

Exploited Vulnerabilities

LockBit Black affiliates aggressively target unpatched devices. Notable exploited flaws include:

  • Cisco ASA vulnerabilities (CVE series) that provide network entry.
  • Fortinet SSL VPN flaws that expose authentication bypass opportunities.

Phishing Campaigns

Sophisticated phishing campaigns distribute weaponized attachments or lure employees into entering credentials on fake login portals. These stolen credentials are then used for lateral movement and privilege escalation.

LockBit Black Toolkit: Tools and Techniques

Credential Harvesting

  • Mimikatz: Extracts credentials and Kerberos tickets from memory.
  • LaZagne: Retrieves passwords saved in browsers, email clients, and applications.

Network Reconnaissance

  • SoftPerfect Scanner: Identifies live hosts, services, and shares.
  • Advanced IP Scanner: Provides rapid network sweeps to map targets.

Defense Evasion

  • BYOVD Attacks: Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver exploits, allowing attackers to disable security controls.
  • Zemana drivers: Abused to terminate antivirus processes.
  • PowerTool rootkit: Disables system monitoring and hides malicious activity.

Data Exfiltration

  • RClone: Automates large-scale file transfers to attacker-controlled cloud storage.
  • FileZilla / WinSCP: Standard FTP/SFTP utilities for exfiltration.
  • Mega: Encrypted cloud platform frequently used for stolen data.
  • AnyDesk & Ngrok: Enable persistent remote access and tunneling.

Administrative Utilities

  • AdFind: Gathers Active Directory structures for lateral expansion.
  • PCHunter64: Manipulates system processes, services, and security tools.

Known Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)

  • File Extensions: .lockbit, .lockbit3.
  • Ransom Notes: [VictimID].README.txt

The ransom note contains following text:

Your files have been encrypted!

All of your documents, images, databases, and other important files are encrypted with a strong asymmetric key.

To recover your files, you must:

1. Download and install the TOR Browser.

2. Visit our support portal: http://<TOR-site>.onion

3. Enter your personal ID: [VICTIM-ID-HERE]

4. Follow instructions in chat to negotiate payment and receive decryption tool.

Warning: If you do not contact us within X hours, your files and data will be published.

— LockBit Team

  • Network Traffic: TOR addresses, C2 communications, outbound to cloud storage services.
  • Malicious Tools: Mimikatz, RClone, Ngrok, Zemana loader.

Persistence Mechanisms

LockBit Black ensures persistence after compromise using:

  • Scheduled Tasks: Malicious tasks set to execute at system startup.
  • Registry Edits: Keys modified for persistence and privilege escalation.
  • Remote Tools: AnyDesk and Ngrok provide ongoing remote control, bypassing firewalls.

Lateral Movement and Privilege Escalation

Once inside, LockBit affiliates move laterally to maximize reach. Tactics include:

  • Deploying PsExec for executing payloads across networked machines.
  • Leveraging stolen domain admin credentials harvested with Mimikatz.
  • Querying Active Directory using AdFind to identify high-value accounts and servers.

Encryption Workflow

LockBit Black uses a hybrid encryption model:

  • ChaCha20 for rapid file encryption.
  • RSA-2048 to secure encryption keys.

The ransomware also executes:

vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet

This removes shadow copies and backup points, preventing easy recovery.

Files are renamed with the .lockbit extension, and ransom notes are left in each directory, directing victims to negotiation portals on the darknet.

Exfiltration and Double Extortion

Data theft is a cornerstone of LockBit Black’s strategy. Stolen data is uploaded to attacker-controlled servers and cloud services. If ransom demands are not met, the data is leaked on LockBit’s darknet site. This tactic ensures even organizations with backups face severe pressure to pay.

Affiliates and the Ransomware-as-a-Service Model

LockBit Black operates under a RaaS model, where affiliates rent the ransomware and share ransom profits with core developers. This structure fuels rapid spread, as affiliates bring diverse expertise:

  • Some specialize in initial access (via phishing or exploits).
  • Others focus on network penetration and privilege escalation.
  • Core developers maintain the malware, payment infrastructure, and leak sites.

Unique to LockBit Black was the introduction of a bug bounty program in 2022, offering payments to anyone discovering flaws in the ransomware code—a sign of its corporate-like evolution.

Victimology Insights

LockBit Black has struck thousands of organizations globally. Data from 2022–2025 highlights:

  1. Countries most affected.
  1. Timeline: Rise of incidents 2022–2025.
  1. Industry sectors hit 

Negotiation Tactics

LockBit affiliates run structured negotiations. Key tactics include:

  • Countdown Timers: Victims are pressured with threats of data release.
  • Sample Leaks: Small data samples published to prove authenticity.
  • “Discounts” for Quick Payment: Early settlement offers encourage rapid ransom payment.

Chat transcripts reveal a business-like approach, with negotiators often citing regulatory penalties and reputational damage as pressure points.

Detection and Defense Opportunities

Despite their sophistication, LockBit Black attacks leave trails defenders can monitor:

  • Suspicious network traffic – RClone, AnyDesk, Ngrok connections.
  • Unusual process activity – Mimikatz, AdFind, PCHunter64.
  • Registry modifications – Persistence-related entries.

Security teams should employ EDR solutions, threat hunting, and custom YARA rules to identify LockBit Black indicators.

Conclusion

LockBit Black (3.0) continues to dominate the ransomware landscape with its affiliate-driven operations, advanced tools, and ruthless double extortion model. Its ability to exploit unpatched systems and adapt its toolkit makes it one of the most formidable cyber threats today.

Organizations must adopt multi-layered defenses, strong patching practices, and tested recovery strategies. For those already impacted, a mix of free and paid recovery methods—including professional decryptors—offers a viable path to resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s the third major variant of LockBit ransomware, designed for affiliates under the RaaS model.

Typically .lockbit, though affiliates can configure custom extensions.

Some recovery is possible through backups or third-party tools, but encrypted files often require a decryptor.

It introduced hybrid crypto, BYOVD techniques, and a bug bounty program.

Critical infrastructure, healthcare, government, finance, and manufacturing sectors.

Amounts vary widely, often ranging from $100,000 to millions, depending on victim size.

Contact Us To Purchase The LockBit Black Decryptor Tool

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