A newly identified strain, known as LockFile .enc ransomware (Huarong 500.exe), has recently emerged. Victims have reported partial file encryption, ransom notes named with random strings, and demands for $5,000 in Bitcoin. Our team has analyzed this variant, revealing a Python-based structure packaged with PyInstaller and AES-256-GCM encryption.
We have engineered a specialized decryptor that targets flaws in its encryption routine. Compatible with Windows-based systems, this tool ensures accuracy, fast recovery, and minimal risk of further corruption.
Our recovery solution is built on forensic reverse-engineering and cryptographic analysis.
It uses a cloud-secured platform to process samples of encrypted files and ransom notes, while blockchain ensures that no tampering occurs during the recovery. The ransom note’s login ID is mapped against unique encryption batches, allowing precise key pairing.
For clients without a ransom note, we also provide a universal decryptor, capable of handling files encrypted by updated versions of this LockFile variant. Before decryption begins, the software performs a read-only scan to detect inconsistencies or partial encryption caused by missing DLLs.
When faced with a LockFile .enc ransomware attack, the very first actions taken can decide whether data is recoverable.
Disconnect the infected device from the corporate or home network immediately. This limits the ransomware from spreading to servers, shared storage, or backup systems. Preserve every piece of evidence, including the ransom note, encrypted files, and system logs. These can later be used in forensic analysis and key reconstruction.
Shut down compromised systems carefully. Avoid reboots or system restores since these actions may retrigger scripts left behind. Finally, contact a professional recovery team instead of relying on unverified decryption tools from forums. Time-sensitive intervention often increases recovery success.
Strategies for Decrypting LockFile .enc Ransomware
This ransomware, though similar in name to the 2021 LockFile campaign, displays distinct behavior. It encrypts with the .enc extension and leaves ransom notes such as SRXLUJt9.txt. To recover files, four primary pathways exist.
Free Tools and Community Solutions
Researchers recommend submitting encrypted samples to ID Ransomware or NoMoreRansom. However, because .enc is a generic extension used by many unrelated ransomware families, these tools may not accurately identify this variant. At present, no verified free decryptor exists for Huarong 500.exe, though monitoring platforms are advised in case a public decryptor becomes available.
Backup and Restore Approach
For organizations maintaining off-site or immutable backups, the cleanest option is restoring from snapshots. Administrators should validate each backup with checksum tests before applying, as partially encrypted or corrupted files may remain. Properly segmented storage, particularly with WORM or cloud snapshot retention, drastically improves survival odds.
Virtual Machine Rollback
Where ransomware has infected virtual environments, hypervisor snapshots can be rolled back to pre-infection states. This method works best with VMware ESXi or Proxmox deployments. Care must be taken to ensure snapshots were not tampered with by the ransomware, as compromised vCenter panels may result in deletion of backups.
Paid Recovery Pathways (Including Our Decryptor)
If free or backup-based options are not viable, organizations may face two paid options: either paying the attackers directly or employing a specialized third-party decryptor like ours.
Paying the ransom is highly discouraged, as attackers may fail to provide functional tools or deliver backdoors with their decryptors. Some victims report receiving only partial recovery, with lingering corruption.
Our decryptor, however, is built from reverse-engineering of this variant’s encryption routine and integrates with blockchain-led verification to ensure integrity. Clients submit ransom notes and encrypted samples for verification, and once confirmed, our secure servers process the decryption workflow, returning clean files.
How to Use Our LockFile .enc Decryptor?
Our decryptor was designed with both corporate IT teams and individual victims in mind. It follows a controlled and secure workflow to maximize the chances of full data recovery.
Step 1: Collect Required Files
Prepare a sample of your encrypted files (with the .enc extension) and at least one ransom note file (e.g., SRXLUJt9.txt). These files help our decryptor identify the specific encryption batch applied to your system.
Step 2: Upload Files Securely
Use our secure portal to upload the encrypted samples and ransom note. All transfers are encrypted, and your files remain confidential throughout the analysis.
Step 3: Initial Analysis and Verification
Our platform analyzes the submitted files, confirming whether they match the LockFile .enc ransomware (Huarong 500.exe) strain. This process also validates whether partial or full encryption occurred, as incomplete encryption may change recovery steps.
Step 4: Decryption Key Mapping
The system matches the ransom note ID against known encryption markers. For cases where no ransom note is available, our universal decryptor attempts key reconstruction using algorithmic mapping.
Step 5: File Restoration Process
The decryptor runs in read-only mode first, scanning for possible file corruption. Once verified, the decryption process begins, restoring files to their original extensions and formats. Recovered files are placed in a separate folder for integrity checks.
Step 6: Verification and Delivery
After decryption, checksums are run to ensure file integrity. The restored files are then packaged and returned securely, either through encrypted download links or directly to the client’s system if requested.
Step 7: Post-Recovery Support
We provide clients with guidelines for preventing reinfection, including patching vulnerable systems, tightening network policies, and maintaining segmented backups. Our team remains available for ongoing consultation in case of residual threats.
This variant spreads through malicious executables, with one known sample identified as gem5000[1].exe. Upon execution, the malware attempts to encrypt user files. Interestingly, one victim report noted that only files in the Recycle Bin were encrypted, possibly due to missing DLL dependencies required for full encryption.
The ransomware identifies itself in analysis logs as Ransom/LockFile.fl, tagged by Huorong antivirus. It relies on AES-256-GCM encryption for file locking and generates ransom notes with randomized filenames.
Tools, TTPs, and Attack Techniques
LockFile .enc ransomware demonstrates traits often aligned with amateur but evolving ransomware families.
For initial infection, the malware is distributed as disguised executables (notably Huarong 500.exe). The program structure shows traces of PyInstaller packing, suggesting it was built with Python. Indicators of incomplete encryption point toward missing DLL injection or improper system calls.
Observed TTPs include:
File encryption with AES-256-GCM
Randomized ransom notes (e.g., SRXLUJt9.txt)
Victim communication via anonymous email (crypted2025@tuta.io)
Bitcoin ransom demands with specific wallets (e.g., bc1qkpnwxutntz5s8rd0jnv8xpuyc2jm4qkhvn302y)
Self-deletion or incomplete payload execution
Unlike the advanced 2021 LockFile campaign, this variant does not yet demonstrate intermittent encryption or sophisticated detection evasion.
Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
File extension: .enc
Executable: gem5000[1].exe (also reported as Huarong 500.exe)
Although this strain is still emerging, we can build projections and visualizations to help track its growth.
Top Countries Affected: Early reports suggest infections in Asia (China) and the United States, though broader impact is possible.
Organizations Targeted: Corporate workstations have been the first confirmed victims. Sectors likely at risk include finance, small enterprises, and managed IT providers.
Timeline of Attacks: The earliest confirmed case was August 11, 2025, with continuing activity suspected in the following weeks.
The Ransom Note in Detail
The ransom note left behind is direct and threatening with the following message:
Hello, Joe.
The game is complete. All your designated files are now securely encrypted.
Security Level: Military-Grade AES-256-GCM
Encrypted files have .enc extension.
DO NOT DELETE .enc files – they contain your data!
Wasn’t that fun?
Recovery instructions:
1.Send $5000 USD in Bitcoin to: bc1qkpnwxutntz5s8rd0jnv8xpuyc2jm4qkhvn302y
2.Email transaction ID to: crypted2025@tuta.io
3.You’ll receive decryption software.
Final Thoughts on Recovery
The LockFile .enc ransomware (Huarong 500.exe) represents a dangerous but still-developing threat. Unlike the more advanced LockFile attacks of 2021, this strain shows inconsistencies and execution flaws, suggesting potential weaknesses for recovery tools to exploit.
With swift isolation, forensic preservation, and use of verified decryptors, recovery is possible without paying the ransom. Organizations should prioritize backups, incident response planning, and ongoing monitoring for similar variants.
Frequently Asked Questions
At this time, no free public decryptor exists, though future releases may emerge if weaknesses are found.
Yes, our decryptor requires the ransom note for ID mapping. However, we also provide a universal version for clients without the original note.
Our decryption services begin at enterprise-grade pricing, with custom quotes based on infection scale and environment.
Yes, our decryptor supports Windows workstations, Windows servers, and VMware ESXi snapshots.
Absolutely. All transfers occur via encrypted channels, with blockchain verification ensuring no tampering occurs.
Based on initial cases, corporate and small-business systems appear most targeted, though wider campaigns may follow.
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