LOCKY File Extension

What is LOCKY file?

Files with the .LOCKY extension contain encrypted data of various kinds, without the owner's knowledge, which have been infected by the Locky virus. These could be, for instance, graphic files, documents, or databases. They are encrypted using the strong RSA algorithm and AES-128 ciphers. The attack introducing the Locky Trojan horse is based on fake email messages with an attachment and a malicious macro in the document.

When do .LOCKY files appear?

To make a ransomware malware attack possible, encrypting part of the files on a computer, a specific social engineering must work. Hackers often persuade the user to open an attachment and run the macro through fake messages. .LOCKY files will appear on the computer:

• as a result of renaming and encrypting existing files,
• immediately after unwittingly agreeing to launch malicious software,
• the virus also generates information about the data being taken over and the demand for a ransom.

Typically, there is no way to counteract the encryption if good antivirus software is not installed on the computer.

How to recover the original files?

Ransom demands generated by hackers are automatic, usually involving large amounts in bitcoins. There is no certainty that after paying them, it will be possible to recover files transformed into .LOCKY. A proven method is the system recovery procedure - restoring from backups. However, if current backups are not created in the system, there might be no possibility of recovering the files changed by the LOCKY virus.

Programs which support LOCKY file extension

The following listing features LOCKY-compatible programs. Files with LOCKY extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 04/18/2024

How to open file with LOCKY extension?

Being unable to open files with LOCKY extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Locky Ransomware Affected Data Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor

Problems with opening and working with LOCKY files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with LOCKY files being present on your machine. To address this issue, go to the Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor developer website, download the tool, and install it. It is that easy Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support LOCKY files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor installed is by going to developer’s website (Trend Micro Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor and update if needed

You still cannot access LOCKY files although Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor cannot handle files with LOCKY may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor.

Step 3. Set the default application to open LOCKY files to Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate LOCKY files with latest version of Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the LOCKY file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open LOCKY files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with LOCKY extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with LOCKY extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the LOCKY file is complete and free of errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the LOCKY file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the LOCKY in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the LOCKY is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the LOCKY file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with LOCKY extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the LOCKY file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. When downloading the file with LOCKY extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Locky Ransomware Affected Data Format file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Trend Micro Ransomware File Decryptor

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support LOCKY files. Close all running programs and try opening the LOCKY file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Locky Ransomware Affected Data Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the LOCKY files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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