Remove Louis Ransomware

Louis ransomware is a malicious file-locking virus that encrypts victims’ files and demands a ransom for decryption. This ransomware appends the “.Louis” extension to affected files and creates a ransom note titled “Louis_Help.txt.” Additionally, it alters the desktop wallpaper and displays a full-screen message before the user log-in screen, warning the victim of the encryption and providing instructions for contacting the cybercriminals.

This ransomware is particularly dangerous because it employs strong encryption algorithms, making file recovery without the decryption key nearly impossible. Victims are advised against paying the ransom, as there is no guarantee of receiving a decryption tool.

Threat Summary

Name	Louis ransomware
Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File locker
Encrypted File Extension	.Louis
Ransom Note File Name	Louis_Help.txt
Cyber Criminal Contact	louisblanc@mailum.com, louisblanc@firemail.de
Detection Names	Avast (Win32:TrojanX-gen [Trj]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Zusy.582289), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of Win32/Filecoder.OOO), Kaspersky (HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Generic), Microsoft (Ransom:Win32/CylanceLoader.MKB!MTB)
Symptoms of Infection	Files cannot be opened, file extensions changed to .Louis, ransom demand message displayed, system wallpaper altered, full-screen ransom message before login
Damage	File encryption, potential data loss, possible additional malware infections
Distribution Methods	Malicious email attachments, phishing emails, software cracks, fake updates, torrents, malicious ads, exploit kits
Danger Level	High

Ransom Note Details

The ransomware displays the following message in the text file “Louis_Help.txt”:

CRITICAL SECURITY ALERT
Your files have been encrypted
Before any payment, you will receive two decryption samples for free (sample files should not contain important documents)

Contact us:
louisblanc@mailum.com
louisblanc@firemail.de

Enter your ID in the email subject.
YOUR ID : -

READ THE FOLLOWING POINTS CAREFULLY.

1# Please understand that this is not a personal matter but a business one, you are our customer and we will treat you as a respectful customer.
2# Do not play with encrypted files, make a backup copy of them before playing with files.
3# If you need an intermediary to negotiate with us, choose from reputable people and companies, we always provide the decryptor after payment.
4# If you accidentally get an intermediary from the Internet, they may take money from you and not pay it, and they may disappear or lie to you.
5# We are experienced hackers and we do not leave a trace. The police cannot help you. Instead, what they will make sure of is that you never pay us and you will lose your data.

Method 1: Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Method 2: Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

Conclusion

Louis ransomware is a highly destructive cyber threat that encrypts files and demands a ransom for their decryption. Victims should avoid paying the ransom, as this does not guarantee file recovery and only fuels cybercriminal activities. Given its widespread distribution through phishing emails, fake downloads, and malicious ads, it is crucial to maintain strong cybersecurity practices and avoid suspicious online content.