31342e30362e32303136*

This resource provides a detailed analysis and actionable recovery strategies for the ransomware variant identified by the file extension 31342e30362e32303136*. Decoding the hexadecimal string 31342e30362e32303136 reveals 14.06.2016. This strongly indicates a variant of the Locky ransomware family, specifically active around mid-2016, which was known for using date-based file extensions to mark encrypted files.

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Technical Breakdown:

1. File Extension & Renaming Patterns

• Confirmation of File Extension: The ransomware appends the literal string .14.06.2016 (derived from the hexadecimal 31342e30362e32303136) as an additional extension to encrypted files. The asterisk (*) in the original query likely implies that while this specific date was common, other date-based formats (e.g., YYYYMMDD or DDMMYYYY) or unique identifiers might also be appended by similar Locky campaigns.

  • Example: A file named document.docx would become document.docx.14.06.2016.

• Renaming Convention: This Locky variant typically renames files in a specific pattern. The original filename is often followed by a unique victim ID (usually 16 hexadecimal characters), then a unique file ID (usually 8 hexadecimal characters), and finally the date-based extension.

  • Typical Pattern: [original_filename].[victim_ID_16_chars].[file_ID_8_chars].[date_extension]
  • Example: photo.jpg might become photo.jpg.F506D3E7E4A2C1B9.B9C1A2E4.14.06.2016.
    The ransomware also drops ransom notes in HTML and/or plain text formats (e.g., _[2-character country code]_README.html and _Locky_recover_instructions.txt) in every folder containing encrypted files, and often changes the desktop wallpaper to display ransom instructions.

2. Detection & Outbreak Timeline

• Approximate Start Date/Period: The Locky ransomware family first emerged in February 2016. The specific 14.06.2016 file extension points to a significant campaign or variant that became prevalent around mid-June 2016. Locky was one of the most dominant ransomware threats throughout 2016 and 2017, with various extensions (like .zepto, .thor, .osiris, and date-based ones) indicating different campaign waves.

3. Primary Attack Vectors

• Propagation Mechanisms: Locky, including this variant, primarily propagated through highly effective malspam (malicious spam) campaigns.
  • Email Attachments: Emails often contained malicious attachments designed to trigger the infection. Common formats included:
    • Word Documents (.doc, .docx): These typically contained malicious macros (VBA scripts) that, once enabled by the user, downloaded the Locky executable from a remote server. The emails often used social engineering tactics, posing as invoices, shipping notifications, or urgent requests.
    • JavaScript Files (.js): Disguised as legitimate documents (e.g., invoices.js), these files, if executed (e.g., by double-clicking), would download and launch the ransomware.
    • HTA Files (.hta): HTML Applications that, when opened, executed malicious scripts to download the payload.
    • ZIP Archives: Often contained the malicious Word documents, JavaScript, or HTA files to bypass email filters.
  • Exploit Kits: While less prominent for Locky’s primary distribution compared to malspam, some Locky campaigns utilized exploit kits (e.g., Neutrino, Rig) to compromise vulnerable systems through drive-by downloads when users visited compromised websites.
  • Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Exploits: Although Locky itself wasn’t primarily an RDP brute-forcing ransomware, insecure RDP configurations were a common entry point for attackers to manually deploy various ransomware strains, including Locky, onto compromised networks.

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Remediation & Recovery Strategies:

1. Prevention

• Proactive Measures:
  1. Regular and Offline Backups: Implement a robust 3-2-1 backup strategy: at least 3 copies of your data, stored on 2 different media, with 1 copy off-site or offline (disconnected from the network). This is the most crucial defense.
  2. Email Security: Employ strong spam filters and email security gateways. Educate users about phishing, malicious attachments, and social engineering tactics. Never open suspicious attachments or click dubious links.
  3. Disable Macros by Default: Configure Microsoft Office to disable macros by default and warn users about potentially malicious content. Only enable macros from trusted sources.
  4. Keep Software Updated: Regularly patch and update operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), applications (web browsers, office suites, PDF readers), and security software to protect against known vulnerabilities.
  5. Strong Antivirus/Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Deploy and maintain reputable antivirus and EDR solutions on all endpoints and servers. Ensure they are configured for real-time scanning and signature updates.
  6. Network Segmentation: Isolate critical systems and sensitive data on separate network segments to limit lateral movement in case of an infection.
  7. Disable SMBv1: Legacy protocols like SMBv1 are known vulnerabilities. Disable them if not strictly necessary.
  8. Principle of Least Privilege: Limit user permissions to only what is necessary for their job functions.
  9. User Account Control (UAC): Do not disable UAC on Windows systems, as it provides an additional layer of security.

2. Removal

• Infection Cleanup:
  1. Isolate the Infected System: Immediately disconnect the infected computer from the network (unplug Ethernet cable, disable Wi-Fi) to prevent further spread to other devices.
  2. Identify and Terminate Malicious Processes: Use Task Manager or a process explorer tool to identify and terminate suspicious processes. Locky processes often have obfuscated or randomly generated names.
  3. Boot into Safe Mode: Restart the computer in Safe Mode (with Networking, if necessary, for security tool updates). This often prevents the ransomware from executing fully.
  4. Scan and Remove: Perform a full system scan using a reputable and updated antivirus/anti-malware program. Tools like Malwarebytes, Avast, Sophos HitmanPro, or Windows Defender can detect and remove Locky components.
  5. Clean Startup Items and Scheduled Tasks: Check msconfig (Windows), Task Scheduler, and registry entries for any persistent ransomware components that might launch on startup.
  6. Delete Ransom Notes and Wallpaper: Remove the ransom notes and revert the desktop wallpaper to its original state after confirming the ransomware executables are gone.
  7. Change Passwords: Once the system is clean, change all passwords associated with the infected system (e.g., user accounts, network shares, cloud services).

3. File Decryption & Recovery

• Recovery Feasibility: Unfortunately, for Locky (including the 14.06.2016 variant), there is generally NO publicly available, free decryption tool. Locky used strong, military-grade encryption (a combination of AES-128 for file encryption and RSA-2048 for key exchange), making decryption without the private key virtually impossible. Law enforcement agencies or security researchers have not published a master key or a universal decryptor for Locky.

  • The only reliable methods for file recovery are:
    • Restoring from Backups: This is the most effective and recommended method. Restore your data from clean, uninfected backups taken before the ransomware attack.
    • Shadow Volume Copies (VSS): While Locky variants often attempt to delete Shadow Volume Copies using vssadmin.exe commands, there’s a slim chance some might survive, especially if the infection was interrupted or the ransomware failed to fully execute its cleanup phase. You can try using tools like ShadowExplorer to see if any previous versions of files are recoverable.
    • Data Recovery Software: In some rare cases, if the ransomware only partially encrypted files or if previous versions of files exist on the disk (e.g., from temporary files), data recovery software might retrieve fragments, but this is highly unreliable for complete file recovery.

• Essential Tools/Patches:

  • Prevention: Latest security patches for Windows/macOS, Microsoft Office, web browsers. Robust email security solutions, endpoint protection platforms (EPP/EDR).
  • Remediation: Up-to-date antivirus/anti-malware software (e.g., Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, Sophos HitmanPro). Backup and recovery software.

4. Other Critical Information

• Additional Precautions:

  • Network Share Encryption: Locky was notorious for its ability to encrypt files on accessible network shares, mapped drives, and even unmapped network shares that the infected user account had access to. This made it particularly damaging for businesses.
  • Tor Communication: Locky’s command-and-control (C2) infrastructure often leveraged the Tor network, making it difficult to track and shut down.
  • File Deletion: Beyond encryption, Locky also specifically targeted and deleted Shadow Volume Copies and sometimes system restore points to hinder recovery efforts.
  • Evolutionary Nature: Locky was one of the first ransomware families to rapidly evolve its infection vectors, encryption methods, and file extensions in response to defense efforts, showcasing a sophisticated threat actor behind it.

• Broader Impact: The Locky ransomware, including this 14.06.2016 variant, had a profound impact on the cybersecurity landscape of 2016-2017.

  • It was responsible for widespread global infections, affecting individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises alike.
  • Its reliance on malspam campaigns, particularly malicious macros in Word documents, led to a significant increase in user awareness training and a push for disabling macros by default in corporate environments.
  • The high volume and rapid evolution of Locky campaigns contributed significantly to the “ransomware epidemic” of the mid-2010s, pushing organizations to invest more heavily in cybersecurity defenses, incident response planning, and robust backup solutions. It served as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of ransomware and the critical importance of proactive security measures.