Victims of the LockerGoga ransomware can now recover their files for free using a new decryption tool available via the NoMoreRansom project.
The LockerGoga ransomware has been around since at least 2019, when it was used in attacks targeting several industrial organizations, including Norwegian metals and energy giant Norsk Hydro and US-based chemical companies Hexion and Momentive.
The individual who operated LockerGoga is believed to be part of a cybercrime ring that also used the MegaCortex ransomware in attacks.
According to Swiss law enforcement, the cybergang has conducted ransomware attacks against over 1,800 individuals and organizations in 71 countries, causing losses of more than $100 million.
LockerGoga’s operator, who was arrested in October 2021 as part of a collaborative effort between Europol, the Norwegian Police, and law enforcement agencies in Ukraine and Switzerland, is pending trial.
The Swiss authorities say that data seized during a house search included private keys from ransomware attacks that can help ransomware victims restore their data without paying a ransom.
Working together with the NoMoreRansom project and cybersecurity firm Bitdefender, authorities have released a free decryptor for the LockerGoga ransomware victims, and are planning the release of a MegaCortex decryption tool as well.
“Indicators of a LockerGoga infection are the presence of files with a ‘.locked’ Iextension. If you or your company have been affected by LockerGoga, you can now use the tool to recover your files for free,” Bitdefender notes.
The free decryptor is available from NoMoreRansom and Bitdefender’s website (direct download link).
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