Do you know what Leto Ransomware is?
Leto Ransomware is a malicious infection. You might have gathered this yourself because the infection does not try to hide itself once it successfully invades your Windows operating system and encrypts your personal files. At first, of course, it is concealed because there is always a tiny window of opportunity to remove the infection and stop it from encrypting personal files. In order to stay undetected, the infection relies on stealthy techniques to slither in. In most cases, ransomware threats like this one are spread with the help of spam emails containing malicious attachments and bundled downloaders exploiting desirable programs to conceal malware. If you have found that you need to delete Leto Ransomware from your operating system, your personal files must be encrypted, but the situation might not be as terrible as it seems to be right now.
We do not know who stands behind Leto Ransomware, but we know that this malware was created using the STOP Ransomware source code that, evidently, is accessible to anyone on underground forums. We know this because there are literally hundreds of different variants of this malware, including Mosk Ransomware, Msop Ransomware, Zobm Ransomware, and many others. The names might be different, but these threats are all the same. They always corrupt the same kinds of files and they always use the same ransom note to introduce the same demands. Due to the sheer volume of identical clones, a free decryptor was built. It does not guarantee full decryption, but employing it is definitely worth a try. Leto Ransomware is so similar to other threats from the same family that we even know how to remove it before we even test it, which, of course, we do.
After successful execution, Leto Ransomware encrypts files and adds the “.leto” extension to their names. This extension is what separates this unique version of STOP Ransomware from other versions. The threat – as is normal for all STOP Ransomware variants – drops a file named “_readme.txt” to carry a message. This message is meant to reassure the victim that they have the chance to recover all files if only they agree to contact the attackers (gorentos@bitmessage.ch or amundas@firemail.cc) and also pay the ransom of $490. According to the ransom message, this sum increases to $980 after three days. Even if a free decryptor did not exist, and you did not have copies of your personal files to use as replacements – which, we hope, you do – paying the ransom would be a terrible idea. That is because although cybercriminals are unpredictable, we predict that they would NOT give you a decryptor even if you paid the full ransom.
Leto Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions
The removal of Leto Ransomware is not the only thing you need to worry about. Your system’s protection is much more important because there are thousands of other infections that could try to attack you. Luckily, you do not need to solve these problems separately. What you can do instead is install a legitimate anti-malware program, and you will have Leto Ransomware deleted and your entire system protected all at once. Having the threat removed automatically is the best path you can take because eliminating this threat manually is not always easy. Victims need to locate the launcher file, and we do not know where it could have landed on your operating system. Obviously, if manual removal is available to you, you can take matters into your own hands, but do not forget that your system’s protection needs to be taken care of as well.
Delete Leto Ransomware
- If you can locate the [unknown name].exe file that launched the infection, right-click and Delete it.
- Simultaneously tap Win+E keys on the keyboard to launch Windows Explorer.
- Enter %homedrive% into the field at the top and you will access the directory.
- Delete a folder named SystemID and a file named _readme.txt (erase copies of the file if they exist too).
- Enter %localappdata% into the field at the top and you will access the directory. Note that Windows XP users need to enter %userprofile%\Local Settings\Application Data\.
- Enter %windir%\System32\Tasks\ into the field at the top and you will access the directory.
- If a task named Time Trigger Task exists in the folder, Delete it.
- Simultaneously tap Win+R keys to launch Run and then enter regedit into the dialog box.
- In Registry Editor, move to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run.
- If you can find a value named SysHelper, you should Delete it.
- Exit Registry Editor and then Empty Recycle Bin.
- Employ a reliable malware scanner and perform a full system scan to make sure your system is now clean.
In non-techie terms:
If Leto Ransomware slithered into your operating system, you have two problems you need to solve. First of all, you need to delete the infection. Second, you need to secure your system to prevent new attacks from occurring in the future. If you install a trusted anti-malware program, you will have the infection removed and the system secured at the same time, and so this is the route we recommend taking. Alternatively, you can try removing Leto Ransomware manually using the guide below. Hopefully, once you get rid of the infection, you can employ a free decryptor to restore files or you can use backup copies to replace the encrypted files. It is also crucial that you take better care of your operating system and personal files in the future.