Remove ALKA Ransomware Virus (2023 Guide)

ALKA virus aims to restrict access to your personal files for a ransom

ALKA ransomware is a virus that encrypts files on victim’s computer and leaves ransom-demanding notes (called _readme.txt) on the computer. The virus’ name originates from the .alka file extension that it uses to mark encrypted data. This ransomware is the 204th variant of STOP/DJVU virus, and its activity is identical as the previous versions REPP, NPSG, or BTOS. The virus demands paying $490 in 72 hours or double the price later for a decryption tool and key. The victim can test the decryptor by sending one encrypted file along with personal ID to helpmanager@firemail.cc or helpmanager@iran.ir.

The ransomware belongs to DJVU malware family, which is the most widely distributed file-encrypting virus at the moment. It has irreversibly corrupted files for thousands of victims worldwide. Users infected by the 204th version of it will see ALKA File in the Type section next to filename in Windows File Explorer.

The virus operates by deleting system restore points first; then encrypting files stored on victim’s computer or whole network. It can also encrypt files on external devices plugged into the compromised PC. The primary goal of this virus is to prevent the victim from accessing his/hers own files, cause frustration, and force the victim to pay a ransom. ALKA virus demands paying $490 or $980. The lower price point applies if paid within 72 hours since the attack.

Victims infected with the described malware should remove ALKA ransomware virus together with AZORULT and other malware present on the system using steps described below the article. The next step is changing all of your passwords; finally, using data backup to restore lost data.

Ransom demand and ways to recover data

The ransom note suggests that the only way to restore encrypted files is paying the ransom. It is not entirely true. There are a few options to restore all or at least the bigger part of your files:

• You can use data backups to restore files after ALKA ransomware removal;
• You can expect to restore part of your files if the virus used OFFLINE encryption key on your data.

The first thing you may want to figure out is if the ransomware used ONLINE or OFFLINE key to encrypt files. In the first case, the ransomware obtains the encryption key from its remote Command&Control server, and in the second, it uses a hardcoded key which is the same variant for all victims of the same ransomware version.

To put it simply, once someone with offline encryption pays the ransom AND shares the received decryption keys with cybersecurity experts, a tool by Emsisoft gets updated and all victims of offline encryption can recover their files. You can read more about decrypting your files here.

When it comes to online encryption, encryption/decryption pairs for each victim are individual. There are no ways to break the encryption or compare encrypted/unencrypted files. The encryption procedure is simply too complex in a context of mathematics and time consumption.

Threat Summary

Name	ALKA file-encrypting virus (discovered by M. Gillespie)
Type	Ransomware
Origins	STOP/DJVU (204th version)
Targeted systems	Windows
Behavior	Encrypts files using asymmetric algorithm, installs AZORULT password-stealing Trojan, demands ransom in exchange for decryption tools
File extension	Appends .alka extension to affected files
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490-$980
Emails	helpmanager@firemail.cc, helpmanager@iran.ir
Distribution	Spreads via illegal software cracking tools or keygens, KMSPico
Decryption tools	STOP Decryptor doesn’t support this ransomware variant yet
Removal	Remove using antivirus while in Safe Mode (see instructions below)

Learn how DJVU ransomware variants attack

DJVU malware variants including the described ALKA, also REPP, BTOS, or NPSG ransomware viruses are typically inserted in or presented as software cracks, keygens, or tools like KMSPico. Distribution through malicious email spam is a popular method for file-encrypting malware, but this ransomware family doesn’t choose it often.

If you want to avoid further ransom-demanding virus attacks, keep these tips in mind:

• Never download illegal files such as copyrighted material, software cracks, or other suspicious file packs.
• Do not trust emails sent by unknown individuals, and especially avoid opening their attachments or links included in the message.
• Avoid surfing the Internet carelessly – stay clear of suspicious gambling, gaming, or adult-only sites as these are known to contain malware or at least cause redirects to potentially dangerous domains.
• Create data backups often.

Remove ALKA ransomware and protect your privacy

The first step to protecting yourself by all means is to remove ALKA ransomware virus from the system. Of course, you’ll need to remove other traces of malware at once, so using an automatic malware removal tool is the best choice. Deleting malicious files and programs is hard, as they often root into the system and create various registry modifications which are extremely hard to remove and require advanced computing knowledge.

ALKA virus removal will be successful if you follow the guidelines provided below. Follow these step-by-step instructions and you’ll delete malware from your computer rapidly.

OUR GEEKS RECOMMEND

Our team recommends a two-step rescue plan to remove ransomware and other remaining malware from your computer, plus repair caused virus damage to the system:

GeeksAdvice.com editors select recommended products based on their effectiveness. We may earn a commission from affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Learn more.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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