• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Geek's Advice

IT News, Software Reviews, How To's & Computer Help

  • News
  • Reviews
  • Removal guides
  • Fix
  • Tutorials
  • Forum
  • ASK A GEEK

Remove ALKA Ransomware Virus (2022 Guide)

January 31, 2020 By Norbert Webb 5 Comments

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

Contents

  • ALKA virus aims to restrict access to your personal files for a ransom
    • Ransom demand and ways to recover data
    • Threat Summary
  • Learn how DJVU ransomware variants attack
  • Remove ALKA ransomware and protect your privacy

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.

alka ransomware virus makes personal files unreachable
The virus encrypts files to demand a ransom – .alka file virus makes it impossible to open them.

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

NameALKA file-encrypting virus (discovered by M. Gillespie)
TypeRansomware
OriginsSTOP/DJVU (204th version)
Targeted systemsWindows
BehaviorEncrypts files using asymmetric algorithm, installs AZORULT password-stealing Trojan, demands ransom in exchange for decryption tools
File extensionAppends .alka extension to affected files
Ransom note_readme.txt
Ransom demand$490-$980
Emailshelpmanager@firemail.cc, helpmanager@iran.ir
DistributionSpreads via illegal software cracking tools or keygens, KMSPico
Decryption toolsSTOP Decryptor doesn’t support this ransomware variant yet
RemovalRemove 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.

alka ransomware leaves a ransom note _readme.txt
Attempts to download illegal files online can result in a DJVU ransomware attack.

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 removing malware using a professional antivirus software and then using the following tool to repair virus damage to Windows system files:

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

restoro advanced system repair box
DOWNLOAD RESTORO

RESTORO provides a free scan that helps to identify hardware, security and stability issues and presents a comprehensive report which can help you to locate and fix detected issues manually. It is a great PC repair software to use after you remove malware with professional antivirus. The full version of software will fix detected issues and repair virus damage caused to your Windows OS files automatically.

RESTORO uses AVIRA scanning engine to detect existing spyware and malware. If any are found, the software will eliminate them.

Read full review here.

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.

ALKA Ransomware Removal Guidelines

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove the virus, you must start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking. Below, we provide the easiest ways to boot PC in the said mode, but you can find additional ones in this in-depth tutorial on our website – How to Start Windows in Safe Mode. Also, see a video tutorial on how to do it:

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

  1. First of all, turn off your PC. Then press the Power button to start it again and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. This launches the Advanced Boot Options menu.
  2. Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
    Remove ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users

  1. Open Windows Start menu, then press down the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then select Restart option.Hold Shift and click Restart to enter Windows Troubleshooting menu
  2. This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.Tutorial on how to enable Safe Mode in Windows 10,8,8.1
  3. In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 key.Choose Windows Safe Mode type by pressing the right function key
Step 2. Remove files associated with the virus

Now, you can search for and remove ALKA Ransomware files. It is very hard to identify files and registry keys that belong to the ransomware virus, Besides, malware creators tend to rename and change them repeatedly. Therefore, the easiest way to uninstall such type of a computer virus is to use a reliable malware removal program. In addition, we suggest trying a combination of INTEGO antivirus (removes malware and protects your PC in real-time) and RESTORO (repairs virus damage to Windows OS files).

REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

DOWNLOAD AND SCAN WITH RESTORO

See Full Review

Scan your system for FREE to detect security, hardware and stability issues. You can use the scan results and try to remove threats manually, or you can choose to get the full version of software to fix detected issues and repair virus damage to Windows OS system files automatically. Includes Avira spyware/malware detection & removal engine.

Method 2. Use System Restore

In order to use System Restore, you must have a system restore point, created either manually or automatically.

Step 1. Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Instructions for Windows XP/Vista/7 users

  1. Shut down your PC. Start it again by pressing the Power button and instantly start pressing F8 button on your keyboard repeatedly in 1-second intervals. You will see Advanced Boot Options menu.
  2. Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
    Starting Windows in Safe Mode with Command Prompt

Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users

  1. Launch Windows Start menu, then click the Power button. On your keyboard, press down and hold the Shift key, and then choose Restart option with the mouse cursor.Hold Shift and click Restart to enter Windows Troubleshooting menu
  2. This will take you to Windows Troubleshoot screen. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart. Tip: If you can't find Startup Settings, click See more recovery options.Tutorial on how to enable Safe Mode in Windows 10,8,7
  3. In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.Choose Windows Safe Mode type by pressing the right function key
Step 2. Start System Restore process
  1. Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
  2. Type cd restore and press Enter, then type rstrui.exe and press Enter. Or you can just type %systemroot%system32restorerstrui.exe in command prompt and hit Enter.
    Start system restore from command prompt using these commands
  3. This launches System Restore window. Click Next and then choose a System Restore point created in the past. Choose one that was created before ransomware infection.Choose system restore point created before ransomware infection
  4. Click Yes to begin the system restoration process.

After restoring the system, we recommend scanning the system with antivirus or anti-malware software. In most cases, there won't be any malware remains, but it never hurts to double-check. In addition, we highly recommend checking ransomware prevention guidelines provided by our experts in order to protect your PC against similar viruses in the future.

Alternative software recommendations

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.

get malwarebytes premium

System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

If you're looking for an all-in-one system maintenance suite that has 7 core components providing powerful real-time protection, on-demand malware removal, system optimization, data recovery, password manager, online privacy protection and secure driver wiping technology. Therefore, due to its wide-range of capabilities, System Mechanic Ultimate Defense deserves Geek's Advice approval. Get it now for 50% off. You may also be interested in its full review.

Disclaimer. This site includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission by recommending certain products, at no additional cost for you. We only choose quality software and services to recommend.

norbert webb author at geeksadvice.com
Norbert Webb

Norbert Webb is the head of Geek’s Advice team. He is the chief editor of the website who controls the quality of content published. The man also loves reading cybersecurity news, testing new software and sharing his insights on them. Norbert says that following his passion for information technology was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “I don’t feel like working while I’m doing something I love.” However, the geek has other interests, such as snowboarding and traveling.

Related posts:

  1. Remove REZM Ransomware Virus (2021 Decryption Guide) REZM ransomware attacks to convert your files into useless data...
  2. Remove MKOS Ransomware Virus (2022 Guide) MKOS ransomware removes access to your own files by encrypting...
  3. Remove BORA Ransomware Virus (Decryptor Available) BORA ransomware damage can be reversed using free STOP DJVU...

Filed Under: Ransomware, Removal guides

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Javad says

    February 19, 2020 at 9:15 pm

    Hi good time my files got .alka extension Is there a solution?

    Reply
  2. majid says

    February 9, 2020 at 6:29 pm

    Hi good time my files got .alka extension Is there a solution?

    Reply
  3. Gian says

    February 6, 2020 at 8:36 am

    i got .piny virus . is there any decript tool
    error while

    No key for New Variant online ID: O69EoIGAzP9DW3gDs2dooClsWR94WfRP0fujsHLh
    Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible
    kindly help

    Reply
  4. VILAS INGOLE says

    February 5, 2020 at 7:08 am

    WHICH VERSION THIS IS 0204asdoeoOOdfDU9oEJ5ySV7CuyyKLrfPdyLIGyXnQplS9iCGAcwg

    Reply
  5. JM says

    February 2, 2020 at 6:22 am

    Do you have decryptor for this new ID

    No key for New Variant online ID: Wkmk2jaLKtXrQnOgcv8XEwSwVhwVLpbw7HzAmEjy
    Notice: this ID appears to be an online ID, decryption is impossible

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

SEARCH OUR SITE

Trending

decrypt files locked by stop djvu ransomware virus

Decrypt Files Locked by STOP/DJVU Ransomware (Updated 2022 Guide)

You can decrypt or repair files encrypted by … [Read More...] about Decrypt Files Locked by STOP/DJVU Ransomware (Updated 2022 Guide)

Remove STOP/DJVU Ransomware Virus (2022 Guide)

STOP/DJVU ransomware has more than 500 versions: … [Read More...] about Remove STOP/DJVU Ransomware Virus (2022 Guide)

Remove Segurazo Antivirus (SAntivirus Removal Guide 2021)

Segurazo review: is it a virus? Segurazo … [Read More...] about Remove Segurazo Antivirus (SAntivirus Removal Guide 2021)

easy ways to fix dns_probe_finished_nxdomain error on windows, mac, android, chromebook

Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error (Windows, Mac, Android, Chromebook)

DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error … [Read More...] about Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error (Windows, Mac, Android, Chromebook)

POPULAR SOFTWARE REVIEWS

Private Internet Access Review

Private Internet Access Review 2022: Fast, Secure & Cheap VPN

Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN maintains its long-term role as a leader Private Internet … [Read More...] about Private Internet Access Review 2022: Fast, Secure & Cheap VPN

intego antivirus for windows review 2021

INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows Review 2022: Strong rival to existing security products

Intego Antivirus for Windows: exceptional security for your PC INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows is … [Read More...] about INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows Review 2022: Strong rival to existing security products

INTEGO antivirus review for Mac 2021

Intego Antivirus Review: Best Mac Antivirus in 2022?

Intego Antivirus for Mac is probably the best security choice for OS X Intego Antivirus for Mac … [Read More...] about Intego Antivirus Review: Best Mac Antivirus in 2022?

OUR EXPERTS RECOMMEND

Comprehensive PC Repair Software

geek's advice recommends restoro pc repair as editors choice
DOWNLOAD NOW
  • Uses Avira engine to remove malware
  • Repairs Virus Damage
  • Fixes Windows Errors & BSOD
  • Replaces Damaged DLLs
  • Repairs Damaged Windows Settings
  • Identifies Hardware Problems

Compatible with Microsoft Windows.

Read Full Review

Robust Mac Antivirus

geek's advice recommends intego antivirus as editors choice
GET INTEGO
  • 24/7 real-time protection
  • Intelligent firewall
  • Scans emails for malware
  • Scans iOS devices & external drives
  • Excellent malware detection rate
  • Easy-to-use

Compatible with Mac OS X 10.9-11.

Read Full Review

Copyright © 2022 Geeksadvice.com. Any unauthorized copying, redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the site contents in any form is prohibited.

About Us · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy · Contact Us

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok