ALKA virus aims to restrict access to your personal files for a ransom
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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.
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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
- 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.
- Use arrow keys on the keyboard to navigate down to Safe Mode with Networking option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users
- 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.
- 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.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Networking. In this case, it is the F5 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).
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
- 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.
- Using arrow keys on the keyboard, navigate down to Safe Mode with Command Prompt option and press Enter.
Instructions for Windows 8/8.1/10 users
- 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.
- 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.
- In Startup Settings, press the right key between F1-F9 to enter Safe Mode with Command Prompt. In this case, press F6 key.
Step 2. Start System Restore process
- Wait until system loads and command prompt shows up.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 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.
Hi good time my files got .alka extension Is there a solution?
Hi good time my files got .alka extension Is there a solution?
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
WHICH VERSION THIS IS 0204asdoeoOOdfDU9oEJ5ySV7CuyyKLrfPdyLIGyXnQplS9iCGAcwg
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