Geek's Advice

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

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:

STEP 1. REMOVE AUTOMATICALLY WITH ROBUST ANTIVIRUS

REMOVE & PROTECT WITH INTEGO

Get INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Windows to remove ransomware, Trojans, adware and other spyware and malware variants and protect your PC and network drives 24/7.. This VB100-certified security software uses state-of-art technology to provide protection against ransomware, Zero-Day attacks and advanced threats, Intego Web Shield blocks dangerous websites, phishing attacks, malicious downloads and installation of potentially unwanted programs.

Use INTEGO Antivirus to remove detected threats from your computer.

Read full review here.

STEP 2. REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPUTER

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.

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

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.