Remove DKRF Ransomware Virus (DECRYPT .dkrf FILES)

remove DKRF ransomware virus and learn how to decrypt or repair files with .dkrf extension (free guide)

DKRF Ransomware Virus & Why Computer Users Should Avoid It

Contents

DKRF Ransomware Virus & Why Computer Users Should Avoid It
How to Safeguard Your Computer against STOP/DJVU Ransomware Virus
How to Remove DKRF Ransomware & Decrypt or Restore Files
Decrypt DKRF files
Frequently Asked Questions

DKRF ransomware is a newly discovered computer virus released by the same criminals behind the infamous STOP/DJVU ransomware strain. This latest variant is already being distributed through various means including online torrent platforms and emails. Based on their antecedents, the aim is always to get as many computers as possible infected so they can extort ransom money from the victims. Once DKRF ransomware virus infects a computer, it will encrypt all files contained in it and, afterward, append .dkrf extension to all files, respectively. For instance, random files formerly saved as 1.jpg or 3.jpg would automatically become 1.jpg.dkrf and 3.jpg.dkrf and so on.

The cybercriminals will follow-up by sending ransom notes known as _readme.txt, and contained in it is information about everything that was happening, i.e. the ransomware attack, encryption of data and why the victim would have to pay certain fees as ransom to enable them receive decryption tools from the cybercriminals. However, there is no assurance that such decryption tool is indeed available or effective.

Cybercriminals demand a ransom for data decryption

It usually comes as a rude shock to computer users when they suddenly realize that important files such as documents, pictures, infographics, videos, etc., have become unreadable. Depending on how important the encrypted files are to the computer user and whether there is availability of backup copies, the user may become desperate to try to recover the files. Of course, the computer user will notice the notes that the virus dropped in each computer folder. These notes deliver a message from cybercriminals with proposal how such unpleasant situation could be solved.

The note briefly mentions what has happened and suggests that the computer user has to contact the ransomware operators using two email addresses, namely: support@bestyourmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc for further details on how to solve the situation. The note also mentions that the victim has to pay for data decryption tools kept by the attackers. In other words, the ransomware operators try to extort the computer user after locking all of files as hostages.

Should the victim decide to send them an email indicating they’re eager to have their files restored, the cybercriminals would, at this point, state how much that was required to be paid as a ransom fee and the terms attached to it.

Although they would fix the ransom fee at $980 but to make the victim pay ASAP, they would claim that half of the amount i.e. $490 would be accepted by them provided the victim must be able to transfer it within a maximum of 72 hours (3 days) of being told to do so. Once the deadline is up, only the maximum ransom fee acceptable.

To further complicate issues for the victim, the only form of payment acceptable to the cybercriminals is the use of cryptocurrency. The cybercriminals typically avoid conventional payment methods like bank payment or direct money transfer because they understand that what they’re doing is a criminal offence and is punishable by law. So, they insist on anonymous payment methods like the use of crypto.

Nevertheless, the FBI and other top cybersecurity experts have warned that demands from cybercriminals should never be honored. There are several reasons given by them for the prohibition of ransom payment but here are the major ones:

The law prohibits ransom payment in any form.
Paying ransom encourages cybercriminals to continue attacking others.
It doesn’t guarantee file recovery.
Cybercriminals usually target paying victims again in the future in order to extort more money from them.
More funds at the disposal of cybercriminals enable them to increase their capacity to do more harm more significant number of people.

More interesting details about this threat

From our observations, we realized that although this group operates worldwide, there are selected countries they designated as exempted. We couldn’t decipher why they took such decision but the countries are: Ukraine, Belarus, Syria, Tajikistan, Russia, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazachstan.

Once the DKRF ransomware virus compromises a computer, the next thing it does is to ascertain its geolocation. This is derived by connecting with https[:]//api.2ip.ua/geo.json before processing the data in the geo.json file where personal details like IP address, country, city or town, zip code, longitude and latitude. These pieces of information would help it to determine the exact location of the computer. If it indicates positive to any of the aforementioned countries, it would reconsider its mission but otherwise, it would proceed to the next stage in the encryption process.

Although much attention is being paid to the destructive effects of DKRF ransomware virus, but it is by no means the only threat associated with it. There are other secondary but less known Trojans that are usually transported alongside the primary virus. They’re aptly referred as RATs or Remote Access Trojans. Their own priority is quite different from the primary virus and focuses on stealing sensitive personal information like cryptocurrency wallets, banking details, passwords, browsing history and software login credentials. The computer user would not be aware of their presence but once the information gets to the cybercriminals, they would leverage it to commit further criminal acts.

Therefore, it is imperative to remove DKRF ransomware virus as well as other variants of STOP/DJVU once they’re observed in any computer. What you have to do is to start the infected computer using Safe Mode with Networking option. Meanwhile, you should also have genuine software copy handy and scan it accordingly. After removing the virus, you may as well as download and use RESTORO to restore some of the damaged operating system files.

Ransomware Summary

Name	DKRF Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; Crypto-malware; Virtual Extortion Virus
Family	STOP/DJVU
Encryption type	RSA 2048 + Salsa20
Previous versions	LLOO, LLTT, LLEE, LLQQ, EIUR, DKRF (find full list here)
Version	508th
Extension	.dkrf
Cybercriminal emails	support@bestyourmail.ch and supportsys@airmail.cc
Additional malware dropped	Azorult or Vidar Trojan
Damage	The ransomware uses encryption to maliciously modify all files on the PC and marks their original names with .dkrf extension. Ransom notes called as _readme.txt will be dropped in every computer folder. This piece of malware usually drags VIDAR Stealer alongside it and also eliminates VSS from the system. On top of that, it tends to modify Windows HOSTS file to restrict computer user’s access to cybersecurity-related websites online.
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490-$980 in Bitcoin
Distribution	Victims often download this ransomware along illegal torrent downloads, cracked software, activators, key generators or tools like KMSPico.
Known software cracks to contain this malware	Corel Draw, Tenorshare 4ukey, Adobe Photoshop, Cubase, Adobe Illustrator, Internet Download Manager, Tally, League of Legends.
Detection names	Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.PAL!MTB (Microsoft), Trojan.Crypt (A) (Emsisoft), HEUR:Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Stop.gen (Kaspersky), Trojan.GenericKD.47850419 (BitDefender), Trojan.MalPack.GS (Malwarebytes), ML.Attribute.HighConfidence (Symantec) see all detection name variations on VirusTotal
Removal	Remove ransomware and related malware from your PC using trustworthy software. To repair virus damage on Windows OS files, consider scanning with RESTORO (secure download link).

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How to Safeguard Your Computer against STOP/DJVU Ransomware Virus

Cybercriminals are always trying to infect as many computers as possible, and they often exploit the greed of freeloaders who don’t like paying for their software needs. They would rather visit online torrent platforms to download cloned activation tools, pirated key generators, fake software games and utility software contents etc. Such illegal activities should be shunned to avoid triggering ransomware attack. Also, computer users should be wary of emails from spoofed or unrecognized sources because they could be embedded with malware. Such emails and attachments shouldn’t be opened.

Cybercriminals habitually pirate software contents that are in high demand so they could embed malware in them and distribute to more significant number of users. Here are some of the popular software copies often pirated by them:

VMware Workstation;
Adobe Illustrator
AutoCad;
Cubase;
3DMark;
Wondershare Filmora;
Tenorshare 4ukey;
Corel Draw;
League of Legends;
Internet Download Manager.

Considering the risk involved, it is not advisable to download software contents from online torrent platforms to avoid becoming a victim of ransomware attack. Instead, it is better to visit the official web pages of the copyright owners or their authorized marketers. The amount you may be asked to pay is always insignificant compared to the outrageous ransom fees cybercriminals would demand from their victims. Also, you won’t risk losing important files.

Cybercriminals also prefer to make use of files such as PDF, XLS and DOCX among similar ones in their emails and attachments because they make it easy for them to spread malware. Computer users should also avoid opening any email with spoofed addresses.

For victims of STOP/DJVU ransomware virus, please disregard online adverts claiming to have decryption solutions. Most of them are fake and often used by cybercriminals to spread other forms of malware. Only Emsisoft and DiskTuna brands have shown promising results in creating functional data decryption/repair tools.

How to Remove DKRF Ransomware & Decrypt or Restore Files

When trying to remove DKRF ransomware, remember to set your computer on Safe Mode with Networking before activating your antivirus. This would enable it to work optimally. In addition, our team recommends downloading RESTORO to repair virus-damaged Windows OS components.

After you complete DKRF virus removal, you should take the steps outlined below:

Report the incident to the police;
Use backup device to restore lost files.
Study how STOP/DJVU affected files could be repaired.
Replace all passwords that were used on the compromised computer.

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

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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.

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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.

DKRF Ransomware Virus Removal Guidelines

Method 1. Enter Safe Mode with Networking

Step 1. Start Windows in Safe Mode with Networking

Before you try to remove DKRF Ransomware Virus 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, if you prefer a video version of the tutorial, check our guide How to Start Windows in Safe Mode on Youtube.

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 8/8.1/10/11 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 DKRF Ransomware Virus 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 security program such as INTEGO Antivirus, which also includes data recovery software. For virus damage repair, consider using RESTORO.

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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 8/8.1/10/11 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

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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.

Decrypt DKRF files

Fix and open large DKRF files easily:

It is reported that STOP/DJVU ransomware versions encrypt only the beginning 150 KB of each file to ensure that the virus manages to affect all files on the system. In some cases, the malicious program might skip some files at all. That said, we recommend testing this method on several big (>1GB) files first.

Create a copy of encrypted file to a separate folder using Copy > Paste commands.
Now, right-click the created copy and choose Rename. Select the DKRF extension and delete it. Press Enter to save changes.
In the prompt asking whether you want to make the changes as file might become unusable, click OK.
Try opening the file.

STOP/DJVU decryption tool usage guide

STOP/DJVU ransomware versions are grouped into old and new variants. DKRF Ransomware Virus is considered the new STOP/DJVU variant, just like LLOO, LLTT, LLEE, LLQQ, EIUR, DKRF (find full list here). This means full data decryption is now possible only if you have been affected by offline encryption key. To decrypt your files, you will have to download Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP DJVU, a tool created and maintained by a genius security researcher Michael Gillespie.

Note! Please do not spam the security researcher with questions whether he can recover your files encrypted with online key - it is not possible.

In order to test the tool and see if it can decrypt DKRF files, follow the given tutorial.

Download the decryption tool from Emsisoft.
Click the little arrow next to your download and choose Show in Folder.
Now, right-click the file and choose Run as Administrator. If asked, enter administrator's password.
In UAC window, click Yes.
Click Yes to agree to software terms in both windows.
The tool will automatically include C:// disk as a location to decrypt. The file recovery tool will prepopulate the locations to scan, including connected data storage drives or network drives. Click Add folder if you wish to add additional locations.
In Options tab, you can choose to keep encrypted file copies. We recommend leaving this option selected, especially if you do not know if the decryption tool will work.
Click Decrypt to start restoring DKRF files. You will see the progress in the Results tab. Here, you can see messages from the tool, such as whether the decryption procedure is successful, or you need to wait for an update.
You might also be informed that online key was used to encrypt your files. In such case, the decryption tool won't work for you, and the only way to recover your files is to use a data backup.

Meanings of decryptor's messages

The DKRF decryption tool might display several different messages after failed attempt to restore your files. You might receive one of the following messages:

Error: Unable to decrypt file with ID: [example ID]

This message typically means that there is no corresponding decryption key in the decryptor's database.

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

This message informs that your files were encrypted with online key, meaning no one else has the same encryption/decryption key pair, therefore data recovery without paying the criminals is impossible.

Result: No key for new variant offline ID: [example ID]
This ID appears to be an offline ID. Decryption may be possible in the future.

If you were informed that an offline key was used, but files could not be restored, it means that the offline decryption key isn't available yet. However, receiving this message is extremely good news, meaning that it might be possible to restore your DKRF extension files in the future. It can take a few months until the decryption key gets found and uploaded to the decryptor. We recommend you to follow updates regarding the decryptable DJVU versions here. We strongly recommend backing up your encrypted data and waiting.

Report Internet crime to legal departments

Victims of DKRF Ransomware Virus should report the Internet crime incident to the official government fraud and scam website according to their country:

In the United States, go to the On Guard Online website.
In Australia, go to the SCAMwatch website.
In Germany, go to the Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik website.
In Ireland, go to the An Garda Síochána website.
In New Zealand, go to the Consumer Affairs Scams website.
In the United Kingdom, go to the Action Fraud website.
In Canada, go to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
In India, go to Indian National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
In France, go to the Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information.

If you can't find an authority corresponding to your location on this list, we recommend using any search engine to look up "[your country name] report cyber crime". This should lead you to the right authority website. We also recommend staying away from third-party crime report services that are often paid. It costs nothing to report Internet crime to official authorities.

Another recommendation is to contact your country's or region’s federal police or communications authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

✓ How can I open .DKRF files?

You can only open DKRF files if you have the decryption key, or if you were affected by offline encryption type.

✓ How do I know if my files were encrypted with offline or online encryption?

To figure out whether you were affected by offline encryption, please go to C:/SystemID/PersonalID.txt and see if the string inside of it ends in t1. You can also try using Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP/DJVU.

✓ My files contain very important information (family memories). Every tool I used says it is impossible to decrypt. What should I do?

Please follow the guidances provided by the official DKRF decryption tools and believe what they say. If they say it is impossible to decrypt, it really is so. There is no magic tool or human capable of decrypting your files hiding somewhere. Encryption is a technique created to be nearly impossible to decrypt without a special private key (held by the criminals).

✓ I am afraid virus is still in my computer system. What should I do?

We advise scanning with anti-virus, anti-malware, malware removal tools or software like RESTORO to eliminate virus damage on the system. If you do not trust using a single tool, try running one after another. However, we do not recommend keeping several security programs on a computer at once as they can interfere with each other's work.

✓ I saw several Youtube videos suggesting secret decryption tools. Can I trust them?

Beware of fake DKRF decryption tools circulating around the web. Cyber criminals are uploading them to various shady websites, also might be promoting them via suspicious Youtube videos. These programs can infect your computer even more heavily (Trojans, miners, etc.). We suggest being extremely cautious around the web. If there will be an official STOP/DJVU decryption tool available, it will be widely discussed in public media.

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.