Geek's Advice

Mhkwl Ransomware encrypts data on victim’s computer for a ransom

Mhkwl ransomware is defined as a type of malicious virus that is notoriously used to lock files on victim’s computer and demand a ransom for their decryption service. The cybercriminals behind it created it to work by encrypting potentially important data thereby rendering it useless to the owner. Afterwards they demand for ransom from their victims before they would allow them access to the data. The original file would be modified by appending a series of digits to it as well as a .mhkwl extension. E.g an original file saved as 1.jpg would be modified to something that looks like this: 1.jpg.YHGVhdAAkd9jdgsa35jsdWudFUdhhiwddK5ds_7whdj3dhfo0.mhkwl. Immediately after, the virus will drop a ransom message called etrU_HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt for the victim. 

In essence, the sole aim of MHKWL virus is to invade your space, encrypt your data and ask for money for decryption service. In simple terms, the ransomware operators aim to take your personal or company data hostage and try to extort you financially. Moreover, they threaten to publish collected data online.

Please check the image below to see the ransom note and affected data folder screenshot following a ransomware attack.

Further information about ransomware

The cybercriminals behind the ransomware will drop a message for the victim, notifying them that their data has been encrypted and they would have to pay a certain ransom for it to be decrypted. Depending on the nature of the information contained in the encrypted data, they will escalate the situation by threatening to expose it online if it happens to be sensitive or withhold it if they sense it is very important to the victim. 

We always advice victims not to comply with the demands of cybercriminals for various reasons, particularly the ones listed below:

• Although it may be near impossible to effectively decrypt Mhkwl ransomware encrypted files, but going ahead to meet their demands will only encourage them to continue being a menace. If everyone inculcates the habit of calling their bluff, they will eventually fizzle out.
• Another reason why you shouldn’t honour their ransom demand is because more often than not, victims still end up not having their data decrypted even after making payment.

The best solution is to look for a backup. Did you store a duplicate data somewhere before the cyber-attack? Maybe in a hard disk, flash drive, memory card, Google cloud etc.  This is the only reliable way to ensure you don’t lose your data permanently. If you’re proactive enough to have a backup file, please do not rush to upload it back into the compromised system to avoid further damage.

Instead, you should make sure that your computer system is totally cleaned up with a suitable antivirus before commencing with the upload. For this matter, we recommend using INTEGO Antivirus. Furthermore, we recommend downloading RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REMOVE MALWARE & REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

Possible ways through which ransomware can infiltrate your computer system

Some people often wonder how they ended up as a victim to ransomware. However, it is very important for everyone to know the loopholes ransomware uses to get into computer systems and how to avoid them. Ransomware are generally distributed in places such as peer-to-peer data sharing networks, illegitimate file hosting sites that freely share software without authorization from copyright owners and pirate tools for unauthorized activation of copyright contents among others. 

Also note that fake updates and spam emails can equally be used to spread ransomware. They could also be in any format including MSword, PDF, and JPG etc. However, they are configured in such a way that when you open such files or the links attached to them, you unwittingly trigger the ransomware. 

How to stay safe from ransomware infections

Never make use of peer-to-peer platforms, third party sites or any other platform that is illegitimate to access or download copyright products without the permission of the original content owner.  

Spam emails or any such unsolicited messages from unknown or suspicious sources shouldn’t be opened. Same applies to links and attachments you’re not sure of where it emanated from. Clicking on them can trigger ransomware infections. 

I have to emphasize at this point that not having reliable and up-to-date antivirus software installed in your computer system is a huge risk. A good antivirus will notify you when there is a threat which would prompt you to run a scan and get rid of them. 

What to do as a victim of ransomware

This is a pretty difficult place to be. However, like we always say, it is never advisable to comply with any demand made by cybercriminals. Doing so can only lead to a-no win situation since you will waste money or resources without a guarantee of getting your data back. Instead you should report to any institution or law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over cybercrimes in your country. The information you make available to them could be helpful in tracking down those behind the cyber-attacks and having them prosecuted accordingly.

Remove MHKWL Ransomware Virus and Recover Your Files

If unfortunately your computer was infected with this ransom-demanding virus, the first step is to secure your PC. In order to do this, you will need to remove MHKWL ransomware virus. Manual ransomware elimination process requires sophisticated computing skills, therefore we strongly recommend using a professional antivirus software to do it automatically.

Below you can find a tutorial on how to remove malware and protect your PC from further attacks. For that, our team recommends INTEGO Antivirus, a robust AV software with excellent malware detection rate. Additionally, you may want to download RESTORO to repair virus damage caused on Windows system files.

Now, let’s dive right into in-detail MHKWL ransomware removal guide below.

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.