Geek's Advice

ORKF ransomware encrypts files to demand a ransom

ORKF ransomware is a new variation of STOP/DJVU file-encrypting virus. The ransomware is designed to attack Windows OS computers and encrypt all files within them by using RSA Salsa20 algorithm. After encrypting all personal files, the virus leaves _readme.txt notes from hackers who would demand that the owners of the affected computers pay a ransom for data decryption. In order to distinguish affected files, the virus marks them with additional .orkf extension after encryption. For instance, a file originally named 1.jpg will appear as 1.jpg.orkf after encryption. The virus’ developers will explain in the ransom notes that buying ORKF decryption tool for a certain amount which depends on how fast the victim writes to the attackers. If this is done within three days, the ransom amount will be $490, if not, the victim will be asked for $980. The criminals will only be contacted by sending email to the provided email addresses: helpmanager@airmail.cc or manager@mailtemp.ch.

ORKF ransomware’s primary aim is to deny the owner of the infected computer access to all personal files. The type of encryption method used in designing this virus is considered military-grade, consequently the cybercriminals expect the victim to obey their command and pay the ransom. I think that it is important we share a specific detail about the whole file encryption process – the virus modifies only the first 150 KB of every file, which denies the victim access to the file and makes the whole attack time faster. However, this process also allows the restoration of certain file formats as described in this guide.

The ransom price victims pay for the ORKF decryption tool depends on how fast they write to the hackers. If the victim writes the hackers within 72 hours period and can pay the ransom, the attackers will offer a 50% discount which means the victim will get the tool and unique decryption key at the cost of $490. Otherwise, the ransom price will remain the full amount of $980. The attackers always demand that the payment is made with cryptocurrency to avoid being traced. The victim is expected to purchase Bitcoin’s worth of the ransom price and transfers it to the attackers’ wallet. The criminals often offer test decryption service on one small file to encourage the victim to believe in them.

Geek’s Advice team as well as the FBI recommend victims NOT PAY THE RANSOM. Some of the reasons why it is not worth doing and wrong are:

• There are no guarantees that the criminals will respond to you after making the payment. They might just disappear into the thin air after receiving your payment.
• Cybercriminals earn millions of US dollars each year from ransomware attacks. When you pay them, you are helping the growth of this unlawful business. Provided they continue to earn money from their illegal activities, they won’t stop it. In addition, the huge amount of money they earn lures other people to join the criminal act.
• In many countries it is considered an illegal act to pay a ransom.
• Viruses that belong to STOP/DJVU ransomware family such as ORKF virus run AZORULT Trojan on compromised systems.

Detailed explanation of Ransomware damage

ORKF ransomware starts its attack on the victim’s computer by running a deceitful process called winupdate.exe, which prompts a fake Windows update on the screen. This tricks the victim into thinking that computer losing speed is caused by the need for system updates and not something slanderous. Meanwhile, the ransomware also executes another four-character named process that encrypts all files on the system. In addition, the virus runs a Command Prompt command that deletes Volume Shadow Copies from the computer:

^{vssadmin.exe Delete Shadows /All /Quiet}

This command prompt prevents the victim from restoring encrypted files with the help of System Restore Points (if any were created prior to the attack). Next, the virus adds a list of domains to Windows HOSTS file to prevent the victim from having to access them. The Windows HOSTS file maps domains to localhost IP to prevent the computer user from having access to certain websites. If the victim tries to visit any of these sites, DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN errorwill show up in web browser. It has been observed that the virus attempts to block the victim from accessing websites that publish relevant cybersecurity-related information and how-to articles. That is to say that developers of this virus seek to prevent the victim from getting help online. Lastly, the virus leaves bowsakkdestx.txt (contains victim’s personal ID and public encryption key) and PersonalID.txt (this includes only the victim’s identification string) on victim’s computer.

Victims of this ORKF virus attack should have in mind that some STOP/DJVU versions can drag AZORULT Trojan into an already compromised computer system. This Remote Access Trojan (RAT) can be used remotely to perform all sort of different tasks on victim’s computer. 

Some of the tasks are:

• Downloading and running malware to the victim’s computer.
• Stealing Telegram, Steam login details.
• Viewing or deleting personal files on the victim’s computer.
• Stealing crypto wallets logins.
• Stealing saved passwords, browser cookies, browsing history and more.

When you consider the amount of damage this virus can cause to your computer, we strongly recommend that you to remove ORKF ransomware virus from your computer immediately. To be able to do that, we suggest that you follow the instructions given below along with an excellent security program such as INTEGO Antivirus. Additionally, we recommend that you regularly scan your PC with RESTORO to repair virus damage on Windows OS files.

Ransomware Summary

REMOVE MALWARE & REPAIR VIRUS DAMAGE

Ransomware distribution techniques

Most STOP/DJVU malware variant, including ORKF ransomware, get to the victim’s computer along a malicious software crack or another illegal and copyright-protected torrent download. Many victims reported getting the infection after trying to obtain these programs illegally:

• Adobe Photoshop;
• Corel Draw;
• Cubase;
• Adobe Illustrator;
• Windows activation tools such as KMSPico.

Cybercriminals know that lots of computer users often try to get premium computer software for free, therefore these hackers set a trap for users by uploading malicious programs on many file-sharing websites. 

The worst part is that when attempting to illegally obtain programs, victims often ignore red flags and security software warnings and proceed to download and open the file even when it is marked as potentially dangerous. 

If you do not want your computer to get infected, we strongly advise that you only choose legitimate sources to get your computer software from. Ensure to go to the official software distributors’ or developer’s website and pay for legitimate license of any program you want. We assure you that it is always cheaper to support computer software developers than greedy criminals.

Most ransomware viruses can also be distributed in the form of email attachments. The cybercriminals create infectious files in the following formats: XLS, DOCX, PDF and give them names such as pending payment/invoice/parcel delivery tracking info and attach the files to deceitful emails which they send out to lots of people. Ordinarily, cybercriminals get potential target email lists from different data leaks online. We strongly advise that you look out for these warning signs that show that an email is a malicious one:

• Urgent message tone suggesting that you open the attached files immediately.
• Claims about vital documents that need to be reviewed immediately.
• The sender pretends to be from a well-known and reputable company.
• Spoofed email address;
• Your email address provider marks the received email as spam.

Our team experts advice that you ignore unsolicited emails or those that seem suspicious. If anything seems off, or if you find yourself asking “why am I getting this email”, delete the email immediately and do not open its attachments or click on the links included as they can cause severe computer infection.

If you fall victim to this virus, be warned there are lots of fake STOP/DJVU decryption tools available on the internet that can infect your computer severely with other dangerous ransomware strains, for example, ZORAB.

That is to say that hackers target and double-encrypt victims who are desperately looking for a way to decrypt their encrypted files. We assure you that once a real decryption tool is available, all the well-known and reputable cybersecurity-related websites will mention it.

Remove ORKF ransomware and decrypt your files

To be able to secure your computer effectively, we recommend strongly that you remove ORKF ransomware virus and take preventive steps to stop similar attacks from happening in the future. To safely eliminate malware, you need to follow the instructions detailed on the guide below to boot into Safe Mode with Networking. 

To remove the virus, we recommend that you use INTEGO Antivirus. it also provides sturdy real-time protection. Finally, you can download RESTORO and scan your computer to repair any damage caused by the virus on Windows OS files.

After the safely completion of ORKF virus removal, ensure to take the following actions:

• Make sure to report any incident of cybercrime to your local authority responsible for handling such matters.
• If you have created a data backup lately, use it to restore at least part of your important files.
• Follow all the given instructions to decrypt or repair files affected by STOP/DJVU versions.
• We also recommend that you change your passwords, especially for websites that you save login credentials for in your browser.

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.

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.