Geek's Advice

REMK is the 214th version of DJVU ransomware

REMK is a ransomware-type virus which originates from STOP/DJVU malware developers. The ransomware uses AES+RSA cryptography to encrypt all personal files on the system. During the attack, the ransomware marks affected files by adding .remk file extensions. To inform the victim about the attack and ways to acquire decryption software, _readme.txt ransom note is created. The victim may find this note on Desktop and other computer locations. Aside from that, the malware also installs AZORULT Trojan to steal user’s passwords saved in browsers.

As _readme.txt note suggests, REMK virus encrypts files such as documents, photos, databases, spreadsheets, archives, videos, and other data formats. It uses a very powerful, even military-grade encryption algorithm to do so, leaving no possibility to reverse the damage. According to the ransom note, the only way to recover files is to pay up – the sooner, the better. The ransom price for the decryption tool costs $490 if the victim contacts the attackers within 72 hours. In other scenario, the ransom price rises to $980.

The creators of the crypto-malware suggest testing the decryption tool they offer by sending one small encrypted file to them via provided emails:
helpdatarestore@firemail.cc, helpmanager@mail.ch. The criminals then send a decrypted version of it back to the victim, proving that they actually can recover the data. While this might seem convincing, we do not recommend paying the ransom. By doing so, you would support their malicious business model, which results in even more malware variants and more victims worldwide.

Threat Summary

Name	REMK Ransomware Virus
Type	Ransomware; File-encrypting malware
Ransom note	_readme.txt
Ransom demand	$490 or $980
Extension used	.remk file extension
Contact emails	helpdatarestore@firemail.cc, helpmanager@mail.ch
Distribution	Spreads via infected files that can be downloaded from the Internet – malicious software cracks and keygens mainly
Additional details	Installs AZORULT password-stealing Trojan
Decryption options	Data can be restored using data backups. In case of offline encryption, check for updates in STOP decrypter guide.
Removal	Remove using malware removal software while in Safe Mode

REMK ransomware virus seeks to cause frustration as it locks victim’s data securely. Instant removal of data access can cause serious problems to the victim in work or study life. With that said, the most important thing becomes data recovery, therefore the victim begins searching for decryption tools online.

Before doing so, we strongly advise to remove REMK ransomware virus using instructions provided below the article or a robust malware removal tool.

Data decryption – what are the chances?

Decrypting .remk files using any third-party recovery tools is impossible. The best chance to recover your files is by backup. Another case of data recovery is if you were subject to offline encryption mode, which we’ll describe in detail now.

Once the ransomware enters victim’s computer, it begins the attack by connecting to its Command&Control server (a remote server to receive commands) so that an individual key for encryption would be requested. At this point, all you need to know is that the virus might succeed or fail to establish such connection. If it fails to do it, your files will be locked using an offline encryption key, or, in other words, a technique that’s easier to reverse.

Since there is only one offline encryption/decryption key pair, whenever someone affected by the same encryption pays the ransom, receives the decryption key and shares it with malware researchers, decryption tool can be updated. This can’t happen with online encryption keys, as they are generated individually per victim.

We recommend visiting DJVU ransomware decryption guide to check for updates whether the recovery key is available or not.

Ransomware infects computers with a help of users’ themselves

Ransomware like REMK, FOOP or others can infiltrate your computer system due to inattentive activity online. To be precise, your computer can get compromised if you download suspicious and untrustworthy files from the world wide web without checking their safety first. In general, torrents and other illegal downloads aren’t considered safe at all.

Unfortunately, this is exactly where computer users turn to when they want to download paid software for free. They start looking up for software cracks, keygens, and other tools. These tools are known to be the primary distributors for DJVU malware versions.

Once opened, the fake installers will drop the malware on the system and ensure its execution. The data encryption then starts, leaving the victim no chances to stop it.

Other ransomware variants can travel in malicious spam, fake updaters, appear in infected websites and elsewhere. To protect yourself, always think before clicking on suspicious links, ads, or email attachments so that you would not ruin your browsing experience in a minute.

Rush to remove REMK ransomware now

Victims should remove REMK ransomware virus and check their computer system for additional malware. This is needed to protect victim’s privacy, security, and cleanse the computer system from potential dangers left behind by the ransomware. As mentioned earlier, DJVU versions tend to install password-stealing Trojans such as AZORULT.

Now that you’re ready to begin REMK removal, please concentrate on the instructions provided below. Follow each step attentively to fully eliminate the malware from your system.

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:

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

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System Mechanic Ultimate Defense

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