Remove Alka Ransomware Virus – Restore .alka Files

The extension .alka is associated with a new strain of the ransomware infection called STOP. The Alka virus is a data locker ransomware that infects computer systems with the goal to encrypt personal files and demand a ransom fee for their recovery. Since it corrupts target files with the help of a strong cipher algorithm, it leaves all .alka files inaccessible. When the attack ends, Alka ransomware virus drops a ransom message file called _readme.txt and loads it on the screen to extort a ransom payment. The file could be found on the desktop as well as in folders that contain encoded .alka files.

For the sake of your security, we recommend you to avoid any negotiations with cybercriminals and navigate to out Alka ransomware removal guide. It presents information on how to get rid of malicious files, secure your PC and attempt to restore .alka files with alternative data recovery approaches.

Manual Removal Guide
Files Recovery Approaches
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Note for Mac users!
In case that your Mac has been affected by Alka or you suspect that other threats are running on it you can follow detailed instructions on how to detect and remove Mac viruses so you can keep the device clean and secure.

Distribution of Alka Ransomware Virus

Alka virus is a new data locker ransomware that has been released in active attack campaigns against computer users worldwide. The threat could be utilizing common tactics of distribution to infect computer systems.

One of the easiest ways for the criminals to spread the payload of Alka ransomware is by attaching it to email messages that are later released in active attack campaigns. The method allows hackers to send the virus to large lists of potential victims. The attachments to malicious email spam messages usually have Word documents or other types of files which users open without hesitation. Once opened on a target host these compromised files trigger the ransomware payload and infect the device with Alka crypto virus. Another infection tactic related to emails is hyperlink inserted in the content of the messages. The links are usually labeled as leading to a familiar website or a file of user interest.

Computer criminals behind this new ransomware can be using malicious sites or download portals to distribute malware of different kinds, including Alka virus. A popular option is the use of infected documents which may be of different types ‒ spreadsheets, rich text documents, presentations and databases. They are modified to initiate the virus once the built-in scripts are run. Usually when the files are opened a notification will ask the users to run the macros (scripts). If this is done the infection follows.

The hacker-controlled sites are specialist portals that have been created either manually or automatically by the criminals behind Alka virus. They can either directly distribute the threat by initiating various scripts or automated operations or link to such instances. Redirects are usually caused by email interaction, ad networks or other browsing activity. However one of the main sources is the availability of browser hijackers. They are malicious add-ons made for the most popular web browsers ‒ Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, Microsoft Edge and Safari. Once installed they not only infect the users with the malware but also redirect the victims to a hacker-controlled site. Depending on the configuration the browser hijackers can also steal sensitive information such as any stored passwords, account credentials, history, bookmarks, form data and settings.

Impact of Alka Ransomware Virus

The so-called Alka virus has been detected in active attack campaigns. It is based on the code of the infamous ransomware family STOP. The code of this threat is designed to plague essential system settings with the purpose to reach target types of files and encode them with sophisticated cipher algorithm.

The beginning of the attack is marked by the execution of Alka ransomware payload file. Soon after this event occurs, the threat becomes able to pass through several stages. At first, it triggers the creation of additional malicious files that support all of the following infective operations. The ransomware could either create or drop them on the system. Typically, threats like Alka ransomware are designed to place malicious files in the following system folders – %Roaming% , %Windows% , %AppData% , %Local% , %Temp%

Afterward, Alka ransomware starts executing them in a predefined order. As a result, some essential system settings are heavily modified and misused by the cryptovirus. Affected could be also registry keys stored by the Registry Editor, legitimate processes and other major components that control the regular system performance.

Following system corruption, Alka virus utilizes a built-in encryption module to complete its main purpose – data encryption. Since this module is designed to transform the code of targeted files with a sophisticated cipher algorithm, the files remain unusable until their code is reverted back to its original state.

All files that are renamed with the extension .alka are encrypted by the ransomware. Unfortunately, they could be all files that store valuable data of your like:

  • Documents
  • Archives
  • Backups
  • Databases
  • Images
  • Videos
  • Music

Following data corruption, Alka STOP virus drops a text file which contains a ransom message. This file appears on the screen as its purpose is to blackmail you into paying hackers a ransom fee. Here is what its text usually informs:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-7AKxZTQTdy
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
restorefiles@firemail.cc

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
gorentos@bitmessage.ch

Your personal ID:
095Asdjh74yiUSHdfh74ykkUbFA52cIgLpZiieAnKn5sJ4BLAYGyHGpdIL****

For the sake of your security, it is recommendable to refrain from contacting hackers. They may attempt to trick you once again by sending an inefficient decryption tool or additional malware. Furthermore, you will only encourage them to continue with their vicious operations, if you pay the demanded ransom. Security experts advise victims to remove malicious Alka ransomware files and wait patiently for a free decryption solution. The good news is that Emsisoft has released a free STOP ransomware decryption tool. It is not updated to support the Alka virus strain but chances are that it will be very soon. Don’t lose faith, remove Zobm ransomware, back up .alka files and wait until the decryptor is updated.

Remove Alka Ransomware Virus and Restore PC

Please note that paying the requested ransom fee to cybercriminals does not really solve your problem with Alka crypto virus. In fact, you only encourage hackers to continue spreading ransomware of this kind. Instead, you must remove the threat immediately, and only then look for optional ways to recover your data.

WARNING! Manual removal of Alka ransomware virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.

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More information SpyHunter 5 and steps to uninstall the program. The SpyHunter’s scanner feture is free. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove detected malware instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter – EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

Alka Ransomware Virus – Manual Removal Steps

Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network

This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps below are applicable to all Windows versions.

1. Hit the WIN Key + R

2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter

3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot

4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too

5. Apply -> OK

Show Hidden Files

Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.

1. Open My Computer/This PC

2. Windows 7

    – Click on Organize button
    – Select Folder and search options
    – Select the View tab
    – Go under Hidden files and folders and mark Show hidden files and folders option

3. Windows 8/ 10

    – Open View tab
    – Mark Hidden items option

how to make hidden files visible in Windows 8 10 bestsecuritysearch instructions

4. Click Apply and then OK button

Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes

1. Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC

2. Get over to Processes

3. When you find suspicious process right click on it and select Open File Location

4. Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose End Process

5. Next, you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it

Repair Windows Registry

1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination

2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter

3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable

4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys

Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help

Recover Encrypted Files

WARNING! All files and objects associated with Alka ransomware virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.

DOWNLOAD SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool

 
More information SpyHunter 5 and steps to uninstall the program. The SpyHunter’s scanner feture is free. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove detected malware instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter – EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.

1. Use present backups

2. Use professional data recovery software

Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.

3. Using System Restore Point

    – Hit WIN Key
    – Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps

restore-files-using-windows-system-restore-point

4. Restore your personal files using File History

    – Hit WIN Key
    – Type restore your files in the search box
    – Select Restore your files with File History
    – Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
    – Hit the “Restore” button

How to Prevent Future Malware Instrusions?

  • Enable and properly configure your Firewall.
  • Install and maintain reliable anti-malware software.
  • Secure your web browser.
  • Check regularly for available software updates and apply them.
  • Disable macros in Office documents.
  • Use strong passwords.
  • Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe.
  • Backup regularly your data.
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    Author : Gergana Ivanova

    Gergana Ivanova is a computer security enthusiast who enjoys presenting the latest issues related to cyber security. By doing thorough researches and sharing them on BestSecuritySearch, she hopes that more victims of malware infections will be able to secure their corrupted computer systems properly and eventually recover lost files.


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