Djvu VirusRansomwareRemoval Guide

Alka Virus Removal Guide (+Decrypt .alka files)

Alka Virus – Details

Alka is a destructive software functioning as common ransomware. Michael Gillespie, the well-known malware researcher, first discovered this new name in the DJVU ransomware family.

Alka was developed for the sole purpose to encrypt all popular file types. Logically, as quickly as the encryption is successfully achieved, the users are not able to get access to them. Alka ransomware adds its own “.alka” to all the encrypted files. For instance, the file “price_list.xls”, once crypted by Alka, will be titled as “price_list.xls.alka”. Once the encryption is achieved, Alka puts its own special text file (_readme.txt) into all the folders that save the encrypted files.

The message stated by _readme.txt asking for the random os really similar to the alerts provided by other ransomware dangers belonging to the DJVU family. The warning generally indicates that the data has been encrypted and the only solution to get access to it is to use an unique standalone key. Regretfully, this declaration is definitely true.

The method to encrypt the files utilized by Alka is not completely investigated. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that each computer owner may be released a special decryption key, which is absolutely special. It is exceptionally difficult to recuperate the information without the suitable type in place.

“Don’t worry, you can return all your files!”, from text file message:

message from Alka virus

One more peculiarity of the Alka virus is that the users are not able to get access to the key. The decrypting key is hosted on an unique server under the complete control by the scoundrels who have actually launched the Alka virus into the internet. In order to obtain the key and bring back the crucial data, the users are informed to connect with the frauds via email or by telegram and to pay the ransom in the amount of $980.

The message likewise says that individuals ought to contact the Alka authors within 72 hours upon the moment of the data file encryption. The alert suggests that by doing so individuals will obtain a 50% discount rate, for that reason, the ransom quantity drops down to $490.

No matter what the quantity of the ransom is, we strongly recommend that you do not pay the ransom. There is no assurance that these online scoundrels will keep their promises, so they may not care at all what the victims feel about the encryption, even when the quantity of the ransom is received into their accounts. Hence, paying ransom often does not lead to an effective recovery. So, the users might merely lose their money for nothing.

Likewise, we urge you not to get in touch with the frauds as they advise. Do not move money into their wallets. There are no applications that could break the Alka virus or bring back the data for free. Therefore, the only appropriate choice is to bring back the information from possible backups (if readily available).

Virus Summary

NameAlka Ransomware
File Extensionalka
TypeRansomware
FamilyDJVU
Short DescriptionThe ransomware encrypts all the data stored on your system and requires a ransom to be paid on your part supposedly to recover your important files.
SymptomsFile encryption by the ransomware is performed by means of the AES-256 algorithm (CFB mode) encryption algorithm. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special .alka extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodAdware bundles and software cracks
Similar InfectionsRepp, Npsg, Btos
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Do not forget that the Internet is now full of infections similar to the Alka virus. For example, this particular danger is essentially similar to Brusaf and other ransomware-type infections. These harmful utilities have been developed in order to secure the essential information and express the need for the users to pay the ransom. All these infections utilize the identical algorithm to generate the particular key for effective data decryption.

Unless the Alka ransomware is still under the development procedure or has got some hidden bugs, it is not possible to bring back the information by hand. Hence, the only working service to avoid the loss of your important information is to frequently preserve current backups of all your vital documents.

Another essential piece of suggestions is to keep the backups on unique storage not connected to your primary device. For instance, you might save it on the USB Flash Drive, or some external disk drive, or by using the cloud data storage services. Keeping the backups on your regular drive is very risky, since the backup might also be encrypted by the Alka ransomware.

Leakages for the Alka ransomware attack.

Alka uses lots of paths to infiltrate the vulnerable computer systems. It is not certain what specific approach was used in your case, however, the intrusion might occur by means of the following channels:

  • bundling with third-party programs, generally free software;
  • spam emails from the unidentified senders;
  • sites supplying complimentary hosting;
  • P2P (peer-to-peer) torrent downloads.

There are times when the Alka ransomware may camouflage itself as some authentic application, for instance, through the deceptive signals demanding installation of some software update. This is the most typical trick utilized by the frauds to inject the Alka virus files into the system. By doing this users partly participate in its setup, without clearly understanding the danger.

Additionally, the frauds might send unsolicited spam email with difficult signals motivating the people to open suspicious accessories or click on some download links, for example, those encouraging the people to open specific photos, text files, tax files and other info.

No doubt, opening these files or clicking the malicious links might basically harm the system. Fake Adobe Flash Player upgrade notices may result in the Alka ransomware infiltration. Similarly, downloading the broken software might additionally consist of the ransomware installer. The last however not the least, installation of Alka may happen through some Trojan horses that might be installed stealthily into the system and without the user’s direct permission or perhaps consent.

Preventing the Alka ransom virus attack.

Naturally, there is no outright assurance that your computer will be always without any malware attacks, nevertheless, we want to share some useful suggestions with you to make it safer. Ensure to pay extremely attention while browsing the web and especially while downloading cost-free programs. Do not open any dubious email attachments, specifically if the sender is not known to you.

Do not forget that particular freeware installer might likewise include some other additional apps in the bundle. These extra applications may be very harmful. It is of utmost significance to keep your anti-virus software application and your os in basic to be always appropriately updated.

It is rather rational that downloading cracked apps is illegal, nevertheless, in addition, such unapproved apps usage may also bring major damage to your computer. For this reason, do not download any split programs. Plus, the truth that your present anti-virus did not secure the system from the Alka ransomware is a great factor for you to reconsider your choices and switch to another program that can render the protecting functions on a much better level.

Below please find the quotation from the Alka text file:

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-2P5WrE5b9f
 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:
 restorealldata@firemail.cc
  
 Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
 gorentos@bitmessage.ch 

 Our Telegram account:
 @datarestore

Screenshot of files with “.alka” extension added by the virus:”

Alka Ransomware - encrypt files with .alka extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Alka ransomware from your computer

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can get GridinSoft Anti-Malware by clicking the button below:

  GridinSoft Anti-Malware

2. Double-click on the setup file.

When setup file has finished downloading, double-click on the setup-antimalware-ag.exe file to install GridinSoft Anti-Malware on your computer.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware
An User Account Control asking you about to allow GridinSoft Anti-Malware to make changes to your device. So, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Setup

3. Press Install button for run GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware Install

3.Once installed, GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically run.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware  Start

4. Wait for the GridinSoft Anti-Malware scan to complete.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware will automatically start scanning your computer for Win Speedup 2018 and other malicious programs. This process can take a 20-30 minutes, so we suggest you periodically check on the status of the scan process.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan

5. Click on “Clean Now”.

When the scan has completed, you will see the list of infections that GridinSoft Anti-Malware has detected. To remove them click on the “Clean Now” button in right corner.
GridinSoft Anti-Malware Scan Result

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Daniel Zimmermann

Daniel Zimmermann has been writing on security and malware subjects for many years and has been working in the security industry for over 10 years. Daniel was educated at the Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany and currently lives in New York.

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