RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Ako Virus (+Decrypt .ako files) – MedusaLocker Ransomware

Ako Virus – Details

The Ako stands for a ransomware-type infection. The virus comes from the MedusaLocker ransomware family. Ako was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Ako adds the “.ako” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by Ako, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.ako“. As soon as the encryption is completed, Ako places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Ako text file requesting the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware virus representatives belonging to the MedusaLocker type. It actually discusses that the info is encrypted and that the only way to bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Unfortunately, this is absolutely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism applied by Ako is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is absolutely certain that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is impossible to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of Ako is that the victims cannot gain access to the key. The key is kept on a specific server run by the frauds connected with Ako ransomware. To get the key and recover the important info people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, regardless of the asked for quantity, people should keep away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely disregard what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom generally does not give any positive result and people just waste their money for nothing.

We strongly encourage that you do not contact these crooks and definitely do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack Ako ransomware and to recover the data data for free. Therefore, the only right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameAko Ransomware
File Extension.ako
TypeRansomware
FamilyMedusaLocker
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 and RSA encryption algorithms. Once the encryption is completed, the ransomware adds its special ako extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Similar InfectionsHellomynameisransom, Medusalocker, Readinstructions
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look similar to Ako ransomware. It is similar Hellomynameisransom and many other ransomware-type threats. Harmful programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt essential data and to set forth the need prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a similar algorithm to generate the distinct decryption key for files decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, by hand recovering the information is merely not feasible. The only way to prevent the loss of your essential information is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Keep in mind that even if you create such backups, they need to be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you save your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted together with other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are a number of methods used by online scams to distribute Ako virus. Although it is uncertain how exactly Ako injects your PC, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

  • integration with third-party software, especially freeware;
  • spam emails from unknown senders;
  • sites rendering free hosting services;
  • pirated peer-to-peer (P2P) downloads.

Often Ako ransomware might be presented as some genuine software, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to implement some crucial software application updates. This is the typical technique used by online scams to persuade people into downloading and installing Ako infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might refer to different email spam techniques to inject harmful codes into Windows PC. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam e-mails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones encouraging users to open some receipts, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such documents or clicking on such dangerous links may badly harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in Ako ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise consist of malicious codes leading to Ako secret installation. Finally, injection of Ako may take place by ways of Trojans that secretly get injected into the system and install malicious tools without the user’s approval.

Is there any way to avoid the injection of Ako ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to prevent your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we wish to show with you. To start with, be very mindful when you surf the web and particularly while downloading complimentary apps. Stay away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may consist of other unwanted utilities in the package, so they may be destructive. Make sure that your current antivirus and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may result in vital damage to be made for your system. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise highly encouraged to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render far better services of protecting your system.

Screenshot of files with “.ako” extension added by the ransomware:
Ako Ransomware - encrypt files with .ako extension

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

1.Download GridinSoft Anti-Malware.

You can download 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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