RansomwareRemoval Guide

CHEKYSHKA Virus Removal Guide (+Decode .chekyshka files)

CHEKYSHKA Virus Ransomware

The CHEKYSHKA stands for a ransomware-type infection. CHEKYSHKA was elaborated particularly to encrypt all major file types. Once the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. CHEKYSHKA adds the “.chekyshka” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by CHEKYSHKA, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.chekyshka“. As soon as the encryption is completed, CHEKYSHKA places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by CHEKYSHKA text file asking for the ransom is definitely the like the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It actually points out that the information is encrypted and that the only way to restore it is to use a a distinct decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism used by CHEKYSHKA is still not appropriately examined. Still, it is definitely specific that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is totally distinct. It is difficult to bring back the files without the key available.

Another technique of CHEKYSHKA is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is kept on a particular server run by the frauds related to CHEKYSHKA ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people have to pay the ransom.

Nevertheless, irrespective of the requested amount, people must stay away from paying the virus. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to entirely ignore what their victims feel about the problem, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not provide any positive result and people just waste their money for absolutely nothing.

We strongly advise that you do not contact these crooks and certainly do not transfer money into their accounts. It is said to admit that there are no utilities able to crack CHEKYSHKA ransomware and to recover the data data free of charge. Therefore, the just best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameCHEKYSHKA Ransomware
File Extension.chekyshka
TypeRansomware
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 chekyshka extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Remember that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to CHEKYSHKA ransomware. Harmful programs of such kind are usually elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to set forth the demand prior to the user to pay the ransom. The peculiarity of all such ransomware threats is that all apply a comparable algorithm to create the unique decryption key for files decryption.

Thus, as long as the ransomware is still being developed or has some hidden bugs, manually recovering the information is just not feasible. The only method to prevent the loss of your important information is to routinely create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be put into a special storage utility not connect to your main PC. You may use the USB Memory Stick or external disk drive for this purpose, or refer to the help of the cloud storage. If you keep your backup files on your common system they may be encrypted in addition to other files, so it’s definitely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my system?

There are several ways used by online scams to distribute CHEKYSHKA virus. Despite the fact that it doubts how precisely CHEKYSHKA injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may penetrate the system:

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

Typically CHEKYSHKA ransomware might exist as some legitimate software application, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to execute some crucial software updates. This is the common trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing CHEKYSHKA infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals may describe various e-mail spam techniques to inject harmful codes into systems. So, they may describe to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notifications promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some photos, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may significantly damage the system. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update notifies may result in CHEKYSHKA virus injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may also consist of harmful codes resulting in CHEKYSHKA secret installation. Lastly, injection of CHEKYSHKA may take place by ways of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install harmful tools without the user’s approval.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of CHEKYSHKA ransomware?

Despite the fact that there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your computer from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we want to share with with you. Firstly, be really cautious when you browse the web and particularly while downloading complimentary apps. Keep away from opening suspicious email attachments, especially when the sender of the email is not familiar to you.

Remember that some freeware installers may contain other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be harmful. Ensure that your current antivirus software and your entire operating system is always appropriately updated.

Obviously, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may result in necessary damage to be produced your PC. Thus, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render far better services of protecting your Windows.

Below please find the quotation from the CHEKYSHKA text file:

All your files have been encrypted.
Your unique id: A0244D50B9034A419856CADBEE5DF40D
You can buy decryption for 1200$ in Bitcoins.
But before you pay, you can make sure that we can really decrypt any of your files.
The encryption key and ID are unique to your computer, so you are guaranteed to be able to return your files.
To do this:
1) Download and install Tor Browser ( https://www.torproject.org/download/ )
2) Open the y7c5bdswtvcfbb2c6waotudyrwhvetxt5xzdkq5hyxnd7clpc3dernqd.onion web page in the Tor Browser and follow the instructions.

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove CHEKYSHKA 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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