RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove Steriok Virus (.steriok Files Ransomware)

Steriok Virus – Details

The Steriok mean a ransomware-type infection. Steriok was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. As soon as the file is encrypted people are not able to use them. Steriok adds the “.steriok” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, when encrypted by Steriok, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.steriok“. As soon as the encryption is finished, Steriok places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by Steriok text file asking for the ransom is definitely the same as the statements given by other ransomware representatives. It literally mentions 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 definitely true. The kind of cryptography mechanism applied by Steriok is still not correctly examined. Still, it is absolutely specific that each victim may be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely distinct. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of Steriok is that the victims cannot access to the key. The key is stored on a specific server run by the frauds associated with Steriok ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

Nonetheless, regardless of the asked for amount, people must stay away from paying the ransom. Cyber frauds are not fair, so they tend to completely ignore what their victims feel about the issue, even when the payment reaches their pockets. This is why paying the ransom typically does not provide any positive outcome and people simply 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 Steriok ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Hence, the just best decision is to recover the lost data from the available backup.

Virus Summary

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

Bear in mind that the web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to Steriok ransomware. Malicious programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt important data and to set forth the demand before 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, manually recovering the information is simply not feasible. The only way to avoid the loss of your essential data is to regularly create backups of your important information.

Bear in mind that even if you create such backups, they must be placed into a special storage utility not connect to your main computer. You may use the USB Flash Drive or external hard disk 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 absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are a number of ways used by online frauds to distribute Steriok ransomware. Although it doubts how exactly Steriok injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate the system:

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

Frequently Steriok virus might be presented as some legitimate software application, for example, in the pop-ups advising users to implement some important software updates. This is the typical trick used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing Steriok infection manually, by ways of their direct participation in the installation process.

Additionally, the criminals may describe numerous e-mail spam methods to inject malicious codes into copmuter. 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 documents or clicking on such dangerous links may severely damage the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player update informs may result in Steriok virus injection. As for the cracked applications, these illegally downloaded programs may likewise include destructive codes resulting in Steriok secret installation. Finally, injection of Steriok may happen by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and install malicious tools without the user’s consent.

Is there any method to avoid the injection of Steriok ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your PC from getting infected, there are some pieces of recommendations we wish to show with you. First of all, be extremely cautious when you surf the web and specifically while downloading totally free programs. 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 include other unwanted utilities in the bundle, so they may be malicious. Make sure that your current anti-virus and your entire operating system is always duly updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is prohibited and may lead to essential damage to be produced your system. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are also strongly advised to reconsider your existing security software and potentially switch to another security solution that can render much better services of defending your computer.

Below please find the quotation from the Steriok text file:

all your important files are encrypted!
Any attempts to restore your files with the thrid-party software will be fatal for your files!
RESTORE YOU DATA POSIBLE ONLY BUYING private key from us.
There is only one way to get your files back:   
WARNING: 1) install the tor browser (hxxps://www.torproject.org/download)
Сreate new email on servis hxxp://mail2tor2zyjdctd.onion for contact !
write me on      steriok@mail2tor.com or  proper12132@tutanota.com 
Send me your ID in the email

Key Identifier: 

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

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove Steriok 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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