RansomwareRemoval Guide

Remove U2K Virus (.U2K Files Ransomware)

U2K Virus – Details

The U2K stands for a ransomware-type infection. U2K was elaborated specifically to encrypt all major file types. When the file is encrypted people are unable to use them. U2K adds the “.U2K” extension for each file encrypted by it. For example, the file “myphoto.jpg“, as soon as encrypted by U2K, will be renamed into “myphoto.jpg.U2K“. As quickly as the encryption is completed, U2K places a special text file into every folder containing the encrypted data.

The message given by U2K 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 bring back it is to use a a special decryption key. Unfortunately, this is definitely true. The type of cryptography mechanism used by U2K is still not properly examined. Still, it is absolutely particular that each victim might be given the specific decryption key, which is absolutely unique. It is impossible to restore the files without the key available.

Another technique of U2K is that the victims cannot get to the key. The key is saved on a particular server run by the frauds associated with U2K ransomware. To get the key and recover the important information people need to pay the ransom.

However, irrespective of the asked for amount, people must keep 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 normally does not give any positive result and people just waste their money for nothing.

We highly recommend 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 U2K ransomware and to recover the data data totally free. Therefore, the only right decision is to recover the lost information from the available backup.

Virus Summary

NameU2K Ransomware
File Extension.U2K
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 U2K extension to all the files modified by it.
Distribution MethodSpam Emails, Email Attachments
Removal Tool   GridinSoft Anti-Malware

Keep in mind that the world wide web is now overwhelmed with threats that look comparable to U2K ransomware. Destructive programs of such kind are normally elaborated to encrypt crucial information and to state 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 generate the distinct decryption key for data decryption.

Hence, 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 important files is to frequently 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 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 in addition to other files, so it’s absolutely not a good storage location.

How did ransomware infect my PC?

There are several ways used by online scams to distribute U2K ransomware. Although it is uncertain how precisely U2K injects your system, there are some leaks through which it may infiltrate 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.

Typically U2K ransomware might be presented as some legitimate software, for instance, in the pop-ups instructing users to execute some crucial software updates. This is the typical technique used by online frauds to persuade people into downloading and installing U2K infection manually, by means of their direct participation in the installation process.

Furthermore, the criminals might describe numerous email spam methods to inject destructive codes into PC. So, they may refer to to sending unsolicited spam emails with tricky notices promoting users to download the attachments or click on certain download links, for example, the ones motivating users to open some video, files, tax reports or invoices.

Needless to mention, opening such files or clicking on such dangerous links may badly harm the PC. Fictitious Adobe Flash Player upgrade alerts may result in U2K ransom injection. When it comes to the cracked software, these illegally downloaded programs may also include harmful codes causing U2K secret installation. Lastly, injection of U2K may happen by means of Trojans that covertly get injected into the system and set up destructive tools without the user’s consent.

Is there any way to prevent the injection of U2K ransom virus?

Although there is no 100% guarantee to avoid your system from getting infected, there are some pieces of advice we wish to share with with you. First off, be really cautious when you browse the web and especially 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 appropriately updated.

Of course, downloading pirated software is illegal and may lead to vital damage to be produced your PC. For this reason, stay away from downloading cracked software. You are likewise strongly recommended to reconsider your existing security software and perhaps change to another security solution that can render much better services of protecting your PC.

Below please find the quotation from the U2K text file:

Attention!

All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important files are encrypted

The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique decryptor. Only we can give you this decryptor and only we can recover your files.

The server with your decryptor is in a closed network TOR. You can get there by the following ways:

----------------------------------


1. Download Tor browser - hxxps://www.torproject.org/
2. Install Tor browser
3. Open Tor Browser
4. Open link in TOR browser:   hxxp://u2kqti2utfaiefucegnmd6yh6hledbsfanaehhnnn3q5usk6bvndahqd.onion/?301BDPGHJLM
5. and open ticket

----------------------------------

Alternate communication channel here: hxxps://yip.su/2QstD5 

Screenshot of files with “.U2K” extension added by the ransomware:
U2K Ransomware - encrypt files with .U2K extension

Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware to remove U2K 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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