Spock Decryptor (Easy Removal Guide) - Free Instructions
Spock Decryptor Removal Guide
What is Spock Decryptor?
The truth about Spock Decryptor
Though “Spock Decryptor virus” may not the most precise way of introducing this dangerous program, it allows us to indicate the dangerous essence of an application which works on behalf of a malicious file-encrypting ransomware [1] virus. Essentially, Spock is a paid decryptor that the creators of Kirk ransomware offer to their victims as the only tool capable of recovering encrypted files. Do the Kirk and Spock sound familiar to you? Well, the fans of Star Trek [2] surely have an idea what this is all about. The Kirk ransomware (also known as Captain Kirk) and its decrypter are named after the characters of this famous American science fiction classic. The malware even features a digitized image of the actors playing Kirk and Spock in the mentioned TV series. Nevertheless, despite the references that warm sci-fi geeks’ hearts, this virus is very dangerous, is capable of infecting computers and bypassing even the eyes of the tech-savviest users. We should point out that Spock Decryptor does not come together with Kirk ransomware. The criminals only promise to supply the victims with this tool after they pay for it. Besides, decryptors typically do not carry malicious scripts that could infect the computer, so when you prepare yourself for the ransomware elimination, do not start with Spock removal and focus on Kirk ransomware first. Please beware that because of its complexity, the virus should not be eliminated manually, and all infected users should employ reliable instruments such as FortectIntego to exterminate the virus automatically.
The users are opted to use Spock Decryptor when they wish to decrypt and recover files encrypted by the Kirk virus. But before they are able to do that, the victims have to go through several steps. First step — the payment. The criminals demand the victim to make the payment of over a 1000 dollars in Monero cryptocurrency [3] which is similar to Bitcoin. Then, the victim have to send the payment ID and an additional pwd to the extortionist by email. The hackers point out two email addresses: kirk.help@scryptmail.com and kirk.payments@skryptmail.com by which the victims can reach out to the ransomers. When all of these steps are completed, the victims should receive a password which has been kept encrypted in the pwd file and the Spock software. The combination of these two should supposedly decrypt the encrypted files but there is always a risk that the password or the decryption software you receive is corrupted. Thus, it is better to look for alternative data recovery solutions instead [4]. Our experts recommend several free data recovery options below this article.
Is this tool worth purchasing?
When cyber criminals create programs like Kirk or Spock Decryptor, they have one thing in mind — easy money. So, it comes naturally that they will do whatever it takes to extort as much of profit as possible from the victims who choose to collaborate with them. Unfortunately, collecting the ransom is as much of the collaboration most cyber criminals are willing to participate in. So, it is not uncommon for the ransomware victims to remain empty-handed even after they follow every command correctly. Consequently, without the Spock Decryptor, file recovery is paralyzed. So, regardless of how important your data may be, we do not recommend playing by the criminals’ rules. By paying up, you will only support the extortionists in creating more viruses like Kirk in the future.
Where do I begin with Spock Decryptor removal?
If your device has been hit by Kirk virus, you should first focus on eliminating the parasite from your computer. Regardless of whether your have purchased the decryptor and decrypted your files or not, you should make sure you remove Spock Decryptor from the system as well. When applied, this tool will no longer be of any use to you. Do not be afraid to carry out a thorough system clean up because any trace of the virus on your system may trigger a secondary encryption of your device. You will achieve best Spock Decryptor removal results by employing reputable anti-malware software like FortectIntego or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner.
Getting rid of Spock Decryptor. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Running your antivirus with malicious files like Spock Decryptor working on your computer may be difficult. To decontaminate the virus, follow the instrucitons below:
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove Spock Decryptor using System Restore
Here is another way to stop Kirk from preventing the removal of Spock and the rest of its malicious elements:
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Spock Decryptor. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Spock Decryptor from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.Since using Spock decrypter is a risky data recovery approach, we suggest you take a look at the safe and free recovery options below.
If your files are encrypted by Spock Decryptor, you can use several methods to restore them:
Method 1.
Employ software such as Data Recovery Pro to recover your data quickly and completely automatically:
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Spock Decryptor ransomware;
- Restore them.
Method 2.
Test out Windows Previous Versions feature by performing file recovery following these guidelines:
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
Method 3.
Recover files encrypted by Kirk without having to use Spock decrypter with ShadowExplorer:
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Spock Decryptor and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Stream videos without limitations, no matter where you are
There are multiple parties that could find out almost anything about you by checking your online activity. While this is highly unlikely, advertisers and tech companies are constantly tracking you online. The first step to privacy should be a secure browser that focuses on tracker reduction to a minimum.
Even if you employ a secure browser, you will not be able to access websites that are restricted due to local government laws or other reasons. In other words, you may not be able to stream Disney+ or US-based Netflix in some countries. To bypass these restrictions, you can employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN, which provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, not slowing you down in the process.
Data backups are important – recover your lost files
Ransomware is one of the biggest threats to personal data. Once it is executed on a machine, it launches a sophisticated encryption algorithm that locks all your files, although it does not destroy them. The most common misconception is that anti-malware software can return files to their previous states. This is not true, however, and data remains locked after the malicious payload is deleted.
While regular data backups are the only secure method to recover your files after a ransomware attack, tools such as Data Recovery Pro can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
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- ^ Crypto-Ransomware: when encryption breaks bad. TrendMicro. Global leader in cyber security solutions for businesses, data centers, cloud environments, networks, and endpoints..
- ^ Star Trek ransomware boldly encrypts. BankInfoSecurity. Bank information security news, training, education.
- ^ Monero (cryptocurrency). Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Jake Doe. Why do I need backup and what options do I have for that?. 2-spyware. IT news site.