How to remove Unikey ransomware virus

Unikey ransomware is currently in development – doesn't even ask to pay a ransom

Unikey ransomware is a version of the HiddenTear virus^[1]. The malicious program is currently in a development process, which means that criminals haven’t started to distribute it on a global scale. After infecting the target system, the virus encrypts files with AES cryptographic algorithm^[2] and adds a .locked extension to encrypted files.

Traditionally, the ransomware virus created a ransom note which in this case is called READ_IT.txt. The ransomware says that files have been encrypted with hidden tear and asks to send the scammer “some bitcoins or kebab.” For some reason, the developer points out that he hates nightclubs, desserts and being drunk.

The ransomware clearly says that it is a joke developed by an entirely inexperienced programmer. There is no surprise, considering the fact that the virus is based on HiddenTear open-source ransomware. To put it simply, the script kiddie simply took the Hidden Tear’s code, modified it slightly, renamed the program and this way created a customized version of it.

If Unikey compromised your computer and encrypted your files, you should immediately uninstall the ransomware from the system. We suggest using FortectIntego or similar programs for that. However, if you want to remove UniKey without facing any interruptions, we suggest rebooting the system into the Safe Mode with Networking.

If you have never done this before, you should follow instructions provided below this article. In case you are looking for a tutorial in a different language, you can visit UsunWirusa.pl or UdenVirus.dk site^[3].

After Unikey removal, you have to decide how do you want to recover your files. Ideally, you should use the data backup, however, if you haven’t created this data copy earlier, you will need to rely on third-party tools recommended by us. We have added a list of possible data restoration techniques below this article.

Distribution of malicious ransom-demanding viruses

Viruses that demand ransoms are typically distributed via email spam. It means that you can infect your computer by launching a compromised email attachment or by clicking on a link included in the email message.

More sophisticated ransomware variants can infect your system by exploiting vulnerabilities in software that you already have. For this reason, you should enable automatic software updates to keep all of your programs up-to-date. It is also strongly advisable to use anti-malware software to add that extra layer of protection.

Finally, we do not recommend installing software updates from untrustworthy sites. If you were unexpectedly redirected to a website that suggests installing an update to your media player or Java/Flash player, quit that site immediately. Do not click on everything the Internet presents to you.

Remove UniKey ransomware easily

You can remove Unikey ransomware virus in less than one hour if you follow our instructions carefully. We strongly suggest that you carry out the instructions on how to restart your PC into Safe Mode with Networking – this will help you to disable the ransomware, at least for a while.

After rebooting the system into the described mode, complete Unikey removal by running a system scan with a preferred anti-malware software. We suggest using one of the security programs listed below the article. If you want to know more about each of them, you should head to the “Software” section on our site.