How to remove Osk ransomware

Osk is a file-encrypting malware that makes important files useless on the computer

Osk is a file-encrypting virus from Scarab ransomware family that targets victim’s essential files and encrypts them. Malware uses a sophisticated encryption algorithm and appends .Osk file extension to each of them. Once the damage is done, it drops a ransom note HOW TO RECOVER ENCRYPTED FILES.TXT in each of the folders with encrypted data.

Ransomware attack might be scary and damaging especially for those who do not have data backups. However, security specialists recommend focusing on Osk removal procedure instead of following data recovery instructions presented in the ransom note:

Your documents, photos, databases, saving in games and other important data were encrypted.
Data recovery requires a decryptor.
To receive the decryptor, you should send an e-mail to translatos@protonmail.com
In the letter, indicate your personal identifier (see At the beginning of this document).

Osk ransomware follows the same pattern as its predecessors. Victims are asked to contact developers via translatos@protonmail.com email address and provide their unique ID number. The attackers will respond with the size of the ransom and cryptocurrency wallet address.

Victims of Osk virus are supposed to get a working decryptor as soon as criminals receive the ransom payment. However, this scenario might never become a reality. Remember that you are dealing with evil-minded people who want money only.

To avoid bigger damage, you need to remove Osk immediately without contacting crooks or paying them. While the virus resides on the computer, you might encounter other cyber threats or get new files encrypted again and again. Hence, download FortectIntego or other professional malware removal tool and clean malicious components from the system.

After that, you can try additional data recovery methods (we have provided them below) or plug in the external drive with backups and copy necessary files. Specialists from NoVirus.uk^[1] remind that data recovery is just a secondary task. If you connect your backup storage while malware is still on PC, your precious copies of important files might be compromised too.

Ransomware attack may be launched from malicious email

There are many ransomware distribution methods; however malicious spam emails remain the most popular one for years.^[2] Phishing^[3] emails often include various important issues, such as, parcel delivery failure or necessity to double-check details on bank statements.

Indeed, these emails might be tricky and misleading. Especially when criminals copy the design and interface of the official company. However, you can still spot dangerous emails and stay away from their attachments:

• Infected emails usually arrive in spam folder;
• They often include mistakes;
• They might be sent from weird and unofficially looking address;
• Official credentials or logos might be missing;
• They express the urge to open the attached document.

Keep in mind that malicious email attachments might look safe to open, and it’s the major trick. Before opening files delivered in your inbox, always double-check the information about the sender and look up for more information online.

Apart from malspam, malware develops might use malvertising, bogus software downloads, and updates, exploit kits and other methods to hijack your computer. Hence, you should follow all safe browsing practices to protect from cyber attack.

Osk removal is crucial for getting computer safety back

Ransomware attacks are dangerous for the whole computer system, so you need to remove Osk immediately. Only after that, you can proceed with file restoration processes. Otherwise, you won’t achieve desired results.

Professional security software is needed for Osk removal. We recommend downloading and using FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. However, you should reboot PC to Safe Mode with Networking or try System Restore to complete this task without any obstacles. For more details, check the instructions below.