How to remove Chech Ransomware

Chech ransomware is a STOP virus variant that locks data then tries to blackmail users into paying ransom in digital currency

Chech file virus is malware that belongs ransomware-type category and was first spotted by security researchers^[1] in late March 2019. It belongs to STOP virus family and uses a sophisticated AES encryption cipher to modify files that are most commonly used, such as .jpg, .doc, .pdf, .mkv, .xtml, .txt, and many others. The altered structure can also be noticed by an extension .chech – it will also prevent users from opening any of the personal data. Once done with the encoding process, Chech ransomware will contact a remote C&C server and drop a ransom note _readme.txt (other subgroups also use this file, including Promos, Kroput, Blower, etc.), which asks users to contact crooks via blower@india.com or blower@firemail.cc and then pay $980 in Bitcoin for the file decryptor. While this variant is not decryptable, experts do not recommend paying bad actors and instead focus on Chech ransomware removal and alternative file recovery methods.

While there are multiple different infiltration methods that hackers use to propagate Chech file virus, it is most likely that users get infected with the threat after downloading and installing pirated software or its cracks. Additionally, opening and extracting attached files or clicking on links inside a phishing email is not a good idea either. Check our second section of the article if you want to know ways to protect yourself from Chech ransomware and similar threats.

As soon as Chech virus enters the computer, it performs a variety of changes to Windows system configuration, such as deletion of Shadow Volume Copies,^[2] establishing new scheduled tasks, modifying the registry, etc. The encryption process changes files as follows: a picture.jpg is turned into picture.jpg.chech.

As soon as Chech ransomware finishes the encryption, it drops a ransom note that states the following:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry my friend, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-W8DuFk4wwu
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
blower@india.com

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
blower@firemail.cc

Your personal ID:

As evident, hackers offer a discount of 50% if contacted within the first 72 hours after the initial Chech ransomware infection. However, experts do not recommend doing so, as:

• You will be sponsoring cybercrooks' illegitimate activities and prove that the illegal business model works;
• You might end up getting scammed, losing both of your files and money.

Therefore, we highly recommend users to remove Chech virus instead and never contact the crooks. This can be accomplished with reputable security software, although you might have to enter Safe Mode with networking for that. After you complete the Chech ransomware termination procedure, make sure you scan your PC with FortectIntego – it will get rid of the virus damage and restore Windows registry, although it will not decrypt files. For that, you need to use specific software – you can find download links and usage instructions in our removal section below.

Be aware that some STOP ransomware variants (.promorad) was simultaneously distributed with AZORult malware^[3] – a Trojan that is capable of stealing user passwords, cookies, online banking information, and other sensitive details. Thus, if you got infected with Chech ransomware or any other variant, make sure you change your passwords and check your bank account to make sure no illegal transactions were performed.

Stay aware from pirated software and use automated tools that can stop ransomware viruses

As we already mentioned, malware authors often employ a variety of different methods for distribution. In STOP ransomware case, users are more likely to be infected while downloading pirated software or cracks/keygens from sites like Crackithub.com. In general, installing cracked software is illegal and might land you in jail in some cases. While you might get away with facing the consequences for copyright infringement, malware infections while visiting torrent and cracked software sites is highly likely.

Therefore, it is highly advisable staying away from high-risk sites. If you download anything, make sure you scan executables with tools like Virus Total or your anti-virus engine. Speaking of the latter, it is extremely important to keep anti-virus software installed on your device at all times. Additionally, you can also employ such tools like anti-exploit, real-time internet protection, ad-blocker, Firewall to maximize your protection.

You should not pay ransom and instead delete Chech file virus from your computer

It is best not to consider paying the ransom and instead focus on the Chech ransomware removal process. The initial infection might be incredibly overwhelming to users who never faced crypto viruses before, as, unlike most silent threats, ransomware makes sure that the victim knows about what happened (hence the ransom note, popping windows, wallpaper change, etc.). However, it is vital to stay calm.

Currently, there is no official decryptor available for Chech virus. Nevertheless, as practice had shown, security researchers are continually working on decryption tools for other STOP variants, and many of them are already decryptable. As for now, remove Chech ransomware from your machine with anti-malware software and attempt to recover data by using alternative methods – you can find all the instructions below.