How to remove Remk ransomware

Remk ransomware – dangerous malware that will lock up all your files and demand a ransom for their return

Remk ransomware is a malicious program that was designed by cybercriminals to lock up pictures, music, databases, documents, and other data on the host machine. For that, malware employs a sophisticated encryption algorithm RSA,^[1] which also appends a .remk marker to each of the files. A unique key that is required to unlock data is stored on a remote C&C server that this only accessible to the Remk virus authors, and they offer it in exchange for $490 ransom, which should be paid in Bitcoin cryptocurrency.

Besides locking all files on the system, Remk ransomware also drops a _readme.txt file on the desktop and most of the folders on the computer. In the note, virus authors explain to users what happened to their files and what they need to do in order to recover the locked files. After the payment is made, crooks ask users to contact them via  helpdatarestore@firemail.cc or helpmanager@mail.ch email to recover Remk ransomware decryptor.

Remk ransomware is almost exclusively distributed with the help of software cracks or pirated installers. These tools are employed to bypass the licensing of the application and use it for free. Previously, cracks used the popularity of tools like KMSPico or KMSAuto (used to avoid MS Office and Windows licensing process) to populate malware worldwide. Additionally, the virus was also spread with other malware, such as data-stealer AZORult. Without a doubt, this is just another reason to remove Remk ransomware from the system as soon as possible (but not before copying the compromised data).

Nevertheless, it does not mean that the malicious actors behind Remk ransomware can not employ other distribution methods common to malware, including:

• Spam email attachments and hyperlinks
• Malicious ads
• Software vulnerabilities and exploits^[2]
• Unprotected Remote Desktop connections
• Fake updates, etc.

Remk ransomware belongs to the notorious malware family – Djvu/STOP. This virus has been around since at least December 2017, and over time more than 200 variants have been released. This massive project proves to be extremely successful, as the strain was deemed to be the most prominent one in the cybercriminal world, as daily infections reach hundreds. Remk virus is just another addition to the widespread family and marks the 214th release.

Throughout the time, security experts were ready to battle this malware, and released tools like STOPDecrypter – it could sometimes help users to retrieve data for free. However, the attackers were well aware of that, so they switched from AES to a more secure RSA method of file encryption, making the tool obsolete.

Luckily, Emsisoft security experts managed to create a decryptor that would work for at least 148 versions, and further releases, including Remk ransomware, may sometimes be unlocked with the help of Emsisoft Decryptor for STOP Djvu.

Remk ransomware modifies Windows files and settings in order to perform a successful data encryption

As soon as Remk ransomware gains access to the Windows system, it begins the modifications that are needed in order to perform data encryption without interruption. Most users will not notice and will not know what is happening in the background, as operations performed by the malware are extremely fast.

Thus, after the infiltration, Remk file virus will perform the following:

• Places an executable into %AppData% or %Temp% folder to begin an infection process
• Deletes Shadow Volume Copies by using the following command:
  

  vssadmin.exe delete shadows /all /quiet

• Modifies certain system files or their attributes
• Inserts a module that is capable of recording information from Google Chrome or another web browser
• Creates new processes and amends services
• Modifies Windows “hosts” file located in C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\ to prevent victims from seeking help on security-focused websites
• Deletes some and creates new entries in Windows registry database, etc.

With the preparations complete, Remk ransomware will begin a scan that looks for files with predetermined file extensions, including .pdf, .html, .zip, .jpg, .mp4, .dat, and many others. Nevertheless, the virus will skip files that are related to the system, as well as executables – its goal is not to corrupt the infected machine but rather make file owners pay the ransom for encrypted data.

Suchlike modified files, appended with .remk extension, are not corrupted but simply locked with a key that only the attackers have access to. Each of the files will no longer have their original icon and will be impossible to open. In the meantime, victims will be presented with the following text message:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, 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:
hxxps://we.tl/t-KuTq0Kujnj
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” or “Junk” folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
helpdatarestore@firemail.cc

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
helpmanager@mail.ch

Your personal ID:

We highly advise you to contact cybercriminals, as they might never send you the required Remk ransomware decryption tool. As a result, you might lose access not only to your files but also your money. Besides, security experts are constantly working on new tools that could help users with recovering their data for free. Please do not forget to backup files before performing Remk ransomware removal, as they might permanently get corrupted.

After you delete malware from your system, you can then attempt to recover your files with Emsisoft's decryptor or other methods listed below. If you continue having troubles with Windows after you get rid of malware, you could scan it with FortectIntego to fix virus damage.

Stay away from pirating – it might cost you more than you think

Software pirating is an issue that has been around since P2P networks, and similar websites were established. Initially not governed by copyright laws, users could share applications and multimedia for free. Nevertheless, that soon changed, and now downloading a cracked software installer is considered to be illegal.

Besides the legal side of this issue, websites that distribute software cracks, keygens, loaders, and similar tools are usually filled with malware.^[3] And, while most of the infections occur when users open a malicious file downloaded to crack software, some malware might be inserted directly into ads that pop-up automatically as soon as users visit a site. If the circumstances are right, and software vulnerabilities are present on the system, malware intrusion can happen automatically.

Additionally, cracks cannot be checked by anti-malware tools properly, as, due to their functionality, almost all AV engines will flag it as malicious, despite if it actually is infected with malware or not. Thus, better stay away from such tools altogether.

Also, it is recommended to employ reputable anti-malware, backup files regularly, avoid spam email attachments, and paying close attention when installing new apps from third-parties. Being more attentive and aware could prevent you from suffering the devastating consequences of a ransomware infection.

Remk ransomware removal and file recovery

Please do not remove Remk ransomware immediately if you do no have backups ready. This is because if you delete malware without copying encrypted files, they might get corrupted permanently, and even a working decryptor will not help. Thus, make sure you copy over locked data to a remote server or an external drive, such as a DVD or a USB flash.

Nevertheless, it is also important to note that delaying Remk ransomware removal can be dangerous due to its ability to steal information that is typed in via the keyboard. Thus, as soon as you notice the infection, make sure you do not visit websites that ask you to enter your personal information, such as online banking.

To get rid of the Remk virus, you will have to use a powerful tool that can recognize the infection – we suggest employing SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes, although please keep in mind that none of the security programs is capable of deleting all malware in existence. Once you terminate the malware, you can attempt to recover your data by using the methods listed below.