Ako ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Ako ransomware is the strain of ransom-demanding threats that mainly targets corporate networks instead of regular consumer machines. Initially discovered after a company's Windows 2011 server of an anonymous company was encrypted, researchers identified it as a new, never-before-seen strain of malware in January 2020.
Facts checked October 7, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Ako ransomware: summary
| Distribution | The threat most likely infects machines through hacked Remote Desktop services or malicious emails and websites filled with malware |
|---|---|
| Name | Ako ransomware |
| Symptoms | The virus encodes files and makes them useless, so the ransom gets demanded, and developers can make money from the victim. The threat also alters settings, disables functions and installs other programs on the system to control more than encoded data |
| File marker | Ako makes a random character extension unique for each victim |
| Versions | Two separate versions of the threat got discovered from samples released by victims. (Samples 1[2] and 2[3]) The only difference is that one variant directly redirects to payment site and other offers to contact criminals first |
| Possible relation | Researchers found that the strain is heavily based on MedusaLocker due to similarities in coding, behavior, and ransom notes. However, ransomware developers stated that this is their own creation, not associated with previous ransomware releases |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 15 more facts
| Ransom note | ako-readme.txt; the text is quoted in full below |
|---|---|
| Ransom amount | The amount asked from victims starts with 0.5 Bitcoin but can go up to 1 BTC and even more |
| Targets | Large businesses, networks of organizations and companies |
| Contact emails | davidgoldman@cock.li, portedhiggens@firemail.cc |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .2zrl5j |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .2zrl5j |
| Attacker contacts | davidgoldman@cock.li |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 14 May 2020 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
What readers reported about Ako ransomware
files appended with oorr. prefix. Can't open .png, .txt, .doc, and .jpg file types. Hi guys! Could you please help me with this issue asap? I can't open photos, docs, videos and text files. The feature oorr. prefix. I hope that I haven't been caught by a ransomware...
Help recover files.txt ransomware. Need help!!!!!!!!!!! My PC was infected by Help recover files.txt ransomware. I think I opened spam that reported about taxes, but I'm not sure. Now I can't access personal files. Is there a way to restore data without paying that bitcoin?
From the comments under our earlier guide; names and contact details removed.
- File extension:
.2zrl5j - Note file:
ako-readme.txt - Contact:
davidgoldman@cock.li
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Ako ransomware
- ako-readme.txt - a file that delivers initial instructions and possible solutions to victims
- You need to remove Ako ransomware with anti-malware tools that can detect the threat itself and clean the machine from applications and files associated with the threat
- Since ransomware runs on the machine and disables functions, deletes particular files, you need to change a lot of the settings and fix the damage.
- When the virus is removed, go through the system with a PC repair look like and make sure that registry entries and system files get recovered and fixed
How Ako ransomware behaves
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Ako ransomware is cryptomalware that targets entire networks of businesses and organizations
Ako ransomware is the strain of ransom-demanding threats that mainly targets corporate networks instead of regular consumer machines.
Initially discovered after a company's Windows 2011 server of an anonymous company was encrypted, researchers identified it as a new, never-before-seen strain of malware in January 2020. However, it later became clear that malware stems from MedusaLocker. Since then, several versions of Ako ransomware were released, and the attackers took on the data leaking technique, which is employed by all major ransomware operators.
The initial release of Ako ransomware showed the ransom-demanding message and asked victims to contact criminals via email (davidgoldman@cock.li, portedhiggens@firemail.cc). Later, cybercriminals changed the primary communication method that relies on the Tor anonymous network.
Both versions deliver the file named ako-readme.txt on the system after the encryption that contains the ransom note, which demands 0.5 - 1 Bitcoin for data release, although this sum can vary from company to company. During encryption, files are appended with a random string of alphanumeric characters.
A few samples detected by victims gave the opportunity for researchers to analyze the threat in-depth. After the investigation, it was discovered that Ako ransomware starts the attack by deleting shadow volume copies, clearing backups, disabling file recovery options, and other security functions.
Also, to make matters worse and the file recovery less possible, ransomware is set to create registry entries, alter existing keys, and then start encrypting the targeted data.
Like other cryptocurrency-extortion based threats, Ako virus avoids program files, system data, and application-related files when choosing what to encode. When commonly used data gets encrypted, all files become useless and get marked using the random extension generated to signify which files are affected.
Once that is done on the particular machine, the virus performs a scan that shows any devices responding to the network connection, so the whole network can get encrypted.
Ako ransomware places the ransom note on the desktop in the text file named ako-readme.txt that contains URL to the Tor payment site where the ransom payment can get transferred. The page also shows the statement "Your network have been locked" that fully determines the particular target of virus developers -networks.
The said ransom note also has a Personal ID that contains the extension, network configuration settings, encrypted key that is needed for decryption. This ID is required on the Tor site when Ako ransomware victims want to access the payment form and see the particular ransom amount, further instructions. The chat service can also be found these, so the person can submit one file for test decryption.
Ako ransomware ransom message displays the following:
Ako ransomware uses the AES encryption algorithm and seems to have no flaws in the coding, so decryption is not possible at the time. However, paying is not recommended because cybercriminals cannot be trusted.
Many companies that have suffered such infections before, didn't pay also. If you are related to the company that suffered this attack, rely on professional IT specialist that can recover the network and get rid of the intruder.
Ako ransomware creates many issues with your device because threat makes various changes on your system by disabling functions, programs and deleting particular files, or creating entries and adding registry keys. These alterations make the removal process difficult because malicious code runs on the machine without interruption and some security functions cannot work properly to detect the threat.
To reverse those changes that Ako cryptovirus have already made on the system, you should rely on the proper antivirus program that can safely delete registry entries, recover affected ones, repair system files, and settings.
If you try to make those changes yourself, functions and settings can get damaged further and possibly get unrepairable. Automatic cleaners like , or PC repair tools, system optimizers can do that for you and without causing additional issues.
Even though ransomware creators stated that their target networks only, you as an individual user can also experience such infection on the machine. As for Ako ransomware removal or data recovery, individual machines and networks need to be cleaned from all the traces of the virus before any file restoring.
You can try to remove Ako ransomware with anti-malware tools and run the scan on the network, machine, or particular device to find the virus-related files and malicious programs. After this, data backups are the best option for such encoded data and possibly damaged files. You can find a few more options for file recovery below.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Weakly protected RDP connections - one of the main attack vectors for company-targeting ransomware
Hackers target valuable information that can be accessed by entering the system with the help of devices and tools.
When the system is not properly secured, and vulnerabilities allow breaking through the protection, there are bigger chances that machine gets affected by malware like ransomware.
Breaking in the vulnerable network, server, or device becomes easy when RDP hacking is used. It is a common technique used by attackers. Another method used by ransomware developers is payload droppers included on malicious sites or attached as files to emails.
When you receive any suspicious email, pay close attention to important details like the sender, attachments, and typos, or grammar mistakes. Malicious actors pose as companies or services to make people less suspicious. Also, keep the system secured and up-to-date by using system tools, security software, and patch needed flaws more often.
The Ako ransomware note
Your network have been locked.
All your files, documents, photos, databases and other important data are encrypted and have the extension: .2Zrl5j
Backups and shadow copies also encrypted or removed. Any third-party software may damage encrypted data but not recover.
From this moment, it will be impossible to use files until they are decrypted.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase an unique private key.
Only we can give you this key and only we can recovery your files.
To get info (decrypt your files) follow this steps:
1) Download and install Tor Browser: https://www.torproject.org/download/
2) Open our website in TOR:xxxx: //kwvhrdibgmmpkhkidrby4mccwqpds5za6uo2thcw5gz75qncv7rbhyad.onion/AHXYFYBKTAXNGRZB
3) Paste your ID in form (you can find your ID below)
!! ATTENTION !!
!! Any third - party software may damage encrypted data but not recover.
!! DO NOT MODIFY ENCRYPTED FILES
!! DO NOT CHANGE YOUR ID
!! DO NOT REMOVE YOUR ID.KEY FILE
--- BEGIN PERSONAL ID ---
eyJleHQiOiIuMlpybDVqIiwgImtleSI6InozNWRzcEZaOFltMEs0bW4xQVNrZE0
*** [556 characters in total]
--- END PERSONAL ID ---
How to remove Ako ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove Ako ransomware and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Ako ransomware encrypts everything it can reach, including drives and shares you connect later. Cut the network first: cable out, or Wi-Fi off from the taskbar.
Then unplug every USB stick and backup disk and pause cloud sync, so the encrypted versions do not replace your online copies. Do not reconnect any of them until the ransomware is removed from the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Copy
ako-readme.txtand one or two files ending in.2zrl5jto a USB stick, and leave the originals where they are.From another device, upload the note and a sample file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom's Crypto Sheriff, which name the family from the note, the extension and the file structure.
Write down the contact address and your personal ID from the note, because a decryptor or the police may ask for them.
Warning: Never contact the attackers from the infected Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
For Ako ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Search the family name in the No More Ransom decryption tools list and in the free decryptors of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, because new tools appear years after an attack.
Important: Keep the encrypted files even if nothing works today, and do not pay before every free option is ruled out: payment does not guarantee a working key.
Decryptors run on Windows 11 and Windows 10, but only after the ransomware itself is removed.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Restoring or decrypting files while Ako ransomware still runs lets it encrypt them again. Run a Full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, then the Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan).
If the ransomware blocks Windows Security, start Safe Mode with Networking and scan from there. Some families install a password stealer as well, so let both scans finish on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run
vssadmin list shadows. If it lists copies dated before the attack, right-click a folder with encrypted files in File Explorer, choose Properties > Previous Versions, and open or restore a version from before that date.ShadowExplorer, a free tool, shows the same copies when the tab is empty or hidden. Most current families delete shadow copies, so an empty list is normal, but the check takes two minutes on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
Restore from an external backup, File History or OneDrive's version history, choosing a date before the attack. Connect the backup drive only after the scans are clean, or the ransomware encrypts it too.
If there is no backup, file recovery software can sometimes find the deleted originals, because some ransomware writes an encrypted copy and deletes the original file.
Stop writing to the drive and try recovery on Windows 11 or Windows 10 before new files overwrite the space.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
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.
From our report of May 2020 · not reviewed since
Get rid of Ako ransomware virus from the system
You need to note that the Ako ransomware virus is dangerous and can make other changes on your device besides directly affecting those files during encryption.
Many system folders, essential files, and crucial program-related data get directly affected by the threat, so you cannot reverse those setting changes.
You need to remove Ako ransomware completely from the machine, including planted malicious files, installed programs, and other malware that keeps the cryptovirus persistent. This is achievable if you go for proper anti-malware tools and scan the machine fully.
Such Ako ransomware removal method allows detecting all traces and cleaning the machine from the virus. You should note that all those system changes require attention too. Rely on or and check the machine for any ransomware traces and virus damage. Then go through methods below that show how to restore files.
[GI=method-1]Reboot the machine in Safe Mode with Networking so you can eliminate Ako ransomware fully
[GI=method-2]Ako ransomware termination can be achieved with System Restore feature that allows recovering the machine in a previous state
Windows Previous Versions can help you with encrypted files
When you enable System Restore, Windows Previous Versions can be used to restore Ako virus-encoded data
ShadowExplorer is the possible method for encrypted data
You can use this method when Shadow Volume Copies are not affected by the ransomware
Ako ransomware is not decryptable yet
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Backups: the 3-2-1 rule
Keep three copies of files that matter, on two kinds of storage, with one copy offline or off-site.
A disk that stays plugged in is reached by malware like Ako ransomware together with the PC; one you connect only for the backup is not.
On Windows 11, File History keeps versions on an external drive, and OneDrive keeps earlier versions of synced files. Before restoring anything, make sure the PC no longer shows files that end in .2zrl5j and no longer open.
Setting it up step by step: 3-2-1 backups on Windows 11 and 10.
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 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 can also be effective and restore at least some of your lost data.
Questions about Ako ransomware
Is there a decryptor for .2zrl5j files?
That depends on the family behind the .2zrl5j extension, which this guide cannot confirm yet from the reports alone. Check No More Ransom and ID Ransomware with your ransom note and one encrypted file; they list families with free tools.
If none exists today, keep the encrypted files and a copy of the note on a separate drive, because decryptors are sometimes published months later after flaws are found or servers are seized. Never buy a decryptor from a website that is not the security company that made it.
Should I pay the ransom in ako-readme.txt?
Not before you have tried everything else. Identify the family from ako-readme.txt and one encrypted file, check No More Ransom for a free decryptor, and look for clean copies in OneDrive, backups and Previous Versions.
Paying funds further attacks, may be illegal if the group is sanctioned, and is no promise of a working key: many victims get partial or broken decryption. If you consider paying for business-critical data, involve the police and a professional incident responder first, and never pay through intermediaries who promise their own decryption.
How do I open .2zrl5j files?
You cannot open them by renaming or by choosing another program. The .2zrl5j ending shows that Ako ransomware encrypted the content, and only the matching key can reverse it. Renaming a file back to .docx or .jpg changes nothing except the icon, and it can confuse a future decryptor, so leave the names as they are.
To get the content back, use a backup, an unencrypted copy elsewhere, or a decryptor listed on No More Ransom if one exists for Ako ransomware. Store the encrypted files on an external disk until then.
Can a data-recovery company decrypt my files for a fee?
Only if a decryptor already exists or the company pays the attackers for you. Some "ransomware recovery" services advertise that they can decrypt families with no known flaw; in practice they negotiate with the attackers and add their own fee. Others use the same free tools listed on No More Ransom.
Before you hire anyone, ask in writing how they will recover the files, whether they will contact the attackers and what happens if they fail. A legitimate service answers clearly. If a free decryptor exists for your family, you can run it yourself.
How did Ako ransomware get on my computer?
The way Ako ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .2zrl5j and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Did Ako ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Ako ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .2zrl5j and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Is Ako ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Should I open ako-readme.txt?
Reading it is fine if you open it in Notepad. A plain text ako-readme.txt cannot harm the PC. Be careful with notes in HTA or HTML format: double-clicking those runs them in a window that can contain scripts, so right-click and choose Open with > Notepad instead.
The note tells you the contact addresses, the claimed amount and the deadline. Do not visit links or write to the addresses from this PC. Use the note to identify the family and check for a free decryptor first.
Will .2zrl5j spread to my other drives?
It can. Ransomware encrypts every drive and network share it can reach while it runs, so external disks, USB sticks and shared folders connected during the attack may also have files ending in .2zrl5j. Disconnect everything now, then check each device from a clean computer.
Do not plug a backup drive into the infected PC until the ransomware has been removed with an offline scan. Cloud folders such as OneDrive sync the encrypted versions, but they keep earlier versions you can usually restore.
Will Fortect remove Ako ransomware?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Ako ransomware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Latesthackingnews: One more threat for organizations - the Ako ransomware (read October 7, 2026)
- VirusTotal: Malware sample No.1 detection (read October 7, 2026)
- VirusTotal: Malware sample No.2 detection (read October 7, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Advanced Encryption Standard (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)