Alka ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
Alka ransomware – malware that extorts a particular fee for the alleged decryption tool that should help to unlock encoded files marked using .alka extension. It is a version of the DJVU virus that is releasing a version after version and not stopping for three years now.
Facts checked October 6, 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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Alka ransomware: summary
| Distribution | It is known that one of the more unique ways of how this family injects products on the machines involves pirated software and torrent sites because software cracks,[2] licensed keys, game cheats and other files like that include malicious script which triggers ransomware infection |
|---|---|
| Name | Alka ransomware |
| Family | This is a threat belonging to the STOP virus family. The 204th version of the Djvu ransomware |
| File marker | .alka is the appendix that indicates all the data affected during the encryption. This marker gets added at the end of the original name after the file type extension |
| Ransom note | _readme.txt – the file that gets placed in folders where encrypted data is and on the desktop where people can find the message as soon as possible |
| Amount of ransom demanded | It starts at $980, but actors try to fake the trust and offer a discount of 50% for people who contact criminals in the first 72 hours, which makes the ransom $490 in the form of Bitcoin. |
| 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
| Contact emails | helpmanager@firemail.cc, helpmanager@iran.ir |
|---|---|
| Distinct features | The malware injects AZORult trojan on the system as a secondary payload that can steal various information; it alters hosts files so the victim cannot access security software providers, sites like this one; malware shows a fake Windows OS update window during the encryption, so the victim is not paying attention to the slowness and disturbance of the performance |
| Decryption options | Files affected by the Alka version cannot get easily decrypted unless the victims' ID ends in t1 what indicates the offline key used for encryption. If so, Emsisoft has a tool that may help. Otherwise, the official decryption tool is not available, so you may need third-party options for recovery |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Encrypted file extension | .alka |
| 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 |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 4 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .alka |
| Attacker contacts | helpmanager@firemail.cc |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 3 February 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.alka - Note file:
_readme.txt - Contact:
helpmanager@firemail.cc
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Alka ransomware
- Alka ransomware removal is a process that requires additional help and advanced knowledge since it involves a few types of malware, possibly, and system alterations.
- So the best way os to get the anti-malware program and scan the computer for thorough cleaning
- You still need to clean the machine and fix the damage that virus leaves on the system, so get PC repair program or an optimizer like and find affected parts of your device and possibly fix them without causing additional issues
How Alka ransomware behaves
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
Alka ransomware is the cryptovirus that encrypts files and corrupts the system settings in several attack stages
Alka ransomware – malware that extorts a particular fee for the alleged decryption tool that should help to unlock encoded files marked using .alka extension.
It is a version of the DJVU virus that is releasing a version after version and not stopping for three years now. Previously, some of the versions were decryptable, and people got their files back with the help of STOPDecrypter.exe file and the tool that researchers developed based on offline keys.
After August 2019, malicious actors who develop this virus started to use proper encryption methods and rely on online keys. This fact made it worse for all the victims all over the world because when each victim gets the unique ID, decryption is only possible with that particular key.
In some cases, when IDs end in t1, they can be used to restore at least some of the files because, with offline keys, encryption codes are easier to break.
Since Alka ransomware virus mainly uses online IDs, as other versions released in the past six months, f.e Repp dropped around the same time, there are fewer options left for victims. Tools, that researchers have, only work with offline IDs that can be used for many victims at the time.
The other option is paying the ransom, but experts rarely state that it is safe, especially when it comes to such large cryptovirus families. Since decryption is not easy, it is better to focus on terminating the malware and recovering the machine using other options - thrid party data restoring applications and anti-malware tools.
Alka ransomware is not targeting particular countries, so anyone and anywhere can get affected by this threat and suffer the loss of data or even money if they decide to pay the creators.
The encryption that ransomware is based on changes original code of data like images, documents, audio, video files. This process also affects databases and archives, but system files and folders get interfered too, just not during the encryption.
Alka ransomware and Djvu versions, in general, are known for displaying the fake Windows update program window that states about a running process, so people believe that slowness of the system is caused by this, not anything else.
During this time, encryption and all the other changes takes place. When files get the .alka marker, they already are unreadable and cannot be used, so the ransom is demanded in _readme.txt file.
However, the attack is not ending here. To ensure that victims cannot easily recover after the infection and that there are fewer options for Alka ransomware removal, virus developers focus on disabling particular security tools and functions. Since your AV software is possibly blocked, you need to enter the Safe Mode with Networking or use another method that allows performing the system check.
Unfortunately, it becomes difficult to remove Alka ransomware and to restore files after these registry and system file alterations. When startup preferences get changed, ransomware is launched newly over and over, and all the processes of disabling and blocking programs continue. The virus can install files, applications, and other malware, so the machine gets even more damaged over time.
You should clean the system as soon as possible to avoid permanent and unrepairable Alka ransomware virus damage. However, you may fix such issues with system tools like since such a program can find affected system files and repair them without damaging other processes.
The Alka ransomware note
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:
https://we.tl/t-7YSRbcuaMa
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:
helpmanager@firemail.cc
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
helpmanager@iran.ir
Your personal ID:
How to remove Alka 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 Alka 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
Alka 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
_readme.txtand one or two files ending in.alkato 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 Alka ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 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 Alka 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 Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
Alka ransomware file encryption and recovery
Alka ransomware starts with encryption as soon as the payload file lands on the machine.
Malware uses a powerful algorithm that allows finding the most commonly used and valuable files. Then the virus can change those personal files and demand payment for the recovery.
It happens first because actors focus on locking data and demanding payments from victims. The ransom demanding file _readme.txt also gets placed on the system as soon as possible. The ransom note delivers the same message that has been distributed since 2016:
Additional changes that Alka ransomware makes, happens after the encryption and cannot be easily noticed because of that. The blackmailing message distracts victims from any other activities, and malware can run uninterrupted while people decide to pay or not. This is not the solution for such malware, and researchers note that people shouldn't even contact criminals in such instances.
This is probably the reason why developers keep releasing version after version and blocking such sites like security software providers, malware researchers' blogs, and so on. Victims cannot get too much information about the infection and decides to pay. When it comes to recovery after Alka ransomware infection, it is important to note that some facts can determine how easy it is to get your files back:
- we already mentioned that offline vs. online keys get used by these malware creators and since Alka ransomware is one of the newer versions it mostly relies on online victim IDs, making the decryption merely impossible;
- if you know that offline key got used in the particular attack on your machine, you can rely on decryption tool and researchers;
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
Deceptive techniques enable hackers to spread malicious code on a large scale
It is common to get an infection like ransomware or trojan from spam email attachments, hacked sites, malicious pages, and insecure software installations involved in pirating services.
Many opportunities allow hackers to spread quickly and even deliver other threats on the infected machine.
In most cases, this threat comes unnoticed because the victim opens the email attachment without paying close attention or installs a package from sharing services where pirated or even malicious files get included.
Spam email can have links on the notification that directly reroutes users to malware-dropping service, so you only need to click on a dangerous content once to get infected. This is a very dangerous threat that starts working immediately. Remember:
- pirating software, getting game cheats and other cracks of applications are not only illegal but highly dangerous activities;
- spam emails that are sent from questionable sources, unknown companies, services, and commercial providers should be taken into consideration before opening;
- don't download random MS documents and other files on the machine from emails or websites you are not sure of.
From our report of Feb 2020 · not reviewed since
Make the system clean from Alka files virus traces
Even though Alka ransomware virus is focusing on encryption and ransom demands, that doesn't mean other parts of the device are affected.
The infected system is vulnerable to infections, and especially when threats besides the cryptovirus get installed, the cleaning process is crucial.
Alka ransomware removal is significantly affected by all the alterations in the system folders, Windows registry, and other parts that control functions and programs running on the computer. Although anti-malware tools are the ones that should help the best, you may need to reboot the machine in Safe Mode additionally.
To remove Alka ransomware, get or and run it on the system. Follow all the steps that the program suggests and remember to double-check before proceeding with file repair options. If you add your data backups on the system that still has virus traces, you may lose all your files. Fix system damage using and then go through recovery option suggestions below.
[GI=method-1]Reboot the machine in Safe Mode with Networking and remove the Alka ransomware with AV tools then
[GI=method-2]System Restore is a feature worth trying because it allows the user to recover the machine in a previous state when the virus was not active
It also helps for accidentally deleted data
Windows Previous Versions feature restores individual files that get affected by the malware
When System Restore gets enabled, Windows Previous Versions can be the solution for affected data
ShadowExplorer method for encrypted files
If Alka ransomware is not affecting Shadow Volume Copies, ShadowExplorer can be used as an alternative method for data repair
Decryption tool for Alka ransomware is not developed, but there are a few options
When offline IDs get used for locking files, Emsisoft can offer the DJVU decryption tool that can repair encoded data
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 Alka 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 .alka 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 Alka ransomware
How do I open .alka files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .alka has been encrypted. The only ways back are a working decryptor for the family, or clean copies from elsewhere:
- OneDrive versions
- File History
- an offline backup drive
- Previous Versions if the ransomware did not delete them
Identify the family first by uploading the ransom note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom. Avoid websites and programs that promise to open any encrypted file; they do not work and some are scams.
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.
Is there a free Alka ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Alka ransomware no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Alka ransomware decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
Should I pay the ransom?
We advise against it, and so do the FBI, Europol and national cyber agencies. Payment does not guarantee a working tool: some attackers never reply, some tools damage files, and some variants have no decryptor at all. Paying also funds further attacks and can make you a target again.
Before considering payment, try every recovery option in this guide and report the attack. Companies must involve their legal adviser and insurer, because payments to sanctioned groups can be illegal. If files are truly irreplaceable, store the encrypted copies and wait; decryptors sometimes appear later.
How did Alka ransomware get on my computer?
The way Alka 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 .alka 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 Alka ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Alka ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .alka 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 Alka 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.
Can I delete _readme.txt?
Yes, the note itself is harmless text and deleting it does not affect your files. Keep at least one copy first, outside the infected PC. _readme.txt contains your personal ID and the attackers' contact details, which identification services use to tell which family encrypted your files, and which a decryptor may need later.
Police reports also ask for it. Once you have saved a copy, you can remove the notes from every folder after the ransomware program has been removed and your files are restored or backed up.
Should I reinstall Windows after the .alka attack?
Reinstalling removes the ransomware but not the encryption: your files ending in .alka stay encrypted afterwards. So first copy the encrypted files and the ransom note to a separate drive, in case a decryptor appears later. Then decide:
- a clean-up with an offline scan is often enough for home PCs
- while a full reset is safer if remote access was involved
- scans keep finding new items
Restore your backups only after the PC is clean, and change passwords from another device.
Will Fortect remove Alka 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 Alka 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
- Dieviren: Dieviren (read October 6, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Software cracking (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)