Remove Eking ransomware (Virus Removal Guide) - Decryption Steps Included

Eking ransomware – file-encrypting virus that asks for a quick ransom within 24 hours

Eking ransomware is a malicious file-encrypting virus that has been discovered on the surface on May 17th, 2020. The attacks have started slowly, but is affecting more and more users around the globe since then. According to the researchers^[1], the virus is being distributed via torrenting websites bundled with Adobe Acrobat crack, which is very popular and makes the virus spreading quite easily. Once the malicious payload is launched, the Eking starts the first phase of the attack, i.e. inject malicious .exe processes and gains administrative privileges over the system. The second phase is related to file encryption. For locking up victim's files, criminals behind this ransomware uses AES encryption and id.[decphob@tuta.io].eking appendix. 

Eking ransomware virus genealogically stems from the infamous Phobos ransomware family, which has over 20 members, including Mamba, Phoenix, and ISO ransomware. Just like the predecessors, it mimics the notorious file-encrypting viruses from the Dharma family. It uses an identical style for a ransom note and provides word-to-word the same instructions on it. At the moment, the Eking virus creates a pop-up window info.hta or a text file info.txt in every folder that contains locked files. The file contains two emails for contacts: decphob@tuta.io and decphob@protonmail.com. However, neither contacting criminals nor paying the ransom is recommended.  

The .eking file extension virus has been detected as the latest Phobos variant. The user who is considered to be the first victim of this ransomware reported that he's downloaded some software, a crack for Adobe Acrobat^[2] specifically, and soon after that files, such as photos, videos, documents, etc. got locked with the id.[decphob@tuta.io].eking affix manifests on of their titles. 

The Eking ransomware virus also displays a ransom note, which, as we have already pointed out able, is similar to the one displayed by Dharma. Victims may see a pop-up info.hta, which states the fact of an attack, provides contact information, ID number, and instructions on how to purchase Bitcoins. In addition, it may generate an info.txt file in every folder that contains encrypted data. The Eking ransom note contains the following information:

Your PC has been infected by a ransomware.  If you want to restore them, contact the following address below.
E – Mail contact – decphob@tuta.io / decphob@protonmail.com
If there is no answer in 24 hours. Try to contact us via Sonar.
Download TOR browser
hxxps://www.torproject.org/download/
While using your TOR browser copy and paste the URL below:
hxxp://kcxb2moqaw76xrhv.onion/
Register an account and message us in our ID : decphob
If the TOR link is not working go to hxxps://onion.live
NEVER RENAME ENCRYPTED FILES THIS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR FILES PERMANENTLY

The size of the redemption is not clear, though it may vary from $300 to $5000 in Bitcoins. However, paying the ransom is not recommended due to identity theft and other harm that hackers can cause. Instead, render the most powerful AV tool and remove Eking ransomware from your PC. Based on the VirusTotal^[3] information, 47 AV engines out of 72 detect ransomware files a malicious. These are examples of AV detections:

• Trojan.GenericKD.33855769
• Malware@#jur7x0zvg9ce
• A Variant Of MSIL/Kryptik.VYW
• HEUR:Trojan-PSW.MSIL.Agensla.gen
• ML.Attribute.HighConfidence
• Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj]
• Gen:NN.ZemsilF.34110.vm0@aOGvnLi
• Trojan.GenericKD.33855769 (B), etc.

Eking ransomware is extremely dangerous not only because of the aggressive compromisation of personal files. Before running the cipher, the virus includes a malicious module into the Windows Task Manager and injects intrusive entries into the Windows Registry. Moreover, it alters the Windows boot sequence and provides itself administrative privileges. This way, criminals weaken the system's security, diminishes its performance, and can misuse the breach as a backdoor for other malicious viruses (trojan, RAT, or spyware). 

Moreover, the Eking virus might initiate alterations on the security system, thus preventing AV programs from detecting it. In this case, the removal of the virus requires rebooting the system into Safe Mode with Networking or enabling System Restore. While in Safe Mode, use reliable antivirus software, for instance, Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner to scan the machine and delete all malicious entries. 

Once you remove Eking ransomware from the system, investigate all the methods that could be applied for data encryption. If you have backups, then a ransomware attack is not a big deal for you. If unfortunately, there are no backups, you can try third-party data recovery software or contact the ransomware researchers and ask them for help because there's no free Eking decryptor developed, at least not yet. 

Eking ransomware is one of the Phobos family members that resurfaced in May 2020. Victims reported it hidden under software cracks shared on torrenting sites

Finally, do not leave the system vulnerable after the Eking ransomware removal. As we have pointed before, the virus initiates a multitude of malicious activities on the system, which can lead to BSODs, errors, slowdowns, or infiltration of other malware. Optimize the system with ReimageIntego to restore its stability. 

Tricky methods are used to disseminate ransomware viruses across the globe

Cybersecurity experts from Dieviren.de^[4] claim that the bulk of ransomware infections steam from phishing emails and their malicious attachments (macros). These attachments are usually non-suspicious looking PDF files, Microsoft Office documents, and similar. The content of the message may mimic reputable banking, shipping, or healthcare companies. However, each time when the inbox gets a new message with an attachment, it's advisable to do the following:

• look for mistakes (grammar, typo, logic, etc.)
• double-check the sender
• scan the attachment with an anti-virus program

However, phishing emails are not the only way to transmit malware. In many cases, computers get infected after downloaded software from peer-to-peer networks. This applies to software, such as cracks, keygens, and similar illicit content. Therefore, it's important to very cautiously when using third-party torrenting services, such as The Pirate Bay. Also, do not forget to protect RDP configuration if you are using such service because remote desktop apps are also frequently exploited by criminals. Make sure to password protect the RDP and use it as a strong password as you can come up with.  

Eking ransomware virus is currently distributed via infected Adobe acrobat crack, which is shared by unknown people on torrenting websites

Eking ransomware removal and .eking file recovery steps

Eking ransomware should be removed from the system as soon as you notice suchlike extension appended to your files. Don't forget that ransomware viruses are often supplemented with multiple payloads, so the longer it stays on the system, the more risk arises to get a trojan or spyware infection in the background. 

Besides, it's important to remove the Eking virus before any attempts to recover locked files. Otherwise, the ransomware may strike again and re-encrypt the data. Elimination of this virus requires purchasing a full package of a really professional anti-virus program. We recommend using these Malwarebytes. 

Also, upon Eking removal scan the system with ReimageIntego to restore its technical side to the state prior to the attack. Only after that take action to retrieve data that the virus encrypted. For that, you can use a decryption tutorial submitted by our security experts.    

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