How to remove Ekvf ransomware

Ekvf ransomware – a cryptovirus developed for cryptocurrency shakedown

Ekvf ransomware is a computer virus that targets Windows computers. When this cryptovirus infects a device, it encrypts all personal files, such as archives, pics, documents, databases, etc., within minutes. It also renames all encrypted data by appending the specific extension to all original file names. Thus if your PC is infected and you had a file named 1.pdf, it would now appear as 1.pdf.ekvf.

All assailant instructions and demands are portrayed in a ransom note, titled _readme.txt, that appears on the desktop when the encryption is done. The perpetrators urge their victims to contact them via email (helpteam@mail.ch, helpmanager@airmail.cc) within 72 hours of the attack to receive a 50% discount for the decryption.

Ekvf virus derives from the infamous Djvu ransomware family. Cryptoviruses from this descent has been terrorizing computer users from around the world since 2018. Older versions have been decoded, and files locked by them can be decrypted without paying a dime to the criminals using Emsisoft decryption tools.

Since this malware is brand new, it's not yet known if files can be recovered using the said decryptor. These new versions of the family rely on online IDs, so decryption becomes more difficult. Either way, paying the criminals isn't the best idea, and by reading this article, you'll find out why. It also contains the culprits' summary, peculiarities, removal options, and recovery methods.

There are various types of malware^[2] built for different purposes, but even ransomware viruses can have distinct features. Some may encrypt certain file types, while others can download your data before locking it and hold it as leverage until a ransom payment is forwarded.

Djvu family ransomware, including Pola virus, Reig virus, Tirp virus, Ekvf virus, and hundreds of others, encrypt all personal files on the infected Windows computer but does excessive damage to system files. That's done to establish persistence, i.e., prolong its unwelcomed stay.

Following successful encryption, the ransomware virus drops a ransom note, titled _readme.txt, in which the criminals state their demands and use various persuasion techniques to convince their victims into paying the ransom. They start by claiming that only their decryption tool is able to unlock the files.

Then they continue by offering free decryption of one locked file and providing a link where the tool can be seen in action. But their “kindness” doesn't end there, as they offer a 50% discount on the ransom for victims that establish contact within 72 hours. That would lower the asking price of the decryption software from $980 to $490.

Here's the whole message from .Ekvf file virus developers:

ATTENTION!

Don't worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like pictures, 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-9CYW99VhUR
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:
helpteam@mail.ch

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

Your personal ID:

Although paying off the criminals to regain access to your files seems like the easiest way out of this sticky situation, it's actually the worse thing you could do. Crooks behind Ekvf ransomware could use that money to attack other innocent people, develop more advanced malware and more sophisticated means to distribute it.

The only sensible thing to do is to remove ransomware. That can be done by scanning your infected device with a trustworthy anti-malware tool. If you don't own one, free security tools such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes will suffice. Remember to keep their virus signatures up-to-date so they can identify and block the latest infections.

As we've mentioned before, system files aren't encrypted but are altered and corrupted. System Registry, host files, and other core system directories get modified to establish persistence. Therefore, after Ekvf ransomware removal, we highly advise using the all-in-one FortectIntego system optimizer to fix any system inconsistencies.

Stop using torrent platforms to avoid the most pervasive ransomware family infections

Ransomware is spread using different methods, from phishing emails to deceptive ads. But what separates Djvu ransomware from others is that it's mainly spread using file-sharing platforms, especially torrent websites. So please withhold from using these platforms if you value your safety and your files.

Cybercriminals prefer torrent platforms as they require the least effort to infect someone's device. They have to think of an attractive name that would lure unaware users and upload it. Reports suggest that most of Djvu ransomware was camouflaged as game cracks and other illegal or pirated software.

Downloading a copyrighted movie or unlocked commercial software might save you a couple of bucks, but you could get a lot more than you expected. It's illegal to use copyrighted content for free. Download all your desired software directly from its developers or official distributors to evade ransomware and other types of malware.

Simple steps to remove virus from an infected Windows device

Before taking on the task of Ekvf ransomware removal, you should try Emsisoft or other file recovery options listed below. If none of them work, extract all essential encrypted files to an offline storage device, such as a USB drive, because there's always hope that a necessary decryption tool will be developed.

Then download a free anti-malware tool such as SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. Install it, update its virus signatures and launch it. In some cases, Ransomware can prevent you from opening security software. If that happens to you, refer to our guides below to open it in Safe Mode with Networking.

Once your AV tool is updated and ready to go, perform a full system scan. When it's finished, select to remove ransomware along with any associated files. Unfortunately, that won't restore your Registry or any other altered, or in any other way corrupted system files and settings.

If they're left unattended, your PC might exhibit various abnormal behavior, such as freezing, severe lag, BSoDs, and so on. Therefore, cybersecurity specialists^[3] highly recommend using the all-in-one FortectIntego system diagnostics tool to fix system-related issues.