Odaku ransomware (virus) - Free Instructions

What is Odaku ransomware?

Odaku ransomware uses a string of four random characters or files it encrypts

Odaku ransomware malware installer is detected by various security vendors

Odaku is a ransomware-type computer infection that targets Windows users. First spotted in the first half of May of 2022, the malware was determined to be a variant of Chaos ransomware, which was first spotted mid-last year. It is derived from a prominent malware known as Ryuk, and some of its versions are known to work as wipers^[1] rather than ransomware.

The main goal of cybercriminals behind it is to make users pay a ransom of $25 in Bitcoin, as, upon infiltration, Odaku ransomware encrypts^[2] all personal files located on the system. All suchlike files are then appended with randomly-generated four alphanumeric characters, for example, “.04m0” or “.pugg,” which makes them unusable.

Crooks provide a ransom note read_it.txt that is immediately opened upon the data encryption completion. In a brief message, the attackers claim victims need to contact them using the @odaku account in Telegram after paying the requested sum in Bitcoins to bc1qr2vvldtzagpw6f2utk58cl8xw5ppm3mc7wu0zr crypto wallet.

The unusually small ransom request

The ransomware strain the Odaku virus belongs to is relatively new, so it is not uncommon for it to deviate from version to version. While previous versions were found to corrupt or straight out delete personal files, it doesn't seem to be the case here. What is exceptionally unusual here is the request ransom amount, as most crooks usually ask for payments between $500 to $1,000 from the affected computer users. Also, the ransom note is very brief and straightforward:

hi my name is odaku
send me here 25$ btc

wallet:
bc1qr2vvldtzagpw6f2utk58cl8xw5ppm3mc7wu0zr
send me screenshot here :

telegram : @odaku

Then I will send you the key .

Allegedly, users can receive a decryptor at some point after they transfer the requested money to hackers. However, there are plenty of reasons why security researchers, the FBI,^[3] and other authorities do not recommend paying or even contacting the malicious actors.

Odaku ransomware asks for $25 ransom to be sent to a provided bitcoin wallet

Why you shouldn't pay

Even though the ransom request is exceptionally low, you shouldn't consider paying. First of all, remember that these people aren't your friends, and they don't particularly care about your well-being. This means that they might not fulfill their promises and not deliver the decryption tool even after the payment is made. While some larger ransomware gangs have a reputation for delivering what they promised, there is simply never a guarantee, especially if the malware strain is new.

Second of all, victims who pay ransoms are unintentionally supporting the cybercriminal activities, as it only proves that the illegal business model works, and the incentive to attack other users increases. There have also been reports that some ransomware authors don't even have a working decryptor themselves.

Odaku ransomware removal and data recovery

Your main goal before proceeding with data recovery is the removal of the infection. Before that, we recommend disconnecting the system from the internet and the network.

1. Disconnect from the internet

Once established, ransomware can be configured to communicate with a remote server, where cybercriminals could start sending commands. For example, they might be able to update malware or even send additional malware payloads. Therefore, until Odaku virus removal is completed, we recommend disconnecting the affected system from the internet.

The easiest way to do this is by plugging out the internet cable or disconnecting the WiFi via the taskbar. If you want to do this on the system level, you can proceed with the following instructions:

• Type in Control Panel in Windows search and press Enter
• Go to Network and Internet
• Click Network and Sharing Center
• On the left, pick Change adapter settings
• Right-click on your connection (for example, Ethernet), and select Disable
• Confirm with Yes.

2. Scan with anti-malware

The next step is possibly the most important one – malware removal. While uninstalling ransomware or other malware manually is possible under certain circumstances, it should be left to security experts. Regular computer users should always employ security software, such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes, to handle the elimination process of any type of malware.

It is worth noting that some ransomware might self-destruct after its initial job of data encryption is complete, although there is plenty of malware that continues to encrypt everything that is brought in after the initial infection point. Also, malware is commonly distributed in bulks, and ransomware is not an exception.

3. Attempt to recover files

File encryption and ransomware infection are two independent processes (although the latter would not be possible without the former). However, it is important to understand that malware performs various changes within a Windows operating system, fundamentally changing the way it works. If these changes are not reverted by the security software, successful data recovery could be compromised once more.

That being said, the opposite is true: if specialized software would be used on encrypted files, it can permanently damage them, and even a working decryptor would no longer be successful. Thus, before proceeding, make sure you copy all the encrypted data onto another medium. Of course, if you have backups, you don't need to do any of this – as long as the malware is terminated from your device, you can restore files right away.

If you did not have working backups, the possibility of restoring Odaku ransomware-encrypted files is relatively low. Data recovery software might be able to restore at least a portion of the data:

• Download Data Recovery Pro.
• Double-click the installer to launch it.
  
• Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
• As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
• Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
• Press Next.
• At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
• Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
• You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
• Press Recover to retrieve your files.

Security experts are known to work on decryption tools for major ransomware strains. In some cases, bugs^[3] within the encryption process can be found or criminals' servers seized by authority agencies. In any case, you could look for decryptors on the following websites, although keep in mind it might take a while until there's a working one made.

• No More Ransom Project
• Free Ransomware Decryptors by Kaspersky
• Free Ransomware Decryption Tools from Emsisoft
• Avast decryptors

Attempt to fix your system files

Malware can cause tremendous damage to Windows systems to the point where a complete reinstallation could be required. For example, an infection can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Antivirus software can't repair damaged files, and a specialized app should be used instead.

• Download FortectIntego
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.