How to remove Striked ransomware virus

Nuts and bolts of the Striked ransomware

Striked ransomware is another addition to the ransomware kin ^[1] which demands ransom for the recovery of files which it first blatantly locks up using intricate encryption algorithms. The encrypted files take more space on the disk than the original ones — each of them increases by 36 bytes in size.

The virus drops a ransom note called README_DECRYPT.html right after encrypting all files and appending them with file extensions that are compiled using the ##id# format. In other words, the extension consists of criminals’ email address, and victim’s personal identifier, which is also provided in the ransom note.

For example, currently, Striked ransomware appends files with the following extensions:
#rap@mortalkombat.top#id#
#bitcoin@mortalkombat.top#id#
#nukem@mortalkombat.top#id#

Here are just a few examples of the multiplicity of email addresses perpetrators use to cover their tracks. Therefore, you may as well encounter versions that use chivas@aolonline.top, raiden@aolonline.top, bitcoin@mortalkombat.top, Andrey.gorlachev@aol.com, jekabro@mortalkombat.top, duk@mortalkombat.top, m.pirat@aol.com and other addresses as means of victim-ransomer communication.

When the ransomware is launched, it greets the victim with a huge line at the top of the ransom note that says:

YOUR FILES ARE STRIKED!
-=ALL OF YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED!=-
Your personal identifier: –
Your documents, photos, databases, save games and other important data were encrypted.
For a data recovery requires a decryptor.
To decrypt your files send an email to raiden@mortalkombat.top
In the reply letter, you will receive a program for decryption.
After starting the decryption program, all your files will be restored.
!!! Attention !!!!!! Attention !!!!!! Attention !!!
*** Do not attempt to uninstall the program or run antivirus software
*** Attempts to decrypt files by themselves will result in the loss of your data

The ransomware then suggests that data can be recovered only with the help of decryption key that is securely stored in criminals’ servers. To obtain this key, the victim has to get in touch with cybercriminals by writing to a provided email address.

However, simply writing to criminals won’t get you your files back. Criminals will ask you to purchase a certain amount of Bitcoins and transfer them to their Bitcoin wallet address^[2]. Such payment method helps them to stay anonymous; therefore it is used almost by every cybercriminal in the world.

First of all, we do not recommend paying the ransom simply because criminals are not the people that you should trust. It is entirely up to them whether to provide the decryption key to you or not.

Keep in mind that in some cases, criminals asked for more money after receiving the required amount of money from the victim. Besides, if you keep up with the news on VirusActivity site ^[3], you might find some news about a decrypter available for this ransomware.

Updated on July 24, 2017. A free decrypter is already available, and you can thank Michael Gillespie for it. The malware analyst has recently released a StrikedDecrypter which you can download for free. The download link is provided in the data recovery instructions below.

The updated decrypter is now capable of decrypting files with these file extensions:

• nukem@mortalkombat.top;
• rap@mortalkombat.top;
• jekabro@mortalkombat.top;
• m.pirat@aol.com;
• bitcoin@mortalkombat.top;
• duk@mortalkombat.top;
• Andrey.gorlachev@aol.com;
• chivas@aolonline.top;
• raiden@aolonline.top.

If your files were marked with one of the listed extensions, do not waste your money and do not pay the ransom! Just remove Striked ransomware and recover your files for free.

Finally, remember that by paying the ransom, you support cyber criminals and help them to launch new illegal projects. Therefore, instead of paying the ransom, we recommend you to remove Striked ransomware right now. For its removal, use anti-malware software such as FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner.

Ransomware viruses can be avoided

Malicious spam, exploit kits, software cracks, Trojans, malware-laden ads and compromised websites are main ransomware distribution tools. Therefore, to avoid accidentally installing Striked or any other ransomware, we strongly suggest you follow these tips provided by 2-Spyware experts:

1. Never install programs from suspicious-looking websites. Never look for illegal software (do not try to obtain paid software illegally for free);
2. Check the sender whenever you plan to open email attachments or click on links included in email messages that you receive. Remember that scammers often compose emails to look like they’re sent from a legitimate company – they add official logos and other details to create an impression that you’re dealing with a trustworthy email.
3. Keep all programs up-to-date. You do not want to use out-of-date programs as they can be described as security holes that allow attackers to infect your PC with malware;
4. Install an anti-malware program to keep you safe at all times;
5. Use strong RDP passwords. According to the Trend Micro experts, the latest Striked versions specifically focus on exploiting poorly configured remote desktop ports and aim to attack servers with poorly protected Web access panels. ^[4]
6. Create a data backup.

Striked removal and data recovery: working your way towards a healthy computer

Ransomware is a serious form of malware, and you should deal with it professionally. Therefore, to remove Striked virus, we suggest using anti-malware program. If you do not have it yet, you can use one of the programs recommended by our team.

Do not try to delete the ransomware manually as you can easily overlook some of its components and altered system settings. In such scenario, your computer would stay vulnerable and might start to function suspiciously. You can also start to experience various stability issues.

In relation to these issues, we can only recommend the automatic Striked removal. If you want to delete the virus the right way, follow these steps to run your computer in Safe Mode with Networking.