Ukash virus: what it is and how to remove it
Ukash virus is a malicious computer program that belongs to ransomware and Trojan categories. Once installed, such virus restricts access to the PC or encrypts files on the system and then displays a full-screen message urging to pay a ransom .
Facts checked October 7, 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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Ukash virus: summary
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
|---|---|
| Ransom note | Not named in our report; the text of the note is not in our records |
| Contact | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Encrypted file extension | Not recorded in our earlier report |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| 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 8 more facts
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
|---|---|
| Name | Ukash virus |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | An unknown program in Installed apps |
| Evidence | 6 write-ups by security sites; details still limited |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026) |
| First seen | 15 May 2017 |
| Facts checked | 7 October 2026 |
How Ukash virus behaves
From our report of May 2017 · not reviewed since
Ukash virus blocks access to the computer, asks to pay a "fine" to regain it
Ukash virus is a malicious computer program that belongs to ransomware and Trojan categories.
Once installed, such virus restricts access to the PC or encrypts files on the system and then displays a full-screen message urging to pay a ransom . There are many versions of this ransomware, including versions for Mac and Android. The majority of these viruses state that the computer has been locked for violation of federal law.
The malicious program creates an image that a particular institution located in victim's country was informed about his/hers illegal activities, such as watching illegal content, distributing malware . To convince victims that these malicious programs are work of law enforcement agencies, these programs display names and logos of legal authorities.
Some of these programs are even capable of taking control of victim's webcam and showing live view just to convince the user that his/hers activity is being recorded. The most preeminent and infamous examples of such malware are FBI virus , Police virus, "Your computer has been blocked" virus.
These deceptive viruses usually provide a list of accusations and try to scare the victim by promising to put him/her behind bars for a long time if one fails to pay the forfeit within given time. The malicious virus asks the victim to collect the required amount of money, visit store and exchange it for a Ukash voucher.
The coupon contains a code that needs to be entered into the malicious program. If the victim enters the right code, the computer gets unlocked. The virus is almost identical to MoneyPak ransomware group. However, these viruses do not seem to be active nowadays, because now the majority of ransom-demanding viruses urge to pay the ransom via Bitcoin payment system.
Ukash virus is a typical extortion tool used by cyber criminals and the only difference that distinguishes it from typical ransomware that it pretends to be a legal program rather than clearly asking for ransom. There are two types of such ransomware viruses - those that block access to the computer, and those that encrypt your files .
The second type is far more dangerous because once such viruses run encryption algorithms on personal records, they become corrupted and the only way to reverse the process is to use a private key, which is stored at criminals' private servers. In most cases, data recovery is impossible. Luckily, the majority of viruses that fall into the aforementioned malware category just display a screenlocker, which can be disabled easily.
Sadly, sometimes victims pay the ransom before looking for information about these programs online, or even if they have never done anything illegal. It is apparent that the developers of these virtual extortion tools use social engineering to convey the sense of urgency, scare the victim and force one to pay the ransom. Before you start the removal process, make sure you read instructions provided by our expert team.
From our report of May 2017 · not reviewed since
The most infamous versions of Ukash malware
FBI virus.
FBI ransomware is a malicious Trojan that has been infecting computer users since 2012. It is one of the oldest ransom-demanding viruses that are still active in 2017. The virus blocks access to the computer by launching a full-screen message with Federal Bureau of Investigation - Department of Justice logo on it.
The alert demands a ransom paid in the form of either MoneyPak or Ukash voucher. The dangerous Trojan requests $100-$200, although it can be removed just by ending the malicious process and deleting the malicious program. Versions of this virus are actively attacking Android users as well.
Metropolitan Police Ukash virus. The virus was first spotted back in 2012, around the same time as FBI virus showed up. The virus displays victim's IP address, and states that "the process of illegal activity is detected." The virus accuses the victim of sending spam containing terroristic materials and also visiting websites that provide illegal content.
The virus asks to buy a prepaid card worth £100 and enter its code into the ransomware's program window. Since this virus works as screenlocker that doesn't encrypt files, the victim only needs to delete the virus to start using the PC again. Considering that it is a profoundly malevolent program, experts advise removing it with a professional anti-malware product.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Ukash virus. This virus launches the scary alert message via Safari browser, and it mostly attacks Mac users. The browser tab shows "Your browser has been locked" line, and the website itself says that all activities of the computer are being recorded.
The virus typically accuses the victim of violating copyright laws, distributing prohibited pornography contents and ironically, neglectful use of the computer. This ransomware variant asks for $50 although it can be deleted just by closing the Safari window and scanning Mac OS with compatible anti-malware software.
Android ransomware. Smartphones running Android operating system are vulnerable to Android Ukash virus. This virus also asks to pay the ransom using described prepaid cards. The latest variants of this virus are even capable of attacking IoT devices - LG Smart TVs.
Versions of this virus typically accuse the victim of watching illegal content and ask to pay a ransom in order to unlock the device. People who fall victim to attacks against mobile devices should perform a factory reset for the device. There is no necessity to pay the ransom because these viruses typically cannot corrupt data on the compromised device.
From our report of May 2017 · not reviewed since
Be aware of malware distribution methods to keep malicious programs away from your computer
All ransomware that belongs to this malware family are spread with the help of trojans that can come either with infected downloads or through spam emails and their attachments.
Of course, the user has no idea about Ukash virus and discovers it only when this virus restricts access to the computer. Besides, the victim is welcomed by a huge message titled 'Attention! Illegal activity was revealed' and said that there are some serious law violations found. Scammers suggest dropping the charges if the victim pays a "fine" within 24 hours or a week.
However, you must be aware that no such official organization collects fines paid in prepaid cards. Besides, such organizations NEVER lock computers down and leave users without the Internet connection. We have some tips for computer users that can help to keep ransomware viruses away from the smart devices:
- No matter what kind of programs you have on your computer, keep all of them up-to-date. This way, attackers won't be able to exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to execute commands on your PC.
- Install a proper security software. If you want to block ransomware attacks, you need to use a program that can identify malicious attempts to infect your system.
- Do not open suspicious email attachments. If you ever receive an email letter from someone you do not know, firstly lookup for information about the sender online or, if needed, contact the company the sender claims to be working for.
- No matter what kind of programs you have on your computer, keep all of them up-to-date. This way, attackers won't be able to exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to execute commands on your PC.
- Install a proper security software. If you want to block ransomware attacks, you need to use a program that can identify malicious attempts to infect your system.
- Do not open suspicious email attachments. If you ever receive an email letter from someone you do not know, firstly lookup for information about the sender online or, if needed, contact the company the sender claims to be working for.
The Ukash virus ransom note
We did not record the full text of the ransom note in our report.
How to remove Ukash virus
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 Ukash virus 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
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Ukash virus cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
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 identify the family
The name of the family decides whether a free decryptor can help. Copy the ransom note and two small encrypted files to a USB stick, and check them on another device with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff.
Note the extension added to the files, the contact address and the victim ID shown in the note. Keep the originals on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC untouched.
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
Our last check found that for Ukash virus, no free decryptor is known (checked 7 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Ukash virus does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and 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
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
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
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Ukash virus deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
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 May 2017 · not reviewed since
Expert tips on how to remove Ukash viruses
It is hard to uninstall ransomware because such malicious programs never leave an uninstaller.
Carefully read all steps provided in Ukash removal guide below and follow them to rescue your PC from ransomware. Victims who use Android operating system should follow instructions provided here.
Instructions provided in the guide presented below will help you to regain access to your computer system and remove Ukash virus right away. The guide that contains screenshots explains how to reboot your PC in Safe Mode so that you could start the malware removal software properly. If the Method 1 and Method 2 won't help you to kill the virtual infection, you might want to try these additional steps:
1. Restart your computer to 'Safe Mode with Networking' with the help of F8 button; 2. Launch MSConfig and disable all startup entries rundll32 turning on any application from Application Data; 3. Restart the system once again 4.
UPDATE: You can also try the following methods to remove Ukash virus from your computer:
Manual Ukash virus removal (special skills needed!):
Look for Previous File Versions
Have you ever created System Restore point? If you did, follow these instructions to restore individual files that were recently corrupted by the virus.
Try to find Volume Shadow Copies
Volume Shadow Copies are very useful copies of your data, which can help to restore them in case original copies get corrupted. Sadly, the majority of ransomware viruses delete them. To check whether the malware eliminated this backup or not, run ShadowExplorer.
- Users infected with Ukash group of viruses are allowed to access other accounts on their Windows systems. If one of such accounts has administrator rights, you should be capable of launching anti-malware program.
- Try to deny the Flash to make your ransomware stop function as intended. In order to disable the Flash, go to Macromedia support and select 'Deny'. After doing that, run a full system scan with anti-malware program.
- Reboot you infected PC to 'Safe mode with command prompt' to disable FBI virus (this should be working with all versions of this threat)
- Run Regedit
- Search for WinLogon Entries and write down all the files that are not explorer.exe or blank. Replace them with explorer.exe.
- Search the registry for these files you have written down and delete the registry keys referencing the files.
- Reboot and run a full system scan with updated , or to remove remaining files.
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.
Protect the files you restore
Restore only after the scans are clean and the PC no longer shows ukash virus in the list of installed apps; otherwise the restored copies can be damaged again.
Then build a backup that survives the next infection:
- one copy in the cloud with version history
- one on an external drive that is disconnected between backups
- the working copy on the PC
Version history matters because a backup that syncs damaged files overwrites the good ones.
How to do this with the tools built into Windows: the 3-2-1 backup rule on Windows.
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices.
Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings.
Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact - you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use for the data restoration process.
Questions about Ukash virus
Is there a free Ukash virus decryptor?
We last checked on 7 October 2026, and for Ukash virus 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 "Ukash virus 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 Ukash virus get on my computer?
The way Ukash virus 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 ukash virus in the list of installed apps, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
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.
Did Ukash virus steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Ukash virus, but the only confirmed sign is ukash virus in the list of installed apps, 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 Ukash virus 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.
The note says the price doubles after a deadline. Should I hurry?
No. Deadlines and discounts are pressure tactics meant to stop you from thinking, checking for a decryptor or talking to the police. Encrypted files do not get worse with time, and attackers who want money usually still answer after the deadline.
Use the time to remove the ransomware, check every backup and copy, identify the family and report the attack. If you are a business, let your incident response provider and insurer advise you. A rushed payment to the wrong address, or to a scammer posing as the attackers, is the more common mistake.
How do I open my .docx, .jpg and other files locked by Ukash?
You cannot open locked files normally while they stay encrypted, and renaming them will not help. Our earlier report did not record the extension that Ukash adds, so check one locked file name and the ransom note for it.
No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates. Do not rename the files, change the extension or edit them, because that can make recovery harder. Copy the locked files to an external drive before you clean the system, so a decryptor released later still has them.
Will Fortect remove Ukash virus?
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 Ukash virus, 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
- Microsoft Malware Protection Center: Ransomware Facts (read October 7, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 7, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 7, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 7, 2026)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline (read October 7, 2026)