If you’re seeing the Mkos (.mkos) virus file extension appended to your data, then you have been infected by the latest iteration of the infamous STOP ransomware. The Mkos ransomware virus targets your personal files and encrypts them using a strong encryption algorithm. Once the encryption process takes place, the victim is unable to use their files until they are decrypted.
Mkos Virus (STOP Ransomware)
Mkos is yet another STOP ransomware variant. The cybercriminals behind this ransomware family have been releasing variants intensively. At the moment, .mkos files are not decryptable.
The Mkos ransomware virus is designed to drop a ransom message file, _readme.txt, on the compromised system. This is done to blackmail victims to pay a ransom fee for the alleged decryption of their files. However, paying the ransom fee is not recommended as it is highly unlikely for cybercriminals to provide the necessary decryption key.
This article will provide you with instructions on what to do, once your files have been encrypted with the .mkos extension.
Threat Summary
| Name | Mkos virus file |
| File Extension | .Mkos virus file |
| Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
| What Is It | A variant of STOP Ransomware infection. Aims to encrypt files and then attempts to blackmail you into paying ransom to cybercriminals so that you can get .mkos files decrypted. |
| Symptoms | The file extension .Mkos virus file is added to corrupted files. These files cannot be opened. A ransom note, called _readme.txt extorts a ransom fee from victims. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments, Executable Files, Hacked Websites |
| Removal | To effectively remove active Mkos virus file virus infections, we recommend that you use an advanced anti-malware tool. Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss Mkos virus file. |
| Data Recovery Tool | Windows Data Recovery by Stellar Phoenix Notice! This product scans your drive sectors to recover lost files and it may not recover 100% of the encrypted files, but only few of them, depending on the situation and whether or not you have reformatted your drive. |
Mkos Virus Ransomware – Full Description
Mkos virus is a crypto ransomware which is an iteration of the popular STOP DJVU Ransomware. The distribution of the mkos ransomware virus is taking place via malspam campaigns.
Malspam campaigns help cybercriminals in spreading ransomware to a large userbase. Malicious spam is a relatively easy method with high efficiency and hence, it is often preferred over other techniques. Malicious emails usually contain code hidden in commonly used file types, like documents and archives attached to the email message. In most cases, such malicious emails appear to be send by legitimate sources, such as largely known organizations and companies. However, this is only done to trick the user into executing the attached malicious file.
NOTE. Files which can initiate the Mkos virus infection on your Windows machine can be:
- Invoice coming from reputable sites, like PayPal, eBay, etc
- Document that appear to be sent from your bank
- An online order confirmation note
- Receipt for a purchase
- Tax bill
Mkos Attack Stages
The Mkos attack is initiated when the infection file is executed on the victim’s system. The latest ransomware variants appear to be more sophisticated than older ones, and they can perform various malicious activities that disrupt the operating system. Furthermore, by adding malicious entries under specific registry keys, the ransomware ensures its persistence on the system.
It is useful to know that once the Mkos virus affects the key RUN, it can start its malicious files on each system reboot. Thus, the best advice we can give you is to check your system’s registries and clean malicious entries while also removing Mkos ransomware from your system.
The only purpose of all malicious stages of the ransomware operation is the encryption of your files. For the encryption to be successful, the virus launches a built-in cipher module after it scans specific folders for certain file types typically utilized for storage of personal data.
Each time the module detects a target file, it applies changes that alter the original code of the file to encrypt it.
Other variants of STOP ransomware such as nbes, utilize sophisticated cipher algorithms such AES and RSA, and this is most certainly true for the Mkos iteration.
Once the encryption stage is finalized, the virus drops the _readme.txt ransom note, which should say the following:
ATTENTION!
Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, 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:
https://we.tl/t-7YSRbcuaMa
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:
datarestorehelp@firemail.ccReserve e-mail address to contact us:
datahelp@iran.irYour personal ID:
Note that getting in touch with cybercriminals is highly inadvisable. This action does not guarantee the recovery of your encrypted files, and it would also enable futher criminal operations involving ransomware and other malware.
At this point, Mkos files are not decryptable with either Emsisoft’s STOP Djvu Decryption tool, or with the previously created tool from Michael Gillespie.
However, as soon as we notice security researchers’ announcement about an update that supports the decryption of Mkos ransomware, we will update this article with the latest information.
Remove Mkos Ransomware – Instructions
The so-called Mkos ransomware is a threat with a highly complex code that disrupts system security in order to encrypt personal files. Hence the infected system could be used in a secure manner again only after the complete removal of all malicious files and objects created by the Mkos virus. That’s why we recommend that all steps presented in the removal guide below to be completed. Beware that the manual ransomware removal is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps, you can refer to the automatic part of the guide.
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Step 1: Scan for Mkos virus file with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Mkos virus file and related malware from Windows
Here is a method in few easy steps that should be able to uninstall most programs. No matter if you are using Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista or XP, those steps will get the job done. Dragging the program or its folder to the recycle bin can be a very bad decision. If you do that, bits and pieces of the program are left behind, and that can lead to unstable work of your PC, errors with the file type associations and other unpleasant activities. The proper way to get a program off your computer is to Uninstall it. To do that:
Follow the instructions above and you will successfully delete most unwanted and malicious programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Mkos virus file on your computer.
The usually targeted registries of Windows machines are the following:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
You can access them by opening the Windows registry editor and deleting any values, created by Mkos virus file there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
Tip: To find a virus-created value, you can right-click on it and click "Modify" to see which file it is set to run. If this is the virus file location, remove the value.
Before starting "Step 4", please boot back into Normal mode, in case you are currently in Safe Mode.
This will enable you to install and use SpyHunter 5 successfully.
Step 4: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Mkos virus file
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Mkos virus file.
Method 1: Use STOP Decrypter by Emsisoft.
Not all variants of this ransomware can be decrypted for free, but we have added the decryptor used by researchers that is often updated with the variants which become eventually decrypted. You can try and decrypt your files using the instructions below, but if they do not work, then unfortunately your variant of the ransomware virus is not decryptable.
Follow the instructions below to use the Emsisoft decrypter and decrypt your files for free. You can download the Emsisoft decryption tool linked here and then follow the steps provided below:
1 Right-click on the decrypter and click on Run as Administrator as shown below:
2. Agree with the license terms:
3. Click on "Add Folder" and then add the folders where you want files decrypted as shown underneath:
4. Click on "Decrypt" and wait for your files to be decoded.
Note: Credit for the decryptor goes to Emsisoft researchers who have made the breakthrough with this virus.
Method 2: Use data recovery software
Ransomware infections and Mkos virus file aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested a data recovery method that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that this method may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Simply click on the link and on the website menus on the top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Mkos virus file-FAQ
What is Mkos virus file Ransomware?
Mkos virus file is a ransomware infection - the malicious software that enters your computer silently and blocks either access to the computer itself or encrypt your files.
Many ransomware viruses use sophisticated encryption algorithms to make your files inaccessible. The goal of ransomware infections is to demand that you pay a ransom payment to get access to your files back.
What Does Mkos virus file Ransomware Do?
Ransomware in general is a malicious software that is designed to block access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
Ransomware viruses can also damage your system, corrupt data and delete files, resulting in the permanent loss of important files.
How Does Mkos virus file Infect?
Via several ways.Mkos virus file Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing emails, containing virus attachment. This attachment is usually masked as an important document, like an invoice, bank document or even a plane ticket and it looks very convincing to users.
Another way you may become a victim of Mkos virus file is if you download a fake installer, crack or patch from a low reputation website or if you click on a virus link. Many users report getting a ransomware infection by downloading torrents.
How to Open .Mkos virus file files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Mkos virus file files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted using a specific decryption key for the particular algorithm.
What to Do If a Decryptor Does Not Work?
Do not panic, and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .Mkos virus file files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Mkos virus file" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Mkos virus file files.
These methods are in no way 100% guaranteed that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How To Get Rid of Mkos virus file Virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti-malware program.
It will scan for and locate Mkos virus file ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Mkos virus file files.
Can I Report Ransomware to Authorities?
In case your computer got infected with a ransomware infection, you can report it to the local Police departments. It can help authorities worldwide track and determine the perpetrators behind the virus that has infected your computer.
Below, we have prepared a list with government websites, where you can file a report in case you are a victim of a cybercrime:
Cyber-security authorities, responsible for handling ransomware attack reports in different regions all over the world:
Germany - Offizielles Portal der deutschen Polizei
United States - IC3 Internet Crime Complaint Centre
United Kingdom - Action Fraud Police
France - Ministère de l'Intérieur
Italy - Polizia Di Stato
Spain - Policía Nacional
Netherlands - Politie
Poland - Policja
Portugal - Polícia Judiciária
Greece - Cyber Crime Unit (Hellenic Police)
India - Mumbai Police - CyberCrime Investigation Cell
Australia - Australian High Tech Crime Center
Reports may be responded to in different timeframes, depending on your local authorities.
Can You Stop Ransomware from Encrypting Your Files?
Yes, you can prevent ransomware. The best way to do this is to ensure your computer system is updated with the latest security patches, use a reputable anti-malware program and firewall, backup your important files frequently, and avoid clicking on malicious links or downloading unknown files.
Can Mkos virus file Ransomware Steal Your Data?
Yes, in most cases ransomware will steal your information. It is a form of malware that steals data from a user's computer, encrypts it, and then demands a ransom in order to decrypt it.
In many cases, the malware authors or attackers will threaten to delete the data or publish it online unless the ransom is paid.
Can Ransomware Infect WiFi?
Yes, ransomware can infect WiFi networks, as malicious actors can use it to gain control of the network, steal confidential data, and lock out users. If a ransomware attack is successful, it could lead to a loss of service and/or data, and in some cases, financial losses.
Should I Pay Ransomware?
No, you should not pay ransomware extortionists. Paying them only encourages criminals and does not guarantee that the files or data will be restored. The better approach is to have a secure backup of important data and be vigilant about security in the first place.
What Happens If I Don't Pay Ransom?
If you don't pay the ransom, the hackers may still have access to your computer, data, or files and may continue to threaten to expose or delete them, or even use them to commit cybercrimes. In some cases, they may even continue to demand additional ransom payments.
Can a Ransomware Attack Be Detected?
Yes, ransomware can be detected. Anti-malware software and other advanced security tools can detect ransomware and alert the user when it is present on a machine.
It is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security measures and to keep security software updated to ensure ransomware can be detected and prevented.
Do Ransomware Criminals Get Caught?
Yes, ransomware criminals do get caught. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, Interpol and others have been successful in tracking down and prosecuting ransomware criminals in the US and other countries. As ransomware threats continue to increase, so does the enforcement activity.
About the Mkos virus file Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Mkos virus file how-to removal guide included, is the outcome of extensive research, hard work and our team’s devotion to help you remove the specific malware and restore your encrypted files.
How did we conduct the research on this ransomware?
Our research is based on an independent investigation. We are in contact with independent security researchers, and as such, we receive daily updates on the latest malware and ransomware definitions.
Furthermore, the research behind the Mkos virus file ransomware threat is backed with VirusTotal and the NoMoreRansom project.
To better understand the ransomware threat, please refer to the following articles which provide knowledgeable details.
As a site that has been dedicated to providing free removal instructions for ransomware and malware since 2014, SensorsTechForum’s recommendation is to only pay attention to trustworthy sources.
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