What Is Akira Virus?
The “Akira Virus” is a type of malicious software (malware) which encrypts a victim’s files and demands a financial payment in return for unlocking the files. It is often transmitted via infected emails, infiltrated networks, and malicious websites. It is strongly advised not to pay the ransom as there is no guarantee that the victim’s files will be recovered. For protection against such infections, good security practices should be followed, and if the victim has already been infected, the best methods for recovering from a ransomware attack should be implemented.
What Is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious program that restricts or blocks users from accessing their device by either locking the device’s screen or encrypting the user’s data until a payment is made.
Akira Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
This threat may employ techniques like obfuscator technology in combination with other methods to infect your device without you being aware.
- If it is sent to you as an e-mail attachment or a URL.
- By being downloaded from a shady site.
Akira Virus – Details
Name | Akira virus |
File Extension | .akira |
Type | Ransomware, Cryptovirus |
Short Description | The ransomware encrypts files on your computer system and demands a ransom to be paid to allegedly recover them. |
Symptoms | The Akira Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .akira extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | AKIRA |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
See If Your Mac Has Been Affected by Akira virus
Download
Malware Removal Tool
|
Akira Virus – What Does It Do?
Akira ransomware can wreak havoc on your computer, allowing hackers to access and steal data, corrupt files, or even utilize your system to launch attacks on other computers.
These viruses can quickly spread, so it’s essential to take swift action when you suspect one is present on your device. When infected, this ransomware may drop one or more payload files into the following directories:
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %System%
- %system32%
After the infection takes place, this threat ensures that the following ransom note is left:
This ransomware may also create multiple Registry values in Windows, such as the Run and RunOnce registries.
What Are .akira Files
The presence of the .akira files suggests that your data has been encrypted by the Akira ransomware. It is likely that the ransomware has targeted files with extensions such as:
- Videos (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Picture file kinds (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Archive file formats (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Documents of different types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Others.
After encryption is finished, this threat may create the following types of files:
Picture.jpg.akira
How to Open .akira Files
To gain access to your unreadable encrypted files, you must locate a compatible decryption program that is capable of using the decryption key of your infection to decrypt the file and make it readable. Many decryption programs are designed to decode different encryption types, so you must find one that is compatible with your specific file. Unfortunately, cybercriminals intentionally make the process difficult to extort money from you by asking for a ransom payment.
What To Do If My Files Are .Akira?
It is recommended that you contact an IT security specialist who is knowledgeable about the ransomware’s encryption cipher to recover access to your files and halt the ransomware from infecting your device again. Furthermore, keep your operating system and other software up-to-date to make sure your system is secure.
How To Protect Windows from Akira In The Future?
To protect Windows from potential ransomware, it is essential to keep all programs up to date, utilize strong passwords, utilize reliable anti-malware solutions, back up data regularly, and be vigilant of questionable emails or downloads. Furthermore, if ransomware does infect the system, it is important to know techniques to safely store your files to guard them from ransomware.
How to Remove Akira Virus?
In order to effectively get rid of Akira ransomware virus, it is essential to pinpoint it and then utilize a dependable anti-malware application. Additionally, it is wise to make a copy of essential data and files in case they are corrupted by the virus. Furthermore, make sure that your operating system and security applications are up to date.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Akira virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Akira virus 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:
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by Akira virus 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 Akira virus there. This can happen by following the steps underneath:
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 Akira virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Akira virus.
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 Akira virus 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.
Akira virus-FAQ
What is Akira virus Ransomware?
Akira virus 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 Akira virus 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 Akira virus Infect?
Via several ways.Akira virus 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 Akira virus 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 .Akira virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Akira virus 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 .Akira virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Akira virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Akira virus 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 Akira virus 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 Akira virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Akira virus 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 Akira virus 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 Akira virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Akira virus 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 Akira virus 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.
How to recognize trustworthy sources:
- Always check "About Us" web page.
- Profile of the content creator.
- Make sure that real people are behind the site and not fake names and profiles.
- Verify Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter personal profiles.