What Is Dkrf Virus?
Dkrf virus is a ransomware infection, which aims to get inside your device and encrypt your files in order to extort you into paying a lot of money in the form of Bitcoin as a ransom. The main objective of this virus is to get you to read the extortion instructions, that have been posted in the _readme.txt ransom note set by it on your computer.
Keep reading this article if you want to get more details on what you can do to remove the virus and fix your files.
Dkrf Virus Summary
Name | Dkrf virus, also known as UDS:Trojan.Win32.Chapak.gen, Ransom:Win32/StopCrypt.KM!MTB, Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], Win32:PWSX-gen [Trj], A Variant Of Win32/GenKryptik.FHJB – more detections of this virus on VirusTotal |
File Extension | .dkrf |
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 Dkrf Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .dkrf extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Dkrf Virus – How Did I Get Infected?
Dkrf virus it’s just another version of this ransom are family, just like the .hajd, .qall and .ghas STOP variants.
Dkrf virus could infect your Windows device via one of the two following methods:
- If it has been downloaded from some shady third-party software download site.
- If you have received it in the form of an e-mail attachment or a URL in your e-mail inbox.
In case the virus has been downloaded from some kind of a third-party website, there is a strong possibility that it could exist in the following file types:
- Patches for programs or games.
- SFX (self extracting) or regular archive files.
- Cracked applications or portable apps.
- Crack-fixes or activators for software or games.
- Keygens or key generators.
- Invoice files.
- Receipt documents.
- Work-related documents.
- E-Tickets of some kind (flights, train, events).
If the victim downloads and execute this file, there is a strong possibility that it could trigger a malicious macro codes, which appears, like the example figure below shows:
Dkrf Virus – What Does It Do?
Once in your computer, the Dkrf virus may firstly download its files that are used to encrypt your data. These files are known as payload module files and could exist in the following directories under different names:
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
- %Windows%
- %SystemDrive%
- %Local%
- %Temp%
- %System%
- %system32%
Dkrf virus also make sure that the victim sees it ransom note, that is known as _readme.txt:
Among the malicious activities of the malware it’s also that it may attack your Windows Registry Editor. In it, it could set different value entries, likely in the Run and RunOnce Windows Registry sub-keys:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
What Are .Dkrf Files
If your files are .dkrf, then they are most likely encrypted by this virus, using the AES Encryption algorithm. The only way to reverse this process is if you have the decryption key, which in this case is separated into online or off-line, depending on the version of the virus that has infected your computer. What the virus does is it scans for your files based on their extensions, for example:
- Files that are archives (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Various sorts of documents (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Audio file formats (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Different picture file types (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Video file formats (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Other files.
After the encryption process has completed, the virus may then leave your files looking like the example below shows:
Picture.jpg.dkrf
How to Remove Dkrf Virus?
Dkrf virus can be removed from your machine if you follow the steps in the removal guide below. It has been made to help you manually or automatically fix this problem. If you want the best possible removal, our main suggestion is do use a professional anti-malware software. This is the type of security program, that is often recommended by experts, because it has the capability to thoroughly scan your machine and remove any malicious files and objects, belonging to threats, like Dkrf ransomware.
How to Decrypt .dkrf Files?
The .dkrf files that have been encoded by this virus have two types of decrypt keys – either offline or online ones. If your keys are offline, then the STOP Ransomware Decryption Steps and the video guide below should be able to help you. If they are online-based, then it becomes very difficult to decrypt them, but there is still hope in the alternative file recovery methods in the guide below.
Video guide for using the STOP Ransomware Decryptor:
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Dkrf with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Dkrf 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 Dkrf 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 Dkrf 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 Dkrf
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Dkrf.
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 Dkrf 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.
Dkrf-FAQ
What is Dkrf Ransomware?
Dkrf 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 Dkrf 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 Dkrf Infect?
Via several ways.Dkrf 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 Dkrf 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 .Dkrf files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Dkrf 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 .Dkrf files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Dkrf" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Dkrf 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 Dkrf 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 Dkrf ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Dkrf 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 Dkrf 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 Dkrf Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Dkrf 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 Dkrf 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.
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