What Is Orkf Virus?
The Orkf virus is classified as a ransomware crypto infection and is part of a large family, called “STOP Ransomware”. It’s main purpose is to get into your computer and scan for and encrypt all your files, changing their core structure. After encryption, the files cannot be opened using any tool whatsoever, and the Orkf ransomware may set different kinds of file extensions, depending on its variant. For this particular variant, you have the .orkf file extension.
After it encrypts your files, the Orkf virus leaves the _readme.txt note, where the crooks give you instructions how to contact them regarding the ransom payoff they want you to make. The payoff is to be made in BitCoin and it is often within the hundreds of dollars. Experts strongly advise against it.
Read this article to learn more about the Orkf virus, how to remove it from your computer and try to restore your files.
Orkf Virus Summary
Name | Orkf 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 |
File Extension | .orkf |
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 Orkf Virus ransomware will encrypt your files by appending the .orkf extension to them. |
Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
Detection Tool |
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Orkf Virus – What Is Known So Far
Orkf is a successor of the recently appeared ransomware variants from this family, called .aeur, .guer and .hhqa and some others. These viruses may all infect computers via one of the following main ways:
- Downloaded as an executable file from a suspicious website.
- If it is sent as an e-mail attachment.
In case the method of infection, used by Orkf ransomware to get in your computer is to be downloaded from some shady site, then this virus could appear as one of the following files you may have been looking for to download:
- Portable software.
- Keygen (key generator activator).
- Patches for apps or games.
- Fake setups.
- Cracks or activators.
But if the scenario of infection involves e-mail, then the criminals behind the virus are much more cunning. They may mask the file in a deceiving e-mail that appears to originate from a big company or some other institution. The main idea is to mask the file as some type of very important document, for example:
- Tickets for flights.
- Invoice of some sort.
- Work-related documents.
- Purchase e-receipt.
Once the Orkf virus finds its way onto your PC, it may connect to a remote host, from which it can download the payload (files) of the virus. They may have random names, making them hard to detect and they could be located in one of the following Windows directories:
- %Temp%
- %SystemDrive%
- %Local%
- %LocalLow%
- %AppData%
The main idea of Orkf virus is to get you to pay ransom. This is why, along with these files, it may also drop the following ransom note:
The Orkf virus may also modify the following Windows Registry Editor sub-keys, with the main idea to add value strings that make it run automatically on each Windows start-up, thus encrypting any newly added files automatically:
- 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
.orkf Files
The Orkf virus uses the scanning method to detect files to encrypt, while avoiding damaging any Windows files, so you can still use your PC to pay the ransom to the crooks. The main files that are targeted by this malware to be encrypted are the following:
- Video files (.mp4, .avi, etc.).
- Audio (.mp3, .wav, etc.).
- Archives (.zip, .rar, etc).
- Document file types (.docx, .pptx, etc.).
- Image files (.jpg, .png, .etc).
- Other.
Once your files are encrypted by the Orkf virus, their core structure data is changed and the virus’s own file extension is added, making the files appear, like the following:
Picture.jpg.orkf
Remove Orkf Virus and Try to Restore Files
Orkf virus can be removed by following the instructions we have set up for your beneath this article. These steps are made with the main purpose to help detect and delete all the objects, created by this virus on Windows and you Registry Editor. For the most effective removal, security experts do advise using anti-malware software. Such a tool will automatically scan your computer to get rid of any of the virus files, related to this ransomware in a safe manner.
To be able to recover files, encrypted by this virus, you will need the decryption key. Until it is released by either malware researchers or the crooks themselves, the alternative methods for file recovery we have posted below might help you out, so we suggest you take a look at them.
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
- Step 4
- Step 5
Step 1: Scan for Orkf virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Ransomware Automatic Removal - Video Guide
Step 2: Uninstall Orkf 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 Orkf 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 Orkf 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 Orkf virus
Step 5: Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Orkf 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 Orkf 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.
Orkf virus-FAQ
What is Orkf virus Ransomware?
Orkf 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 Orkf 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 Orkf virus Infect?
Via several ways.Orkf 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 Orkf 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 .Orkf virus files?
You can't without a decryptor. At this point, the .Orkf 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 .Orkf virus files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
Can I Restore ".Orkf virus" Files?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .Orkf 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 Orkf 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 Orkf virus ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .Orkf 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 Orkf 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 Orkf virus Research
The content we publish on SensorsTechForum.com, this Orkf 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 Orkf 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.
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