Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Note! Your computer might be affected by Angry Duck and other threats.
Threats such as Angry Duck may be persistent on your system. They tend to re-appear if not fully deleted. A malware removal tool like SpyHunter will help you to remove malicious programs, saving you the time and the struggle of tracking down numerous malicious files. SpyHunter’s scanner is free but the paid version is needed to remove the malware threats. Read SpyHunter’s EULA and Privacy Policy
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ransomware virus known by the name Angry Duck has been reported to cause problems for users. Funnily enough, the virus uses .adk file extension and a duck for a wallpaper along with a ransom message claiming it has used the AES-512 and RSA-64 ciphers for encryption, which is very strange because AES-512 encryption is very difficult to use In ransomware viruses due to the risk of the encryption breaking the files. Either way, anyone who has been infected by this ransomware virus should not bay the 10 BTC amount requested by the cyber-criminals. Instead we strongly urge you to check carefully our removal and file restoration tips in this article to learn more about the Angry Duck virus and how to deal with it until a decryptor has been released.
Threat Summary
Name
Angry Duck
Type
Ransomware
Short Description
The malware encrypts users files using a strong encryption algorithm, making direct decryption possible only via a unique decryption key available to the cyber-criminals.
Symptoms
The user may witness ransom notes and “instructions” linking to a web page and a decryptor. Changed file names and the file-extension .adk has been used.
Distribution Method
Via an Exploit kit, Dll file attack, malicious JavaScript or a drive-by download of the malware itself in an obfuscated manner.
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by Angry Duck
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.
How Is Angry Duck Distributed
For it to be successful while it infects users, the Angry Duck virus may undertake massive spam campaigns allowing it to infect via lying messages that it is a legitimate e-mail attachment or a URL, just like CrySiS ransomware. There are even cases where the fake spam e-mails represent fraudulent Facebook, LinkedIn or other notifications, whose buttons lead to malicious web links that cause the infection, like the fake phishing message below:
To ensure maximum success during infection, the cyber-criminals behind Angry Duck may be focused primarily on several tools and programs that help the payload being delivered uninterruptedly:
Malicious JavaScript.
Exploit Kits.
Malware obfuscators.
Other distribution malware.
Angry Duck Ransomware – What Happens When Infected?
As soon as the virus has infected a targeted computer via one of the above-mentioned methods, it may immediately drop it’s malicious files in one or more of the following Windows folders:
%AppData%
%Roaming%
%SystemDrive%
%Local%
%UserProfile%
Angry Duck ransomware then may either drop files such as the ransom note and the malicious executable that encrypts files in the %Startup% folder or the virus may modify the registry entries Run and Run once adding a path to the malicious file.
As soon as the malicious files of Angry Duck ransomware are run on system startup, the virus may begin to encipher various widely used files, such as videos, documents, database files, photos, audio files and others. To do this successfully, Angry Duck ransomware is pre-programmed to attack files with notorious file extensions, for example:
After it encrypts the files, Angry Duck virus adds a unique .adk file extension to their original one and renders the files to be no longer openable. Encrypted files by Angry Duck look like the following:
The virus also leaves it’s distinctive Angry Duck ransom note that has the following message:
“*** ANGRY DUCK *** All your important files have been encrypted using very string cryptography (AES-512 with RSA-64 FIPS grade encryption) To recover your files send 10 BTC to my private wallet. DON’T MESS WITH THE DUCKS!!”
The encrypted files may be enciphered using AES and RSA ciphers combined, just like it says on the ransom note of the virus, however, it may also be deceitful to fool reverse engineers or people who are seeking decryptors for those ciphers. Malware researcher Michael Gillespie identified encrypted files by a unique file marker this virus uses that says “THIS FILE HAS BEEN ENCRYPTED BY ANGRYDUCK”:
Angry Duck Ransomware – Conclusion and Removal and File Restoration
As a bottom line, Angry Duck Ransomware is a virus that may be decryptable and may not be as sophisticated as it’s ransom note claims it to be. The Angry Duck virus also aims to get users to pay the insane ransom amount of 10 BTC which is classified as unusually high compared to other ransomware viruses. Not only this but paying the ransom may not guarantee the successful recovery of your files which is why researchers strongly advise against doing so. Removal and seeking of alternative file restoration methods like the ones in the instructions below are recommended.
To remove Angry Duck ransomware, you can follow either the manual removal instructions or the automatic ones which include the usage of an advanced anti-malware tool for maximum effectiveness.
To attempt and reverse your files and make them accessible again, there is no decryptor for Angry Duck at this moment. This is the reason we strongly urge you to follow step “2. Restore files encrypted by Angry Duck” below and establish if the virus can be decrypted via those alternative methods. But bear in mind that they may not be 100% guaranteed to succeed, and you should back up your encrypted files before attempting those methods, because they may break indefinitely.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by Angry Duck and other threats. Scan Your PC with SpyHunter SpyHunter is a powerful malware removal tool designed to help users with in-depth system security analysis, detection and removal of threats such as Angry Duck. Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
To remove Angry Duck follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove Angry Duck files and objects
OFFER
Manual Removal Usually Takes Time and You Risk Damaging Your Files If Not Careful!
We Recommend To Scan Your PC with SpyHunter
Keep in mind, that SpyHunter’s scanner is only for malware detection. If SpyHunter detects malware on your PC, you will need to purchase SpyHunter’s malware removal tool to remove the malware threats. Read our SpyHunter 5 review. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria
Boot Your PC Into Safe Mode
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7. 2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
For Windows XP, Vista and 7 systems:
1. Remove all CDs and DVDs, and then Restart your PC from the “Start” menu. 2. Select one of the two options provided below:
– For PCs with a single operating system: Press “F8” repeatedly after the first boot screen shows up during the restart of your computer. In case the Windows logo appears on the screen, you have to repeat the same task again.
– For PCs with multiple operating systems: Тhe arrow keys will help you select the operating system you prefer to start in Safe Mode. Press “F8” just as described for a single operating system.
3. As the “Advanced Boot Options” screen appears, select the Safe Mode option you want using the arrow keys. As you make your selection, press “Enter“.
4. Log on to your computer using your administrator account
While your computer is in Safe Mode, the words “Safe Mode” will appear in all four corners of your screen.
Step 1: Open up the Start Menu.
Step 2: Click on the Power button (for Windows 8 it is the little arrow next to the “Shut Down” button) and whilst holding down “Shift” click on Restart.
Step 3: After reboot, a blue menu with options will appear. From them you should choose Troubleshoot.
Step 4: You will see the Troubleshoot menu. From this menu choose Advanced Options.
Step 5: After the Advanced Options menu appears, click on Startup Settings.
Step 6: From the Startup Settings menu, click on Restart.
Step 7: A menu will appear upon reboot. You can choose any of the three Safe Mode options by pressing its corresponding number and the machine will restart.
Some malicious scripts may modify the registry entries on your computer to change different settings. This is why cleaning your Windows Registry Database is recommended. Since the tutorial on how to do this is a bit long and tampering with registries could damage your computer if not done properly you should refer and follow our instructive article about fixing registry entries, especially if you are unexperienced in that area.
2. Find files created by Angry Duck on your PC
Find files created by Angry Duck
1. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10. 2. For Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
For Newer Windows Operating Systems
Step 1:
On your keyboard press + R and write explorer.exe in the Run text box and then click on the Ok button.
Step 2:
Click on your PC from the quick access bar. This is usually an icon with a monitor and its name is either “My Computer”, “My PC” or “This PC” or whatever you have named it.
Step 3:
Navigate to the search box in the top-right of your PC’s screen and type “fileextension:” and after which type the file extension. If you are looking for malicious executables, an example may be “fileextension:exe”. After doing that, leave a space and type the file name you believe the malware has created. Here is how it may appear if your file has been found:
N.B. We recommend to wait for the green loading bar in the navination box to fill up in case the PC is looking for the file and hasn’t found it yet.
For Older Windows Operating Systems
In older Windows OS’s the conventional approach should be the effective one:
Step 1:
Click on the Start Menu icon (usually on your bottom-left) and then choose the Search preference.
Step 2:
After the search window appears, choose More Advanced Options from the search assistant box. Another way is by clicking on All Files and Folders.
Step 3:
After that type the name of the file you are looking for and click on the Search button. This might take some time after which results will appear. If you have found the malicious file, you may copy or open its location by right-clicking on it.
Now you should be able to discover any file on Windows as long as it is on your hard drive and is not concealed via special software.
Use SpyHunter to scan for malware and unwanted programs
3. Scan for malware and unwanted programs with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Scan your PC and Remove Angry Duck with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Angry Duck and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove Angry Duck. Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
Step 1: Click on the “Download” button to proceed to SpyHunter’s download page.
It is recommended to run a scan before purchasing the full version of the software to make sure that the current version of the malware can be detected by SpyHunter. Click on the corresponding links to check SpyHunter’s EULA, Privacy Policy and Threat Assessment Criteria.
Step 2: Guide yourself by the download instructions provided for each browser.
Step 3: After you have installed SpyHunter, wait for it to update automatically.
Step 1: After the update process has finished, click on the ‘Malware/PC Scan’ tab. A new window will appear. Click on ‘Start Scan’.
Step 2: After SpyHunter has finished scanning your PC for any files of the associated threat and found them, you can try to get them removed automatically and permanently by clicking on the ‘Next’ button.
Step 3: If any threats have been removed, it is highly recommended to restart your PC.
Back up your data to secure it against attacks in the future
IMPORTANT! Before reading the Windows backup instructions, we highly recommend to back up your data with a cloud backup solution and insure your files against any type of loss, even from the most severe threats. We recommend you to read more about it and to download SOS Online Backup.
4. Try to Restore files encrypted by Angry Duck
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by Angry Duck
Ransomware infections and Angry Duck aim to encrypt your files using an encryption algorithm which may be very difficult to decrypt. This is why we have suggested several alternative methods that may help you go around direct decryption and try to restore your files. Bear in mind that these methods may not be 100% effective but may also help you a little or a lot in different situations.
Method 1: Scanning your drive’s sectors by using Data Recovery software. Another method for restoring your files is by trying to bring back your files via data recovery software. Here are some suggestions for preferred data recovery software solutions:
Method 2: Trying Kaspersky and EmsiSoft’s decryptors. If the first method does not work, we suggest trying to use decryptors for other ransomware viruses, in case your virus is a variant of them. The two primary developers of decryptors are Kaspersky and EmsiSoft, links to which we have provided below:
To restore your data in case you have backup set up, it is important to check for Volume Shadow Copies, if ransomware has not deleted them, in Windows using the below software:
Method 4: Finding the decryption key while the cryptovirus sends it over a network via a sniffing tool.
Another way to decrypt the files is by using a Network Sniffer to get the encryption key, while files are encrypted on your system. A Network Sniffer is a program and/or device monitoring data traveling over a network, such as its internet traffic and internet packets. If you have a sniffer set before the attack happened you might get information about the decryption key. See how-to instructions below:
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ventsislav has been covering the latest malware, software and newest tech developments at SensorsTechForum for 3 years now. He started out as a network administrator. Having graduated Marketing as well, Ventsislav also has passion for discovery of new shifts and innovations in cybersecurity that become game changers. After studying Value Chain Management and then Network Administration, he found his passion within cybersecrurity and is a strong believer in basic education of every user towards online safety.
Ransomware virus known by the name Angry Duck has been reported to cause problems for users. Funnily enough, the virus uses .adk file extension and a duck for a wallpaper along with a ransom message claiming it has used the AES-512 and RSA-64 ciphers for encryption, which is very strange because AES-512 encryption is very difficult to use In ransomware viruses due to the risk of the encryption breaking the files. Either way, anyone who has been infected by this ransomware virus should not bay the 10 BTC amount requested by the cyber-criminals. Instead we strongly urge you to check carefully our removal and file restoration tips in this article to learn more about the Angry Duck virus and how to deal with it until a decryptor has been released.
1. For Windows XP, Vista and 7.
2. For Windows 8, 8.1 and 10.
Fix registry entries created by malware and PUPs on your PC.
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for Angry Duck and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
