Remk Virus virus corrupts personal data and disrupts system security. This guide shows illustrated removal instructions on how to get rid of Remk virus infection.
Remk Virus Ransomware
Information released by security researchers confirms that the so-called Remk virus is another strain of the infamous STOP/Djvu ransomware. Remk ransomware virus is a devastating threat that corrupts essential system settings and then encrypts valuable personal files with the help of a strong cipher algorithm. Encrypted files remain inaccessible and their names are renamed with the malicious .remk extension. The main purpose of this ransomware is to extort a ransom fee from its victims. That’s why following encryption, it drops a ransom note file named _readme.txt
Threat Summary
| Name | REMK |
| File Extension | .remk |
| 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 Remk STOP ransomware renames encrypted files with a malicious extension. You cannot use encrypted files. A ransom message forces you to contact hackers for more information on how to pay a ransom for a decryption key and a decryption tool. |
| Ransom Demanding Note | _readme.txt |
| Ransom Fee | $490 – $980 in Bitcoin |
| Distribution Method | Spam Emails, Email Attachments |
| Detection Tool |
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User Experience | Join Our Forum to Discuss REMK. |
Remk Virus – More About the Infection Process
At the beginning of the attack, Remk virus creates several malicious files and entries that corrupt system settings and help it to evade detection. Then the ransomware accesses the Registry Editor tool to affect some major registry keys like RUN and RUNONCE. The reason for the corruption of these two registry keys is their specific functionality to execute files and programs automatically. So once Remk virus adds malicious values under the key RUN it starts loading on every system launch.
By being part of one of the biggest ransomware families STOP/Djvu, Remk virus is characterized by a high level of danger. The damage caused by this ransomware may cost victims a lot. Like previous STOP ranomware variants (Lokd virus, Foop virus) the Remk virus aims to locate valuable personal files stored on systems it infects and encode them with one or more cipher algorithms.
As regards the spread of Remk ransomware virus, it is likely to be realized via techniques like spam emails, email attachments, hacked web pages, and corrupted freeware installers. Since malspam propagation technique enables hackers to spread their malicious code on a large scale it is considered to be the main one.
Malwpam (massive email spam campaigns try to deliver malicious code) is a technique that has its traits. So how to recognize an email that endangers the overall security of your PC and data stored on its drives? First look for some attached files of common types or links presented as buttons, images, plain URLs or other clickable forms. If you can notice such elements then avoid interacting with them. If you believe that you should view the content then scan the file / the link with online malware scanners like VirusTotal. The results will provide information about the security level of the content.
Among the most popular Windows file types that are used by malware are executable files, documents and other Microsoft Office files, application files, script files, PDFs, temporary files and other.
.Remk File Extension
The name of this STOP ransomware strain is a derivative of the malicious extension it appends to encrypted files. The encryption stage takes place after the completion of all initial attack stages. To encode personal files, Remk ransomware launches a built-in cipher module. Following encryption, corrupted files remain inaccessible and renamed with the malicious extension .REMK
Unfortunately, all files that store important personal information including document, music, project, database, image, video, backup, archive, and audio files are among the targets of REMK virus
In fact, the end goal of Remk ransomware virus is to blackmail its victims into paying a ransom fee to hackers who stand behind the attacks. A ransom note file called _readme.txt informs that the decryption of corrupted files can be realized after a payment of $490 – $980 ransom fee. The full content of this file can be seen below:
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:
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
Your personal ID:
We strongly advise against any contacts with cybercriminals. The ransom payment isn’t a good option as well. This step does not guarantee the recovery of your encrypted files. Oftentimes, hackers skip answering their victims. So you may get tricked once again.
How to Remove Remk Ransomware Virus and Restore Files
The so-called Remk ransomware virus 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 you remove all malicious files and objects created by the ransomware. The steps presented in the ransomware removal guide below will help you with the complete removal process. Beware that the manual ransomware removal is suitable for more experienced computer users. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps navigate to the automatic part of the guide. It is also worth mentioning that personal data remains encrypted even after the complete removal of Remk ransomware. Its removal only prevents it from causing further encryptions and security issues.
At this point, STOP ransomware strains associated with .Remk extension are not decryptable by Michael Gillespie or Emsisoft free decryption tools. However, as soon as we notice security researchers’ announcement about an update that supports the decryption of Remk STOP ransomware variants we will update this article with information on how to decrypt files for free.
Gergana Ivanova
Highly motivated writer with 5+ years of experience writing for ransomware, malware, adware, PUPs, and other cybersecurity-related issues. As a writer, I strive to create content that is based on thorough technical research. I find joy in the process of creating articles that are easy to understand, informative, and useful. Follow me on Twitter (@IRGergana) for the latest in the field of computer, mobile, and online security.
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Attention! SensorsTechForum strongly recommends that all malware victims should look for assistance only by reputable sources. Many guides out there claim to offer free recovery and decryption for files encrypted by ransomware viruses. Be advised that some of them may only be after your money.
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.
How to Remove REMK from Windows.
Step 1: Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove REMK
Step 2: Uninstall REMK and related software 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 uninstall most programs.
Step 3: Clean any registries, created by REMK 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 REMK 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: Scan for REMK with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool
Step 5 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by REMK.
Ransomware infections and REMK 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
Get rid of REMK from Mac OS X.
Step 1: Uninstall REMK and remove related files and objects
1. Hit the ⇧+⌘+U keys to open Utilities. Another way is to click on “Go” and then click “Utilities”, like the image below shows:
- Go to Finder.
- In the search bar type the name of the app that you want to remove.
- Above the search bar change the two drop down menus to “System Files” and “Are Included” so that you can see all of the files associated with the application you want to remove. Bear in mind that some of the files may not be related to the app so be very careful which files you delete.
- If all of the files are related, hold the ⌘+A buttons to select them and then drive them to “Trash”.
In case you cannot remove REMK via Step 1 above:
In case you cannot find the virus files and objects in your Applications or other places we have shown above, you can manually look for them in the Libraries of your Mac. But before doing this, please read the disclaimer below:
You can repeat the same procedure with the following other Library directories:
→ ~/Library/LaunchAgents
/Library/LaunchDaemons
Tip: ~ is there on purpose, because it leads to more LaunchAgents.
Step 3 (Optional): Try to Restore Files Encrypted by REMK.
Ransomware infections and REMK 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 top, choose Data Recovery - Data Recovery Wizard for Windows or Mac (depending on your OS), and then download and run the tool.
REMK FAQ
What is REMK ransomware and how does it work?
REMK 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 algorithm how 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.
How does REMK ransomware infect my computer?
Via several ways.REMK Ransomware infects computers by being sent via phishing e-mails, 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.
After you download and execute this attachment, a drive-by download occurs and your computer is infected with the ransomware virus.
Another way, you may become a victim of REMK 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 .REMK files?
You can't. At this point the .REMK files are encrypted. You can only open them once they are decrypted.
Decryptor did not decrypt my data. What now?
Do not panic and backup the files. If a decryptor did not decrypt your .REMK files successfully, then do not despair, because this virus is still new.
One way to restore files, encrypted by REMK ransomware is to use a decryptor for it. But since it's a new virus, advised that the decryption keys for it may not be out yet and available to the public. We will update this article and keep you posted as soon as this decryptor is released.
How Do I restore ".REMK" files (Other Methods)?
Yes, sometimes files can be restored. We have suggested several file recovery methods that could work if you want to restore .REMK files.
These methods are in no way 100% guarantee that you will be able to get your files back. But if you have a backup, your chances of success are much greater.
How do I get rid of REMK ransomware virus?
The safest way and the most efficient one for the removal of this ransomware infection is the use a professional anti malware software. It will scan for and locate REMK ransomware and then remove it without causing any additional harm to your important .REMK files.
Also, keep in mind that viruses like REMK ransomware also install Trojans and keyloggers that can steal your passwords and accounts. Scanning your computer with an anti-malware software will make sure that all of these virus components are removed and your computer is protected in the future.
What to Do If nothing works?
There is still a lot you can do. If none of the above methods seem to work for you, then try these methods:
- Try to find a safe computer from where you can can login on your own line accounts like One Drive, iDrive, Google Drive and so on.
- Try to contact your friends, relatives and other people so that they can check if they have some of your important photos or documents just in case you sent them.
- Also, check if some of the files that were encrypted it can be re-downloaded from the web.
- Another clever way to get back some of your files is to find another old computer, a flash drive or even a CD or a DVD where you may have saved your older documents. You might be surprised what will turn up.
- You can also go to your email account to check if you can send any attachments to other people. Usually what is sent the email is saved on your account and you can re-download it. But most importantly, make sure that this is done from a safe computer and make sure to remove the virus first.
More tips you can find on our forums, where you can also asks any questions about your ransomware problem.
How to 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.
Please Help me plz send me link of .remk ransomeware decryptor
Hola buenos dias, sabe como desencriptar los archivos .REMK. Baje el stellar y los archivos siguen apareciendome con la extension despues del escaneo
Hola! Mis Saludos! (Mis archivos infectados con virus anexándose la extensión .remk) He seguido los pasos desde entrar desde modo seguro, en los registros, escaneando el Pc con SpyHunter e instalando el programa Stellar Data Recovery: éste recupere algunos archivos sin la extensión .remk, pero ninguno de ellos he logrado que abran o ejecuten. (Para su saber, la recuperación de mis archivos que realmente necesito y y los que quiero recuperar, son los que están en un segundo disco duro que lo tengo como esclavo, que ahí guardo todos mis datos importantes). Habrá otra manera o método de recuperación, ya que en éste no fue posible. Por favor, ayudenme a recuperar misarchivos. racias.
I am trying above “data recovery program”. I select some damaged holder, however, the program say “files are not found “. (The program’s comments are in Japanese”
I know these files and holderes are damaged using both inner and external keys.
Fortunately, I have some “original” and “damaged” files and holders. Please let me know “Is there any posibility to find the recovering method for my data ?”.
A Data Recovery Program like Stellar will try to recover deleted files and not encrypted ones. If you want to decrypt your files, you are going to have to try the decryptor. However, currently for .remk virus there is no decryption available.
Milena are u sure?