Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Note! Your computer might be affected by .risk Files Virus and other threats.
Threats such as .risk Files Virus 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
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
This article explains the issues that occur in case of infection with .risk files virus and provides a complete guide on how to remove malicious files and how to potentially recover files encrypted by this ransomware.
The appearance of .risk extension in the names of your valuable files is a sure sign of ransomware infection. This threat has recently been detected in the wild by security researchers. It is dubbed .risk files virus apparently after its associated extension. As identified in the course of its analysis it belongs to the Dharma ransomware family. The fact that your files are corrupted and inaccessible is used by cyber criminals as a precondition for the extortion of ransom payment.
Threat Summary
Name
.risk Files Virus
Type
Ransomware, Cryptovirus
Short Description
A version of the CrySyS/Dharma ransomware that is designed to encrypt valuable files stored on infected computers and then extort a ransom from victims.
Symptoms
Important files are encrypted and renamed with the extension .risk. A ransom note appears on PC screen to present ransom payment instructions.
Distribution Method
Spam Emails, Email Attachments
Detection Tool
See If Your System Has Been Affected by .risk Files Virus
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.
.risk Files Virus – Distribution
Hackers who stands behind the launch of this devastating threat are likely to use at least one of the most commonly used spread channels.
One way to deliver .risk files virus to users’ devices is definitely malspam. Malspam is technique that enables hackers to spread malicious software via spam email campaigns. And there are several specific traits of these emails. The first one is spoofed email address, sender or both. These emails are often designed to present the names of representatives of well-known companies in order to look trustworthy and eventually trick you into installing the ransomware on your device. Another trait that should always warn you that something may get wrong is the presence of file attachment. There are many registered cases of infected users who had made the mistake to open a malicious file attachment on their devices which resulted in the activation of malicious code. The last trait of an email that attempts to deliver ransomware is URL address presented as an in-text link, button, image, banner or other clickable element.
In fact, URLs that land on infected web pages could be spread across other channels except email. Among them are different social media platforms, forums, and sometimes comments under articles. As a result of visiting such a page you unnoticeably activate a malicious script that is part of its code and eventually grant the ransomware access to your device.
.risk Files Virus – Overview
The ransomware dubbed .risk files virus infects computer systems in order to reach target types of files and encode them with the help of sophisticated cipher algorithm. It has been identified as another strain of the infamous Dharma ransomware. Recently lots of iterations of the same ransomware family have been detected in the wild. Among the last reported by our team are
Find out how to remove .war files virus (Dharma ransomware) and how to restore files without paying the ransom. What is .war files virus?How did it land on PC
Remove .cccmn files virus (Dharma). The new Dharma ransomware variant is .cccmn files virus. Try to restore .cccmn files and see the ransomware removal guide
What is Dharma ransomware? What are .adobe files? How to remove Dharma .adobe ransomware from your PC and how to stop Dharma from infecting it in the future?
As its predecessors the .risk variant of Dharma ransomware interferes with system settings in order to become able to complete the attack. It passes through several infection stages fist of which is the establishment of malicious files on the system. For it the ransomware could be either set to create needed files directly on the system or to connect its command and control server and download the additional malicious files. Folder locations that may be used for the storage of these malicious files are:
%AppData%
%Local%
%LocalLow%
%Roaming%
%Temp%
%Windows%
Malicious traits could be also found under the registry sub-keys Run and RunOnce. The most common reason why these two keys are often hit by ransomware is their functionality to auto execute files and processes. Once .risk crypto virus manages to add its malicious values under these keys its infection files load together with all other essential system files on each system start. Here are the exact locations of Run and RunOnce sub-keys:
When .risk files virus completes all initial system modifications its’s time for it to load its built-in encryption module and eventually encode target data. Among the files it is set to corrupt could be all of the following:
Audio files
Video files
Document files
Image files
Backup files
Banking credentials, etc
During encryption, .risk ransomware transforms the original code of target files with the help of strong cipher algorithm such as AES and RSA. Then it marks each corrupted file with the extension .risk. Unfortunately, all .risk files remain inaccessible until an efficient recovery method reverts back their code. This fact enables threat actors to extort a ransom payment from you. How they do this is via ransom message created on your device. The text of this message is likely to force you into contacting hackers so they can send you further instructions of the ransom payment. What they could want is an amount from 0.1 to 1.0 Bitcoin.
The good news is that hackers’ decrypter is not the only tool that could restore .risk files. To find more alternatives complete the removal process and check the restore data part of the guide that follows.
Remove .risk Files Virus and Restore Datas
The so-called .risk files virus is a threat with highly complex code that plagues not only your files but your whole system. So infected system should be cleaned and secured properly before you could use it regularly again. Below you could find a step-by-step removal guide that may be helpful in attempting to remove this ransomware. Choose the manual removal approach if you have previous experience with malware files. If you don’t feel comfortable with the manual steps select the automatic section from the guide. Steps there enable you to check the infected system for ransomware files and remove them with a few mouse clicks.
In order to keep your system safe from ransomware and other types of malware in future, you should install and maintain a reliable anti-malware program. Additional security layer that could prevent the occurrence of ransomware attacks is
With the different types of ransomware emerging and evolving on a daily basis, a need for better protection against such viruses arises. A more specific kind of protection is always necessary, in addition to any anti-malware tools. The following article...Read more
Make sure to read carefully all the details mentioned in the step “Restore files” if you want to understand how to fix encrypted files without paying the ransom. Beware that before data recovery process you should back up all encrypted files to an external drive as this will prevent their irreversible loss.
Note! Your computer system may be affected by .risk Files Virus 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 .risk Files Virus. 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 .risk Files Virus follow these steps:
1. Boot Your PC In Safe Mode to isolate and remove .risk Files Virus 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 .risk Files Virus on your PC
Find files created by .risk Files Virus
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 .risk Files Virus with SpyHunter Anti-Malware Tool and back up your data
1. Install SpyHunter to scan for .risk Files Virus and remove them.2. Scan with SpyHunter, Detect and Remove .risk Files Virus. 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 .risk Files Virus
Try to Restore Files Encrypted by .risk Files Virus
Ransomware infections and .risk Files Virus 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:
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
Gergana has completed a bachelor degree in Marketing from the University of National and World Economy. She has been with the STF team for three years, researching malware and reporting on the latest infections. She believes that in times of constantly evolving dependency of network connected technologies, people should spread the word not the war.
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 .risk Files Virus and remove them.
Back up your data to secure it from malware in the future.
