Akira Ransomware

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*Source of claim SH can remove it.

Akira Ransomware

In the event that the files on your PC have become inaccessible due to an encryption applied on them by a Ransomware virus called Akira Ransomware, you are probably very desperate to find a solution. Here, at “How to remove guide”, we’ve created a detailed removal guide for the elimination of Akira Ransomware. You will find it just below, along with instructions that will show you how you may potentially recover some of your encrypted files without paying a ransom.

Akira Ransomware 1024x646
Akira Ransomware

Fighting Ransomware infections can be very challenging, though. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that, in some cases, even the best instructions may not be able to fully help you reverse what the malware has done. Yet, we still believe that giving a try to some alternative methods is far better than sending ransom money to the anonymous hackers who stay behind the Ransomware’s criminal scheme. Besides, eliminating the infection is very important for the well being of the system and its further use. Before we point you out to the instructions, we would like to first explain how exactly the Ransomware works, so you can have a better chance of dealing with it.

The Akira virus

A Ransomware is a malware type that can be extremely dangerous, but the way it causes harm is somewhat unusual. Instead of corrupting the system like a Trojan or spying on you like a Spyware, infections like Akira Ransomware, Coty virus, Coza virus, silently infiltrates the victim’s computer and immediately scans it for some predefined targeted file types. These could be pictures, work documents, archives, databases, media files, and even some system files.

Akira Virus
Akira Virus infected files

Once the Ransomware has listed the files of interest, it starts creating encrypted copies of each and every single one of them. In the end, the originals are removed from your machine and all you are left with is a number of inaccessible files that cannot be recognized or opened by any program. A scary ransom-demanding notification then gets generated on the screen, asking you to pay a ransom (typically in BitCoins) in order to obtain a unique decryption key, which is the only way to access the locked information. The interesting thing regarding this whole process of encryption is that it will not really trigger the defense mechanisms of the majority of antivirus programs. Thus, the attack can remain under the radar of most security software and can come by surprise.

Another essential factor as to exactly why Ransomware viruses hardly ever get spotted before they’ve uncovered themselves is their stealth. Especially on newer and more powerful machines, a virus such as Akira Ransomware is likely to have no symptoms at all. This helps the hackers surprise the victims and intimidate them into paying the ransom as soon as possible.

The Akira Ransomware file-encryption

What makes things really bad is the fact that paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee the recovery of the encrypted files at all. The crooks behind the Ransomware may simply disappear with the money, even if you strictly comply with their ransom demands. Therefore, hoping that you will receive a decryption key from them isn’t a good idea. A much better solution would be to take things into your own hands and explore some legitimate methods of dealing with the infection. You can use the removal guide below as a starting point, or contact a professional of your choice for additional assistance.

SUMMARY:

NameAkira Ransomware
TypeRansomware
Danger LevelHigh (Ransomware is by far the worst threat you can encounter)
Data Recovery ToolNot Available
Detection Tool

*Source of claim SH can remove it.

Remove Akira Ransomware


Step1

Some of the steps will likely require you to exit the page. Bookmark it for later reference.

Reboot in Safe Mode (use this guide if you don’t know how to do it).

Step2

WARNING! READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING!

*Source of claim SH can remove it.

Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC at the same time and go to the Processes Tab. Try to determine which processes are dangerous. 

malware-start-taskbar

Right click on each of them and select Open File Location. Then scan the files with our free online virus scanner:

Each file will be scanned with up to 64 antivirus programs to ensure maximum accuracy
This scanner is free and will always remain free for our website's users.
This file is not matched with any known malware in the database. You can either do a full real-time scan of the file or skip it to upload a new file. Doing a full scan with 64 antivirus programs can take up to 3-4 minutes per file.
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Each file will be scanned with up to 64 antivirus programs to ensure maximum accuracy
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    After you open their folder, end the processes that are infected, then delete their folders. 

    Note: If you are sure something is part of the infection – delete it, even if the scanner doesn’t flag it. No anti-virus program can detect all infections.

    Step3

    Hold the Start Key and R –  copy + paste the following and click OK:

    notepad %windir%/system32/Drivers/etc/hosts

    A new file will open. If you are hacked, there will be a bunch of other IPs connected to you at the bottom. Look at the image below:

    hosts_opt (1)

    If there are suspicious IPs below “Localhost” – write to us in the comments.

    Type msconfig in the search field and hit enter. A window will pop-up:

    msconfig_opt

    Go in Startup —> Uncheck entries that have “Unknown” as Manufacturer.

    • Please note that ransomware may even include a fake Manufacturer name to its process. Make sure you check out every process here is legitimate.
    Step4

    *Source of claim SH can remove it.

    Type Regedit in the windows search field and press EnterOnce inside, press CTRL and F together and type the virus’s Name. 

    Search for the ransomware in your registries and delete the entries. Be extremely careful –  you can damage your system if you delete entries not related to the ransomware.

    Type each of the following in the Windows Search Field:

    1. %AppData%
    2. %LocalAppData%
    3. %ProgramData%
    4. %WinDir%
    5. %Temp%

    Delete everything in Temp. The rest just check out for anything recently added. Remember to leave us a comment if you run into any trouble!

    Step5

    How to Decrypt Akira Ransomware files

    We have a comprehensive (and daily updated) guide on how to decrypt your files. Check it out here.

    If the guide doesn’t help, download the anti-virus program we recommended or try our free online virus scanner. Also, you can always ask us in the comments for help!


    About the author

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    Lidia Howler

    Lidia is a web content creator with years of experience in the cyber-security sector. She helps readers with articles on malware removal and online security. Her strive for simplicity and well-researched information provides users with easy-to-follow It-related tips and step-by-step tutorials.

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