Remove Mekwyk Ransomware (Recover Infected Files)

Simple Process To Uninstall Crypto-malware

Mekwyk Ransomware is a hazardous computer infection that is infamous for locking up users’ valuable data and extorting ransom money from them in exchange for the decryption key. This nasty parasite encrypts all of the users’ images, videos, audios, documents, spreadsheets, presentations, etc. using a powerful cryptographic algorithm and makes them completely inaccessible or unusable. Mekwyk virus also renames the infected files by appending the victims’ ID and the “.mekwy” extension with each of them. After that, none of those files can be opened without using a matching decryption key that allegedly only hackers can provide.

Threat Details

Name: Mekwyk Ransomware

Category: Ransomware, file-locker, crypto-virus

Traits: Locks users’ data and forces them to pay off for the decryption key

Extension: .mekwyk

Ransom note: RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt

Danger level: High

Cyber crooks’ Contact: qTox and Bitmessage IDs provided in the ransom note

Intrusion Tactics: Gets propagated via spam emails attachments, unsafe download sources, phony software installers and updaters, etc.

Symptoms: Encrypted data, bizarre extension, display of ransom note

Mekwyk Ransomware: Depth Analysis

As soon as the encryption practice is complete, Mekwyk Ransomware creates a ransom note titled “RESTORE_FILES_INFO.txt” on the desktop which states that the files have been locked. The victims are also stated that if they want to regain access to their data, they must pay a ransom to the attackers in Monero (XMR) cryptocurrency. It is also mentioned that they can test the decryption by sending two infected files to the crooks who will decode them and send them back. In order to contact the attackers, the note contains qTOX and Bitmessage IDs. Mekwyk Ransomware also warns the affected users against making any changes as it may lead to the deletion of the private key, therefore data cannot be retrieved then after.

Should The Ransom Be Paid?

Regardless of the situation, you should refrain from paying any sort of ransom to the hackers. That’s because these people cannot be trusted and they typically disappear after receiving the money. Even if they do send you the key that works, remember that it will only decode the files, but the malware will still remain in the machine and can attack again. Furthermore, paying ransom to these criminals will only strengthen the idea that ransomware is a lucrative business scheme, hence the illegal industry will only grow.

Tips To Recover The Infected Files:

Before trying to recover the compromised data, you should remove Mekwyk Ransomware from the PC using a professional security app. After that, you won’t have much trouble retrieving the information if you have a backup copy stored on any external place. Even if you don’t have a proper backup, you shouldn’t be panicked as you can still get the data back. For this purpose, however, you require investing in our effective file-recovery software that you can get right here down below. But before that, you must eliminate Mekwyk virus from the system ASAP.

Distribution Of File-locking Virus:

Crypto-viruses like Mekwyk Ransomware tend to sneak into the PC systems usually via phishing emails containing malicious attachments. These spam mails are usually presented as official or urgent letters from some reputable entities in order to trick the recipients into downloading and opening the attached virulent files, thus resulting in the infiltration of the malware. You can avoid this incident by paying close attention while exploring the irrelevant mails’ attachments. Before opening the attached documents, first scan it via the reputable security app as it is vital to prevent Mekwyk Ransomware or other dangerous malware attacks.

FAQs

Why does the encryption occur?

The purpose of the cyber crooks behind encrypting users’ data is to extort illicit revenue from them. By taking those files hostage, ransomware tends to force the affected users to pay a hefty sum of ransom in order to acquire the decryption software.

How to avoid such attacks?

Avoid opening spam emails, especially their attachments as they might contain malware payloads. Besides, in order to update, activate or download software, rely on official sources only, and always have an up-to-date security app installed and perform regular system scans.

Message In The Ransom Note:

::: Greetings :::

Little FAQ:

.1.

Q: Whats Happen?

A: Your files have been encrypted. The file structure was not damaged, we did everything possible so that this could not happen.

.2.

Q: How to recover files?

A: If you wish to decrypt your files you will need to pay in Monero(XMR) – this is one of the types of cryptocurrency, you can get acquainted  with it in more detail here: hxxps://www.getmonero.org/

.3.

Q: What about guarantees?

A: Its just a business. We absolutely do not care about you and your deals, except getting benefits. If we do not do our work and liabilities – nobody will cooperate with us. Its not in our interests.

To check the ability of returning files, you can send to us any 2 files with SIMPLE extensions(jpg,xls,doc, etc… not databases!) and low sizes(max 1 mb), we will decrypt them and send back to you. That is our guarantee.

.4.

Q: How to contact with you?

A: Please, write us to our qTOX account: A2D64928FE333BF394C79BB1F0B8F3 E85AFE84F913135CCB481F0B13ADDDD1055AC5ECD33A05

   You can learn about this way of communication and download it here: hxxps://qtox.github.io/

Or use Bitmessage and write to our address: BM-NC6V9JcMRuLPnSuPFN8upRPRRmHEMSFA

   You can learn about this way of communication and download it here: hxxps://wiki.bitmessage.org/ and here: hxxps://github.com/Bitmessage/PyBitmessage/releases/

.5.

Q: How will the decryption process proceed after payment?

A: After payment we will send to you our scanner-decoder program and detailed instructions for use. With this program you will be able to decrypt all your encrypted files.

.6.

Q: If I don’t want to pay bad people like you?

A: If you will not cooperate with our service – for us, its does not matter. But you will lose your time and data, cause only we have the private key. In practice – time is much more valuable than money.

:::BEWARE:::

DON’T try to change encrypted files by yourself!

If you will try to use any third party software for restoring your data or antivirus solutions – please make a backup for all encrypted files!

Any changes in encrypted files may entail damage of the private key and, as result, the loss all data.

Antimalware Details And User Guide

Click Here For Windows

Click Here For Mac

Step 1: Remove Mekwyk Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

Step 2: Delete Mekwyk Ransomware using “System Restore”

Step 1: Remove Mekwyk Ransomware through “Safe Mode with Networking”

For Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Boot the PC in “Safe Mode”. Click on “Start” option and continuously press on F8 during the start process until the “Windows Advanced Option” menu appears on the screen. Choose “Safe Mode with Networking” from the list.

Now, a windows homescreen appears on the desktop and work-station is now working on “Safe mode with networking”.

For Windows 8 Users: Go to the “Start Screen”. In the search results select settings, type “Advanced”. In the “General PC Settings” option, choose “Advanced startup” option. Again, click on the “Restart Now” option. The work-station boots to “Advanced Startup Option Menu”. Press on “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced options” button.  In the “Advanced Option Screen”, press on “Startup Settings”. Again, click on “Restart” button. The work-station will now restart in to the “Startup Setting” screen. Next is to press F5 to boot in Safe Mode in Networking.

For Windows 10 Users: Press on Windows logo and on the “Power” icon. In the newly opened menu, choose “Restart” while continuously holding “Shift” button on the keyboard. In the new open “Choose an option” window, click on “Troubleshoot” and then on the “Advanced Options”. Select “Startup Settings” and press on “Restart”. In the next window, click on “F5” button on the key-board.

Step 2: Delete Mekwyk Ransomware using “System Restore”

Log-in to the account infected with Mekwyk Ransomware. Open the browser and download a legitimate anti-malware tool. Do a full System scanning. Remove all the malicious detected entries.

In case if you cannot start the PC in “Safe Mode with Networking”, Try using “System Restore”

• During the “Startup”, continuously press on F8 key until the “Advanced Option” menu appears. From the list, choose “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and then press “Enter”

• In the new opened command prompt, enter “cd restore” and then press “Enter”.

• Type: rstrui.exe and Press “ENTER”

• Click “Next” on the new windows

• Choose any of the “Restore Points” and click on “Next”. (This step will restore the work-station to its earlier time and date prior to Mekwyk Ransomware infiltration in the PC.

• In the newly opened windows, press on “Yes”.

Once your PC gets restored to its previous date and time, download the recommended anti-malware tool and perform a deep scanning in order to remove Mekwyk Ransomware files if they left in the work-station.

In order to restore the each (separate) file by this ransomware, use “Windows Previous Version” feature. This method is effective when “System Restore Function” is enabled in the work-station.

Important Note: Some variants of Mekwyk Ransomware delete the “Shadow Volume Copies” as well hence this feature may not work all the time and is applicable for selective computers only.

How to Restore Individual Encrypted File:

In order to restore a single file, right click on it and go to “Properties”. Select “Previous Version” tab. Select a “Restore Point” and click on “Restore” option.

In order to access the files encrypted by Mekwyk Ransomware, you can also try using “Shadow Explorer”. In order to get more information on this application, press here.

Important: Data Encryption Ransomware are highly dangerous and it is always better that you take precautions to avoid its attack on your work-station. It is advised to use a powerful anti-malware tool in order to get protection in real-time. With this help of “SpyHunter”, “group policy objects” are implanted in the registries in order to block harmful infections like Mekwyk Ransomware.

Also, In Windows 10, you get a very unique feature called “Fall Creators Update” that offer “Controlled Folder Access” feature in order to block any kind of encryption to the files. With the help of this feature, any files stored in the locations such as “Documents”, “Pictures”, “Music”, “Videos”, “Favorites” and “Desktop” folders are safe by default.

It is very important that you install this “Windows 10 Fall Creators Update” in your PC to protect your important files and data from ransomware encryption. The more information on how to get this update and add an additional protection form rnasomware attack has been discussed here.

How to Recover the Files Encrypted by Mekwyk Ransomware?

Till now, you would have understood that what had happed to your personal files that got encrypted and how you can remove the scripts and payloads associated with Mekwyk Ransomware in order to protect your personal files that has not been damaged or encrypted until now. In order to retrieve the locked files, the depth information related to “System Restore” and “Shadow Volume Copies” has already been discussed earlier. However, in case if you are still unable to access the encrypted files then you can try using a data recovery tool.

Use of Data Recovery Tool

This step is for all those victims who have already tries all the above mentioned process but didn’t find any solution. Also it is important that you are able to access the PC and can install any software. The data recovery tool works on the basis of System scanning and recovery algorithm. It searches the System partitions in order to locate the original files which were deleted, corrupted or damaged by the malware. Remember that you must not re-install the Windows OS otherwise the “previous” copies will get deleted permanently. You have to clean the work-station at first and remove Mekwyk Ransomware infection. Leave the locked files as it is and follow the steps mentioned below.

Step1: Download the software in the work-station by clicking on the “Download” button below.

Step2: Execute the installer by clicking on downloaded files.

Step3: A license agreement page appears on the screen. Click on “Accept” to agree with its terms and use. Follow the on-screen instruction as mentioned and click on “Finish” button.

Step4: Once the installation gets completed, the program gets executed automatically. In the newly opened interface, select the file types that you want to recover and click on “Next”.

Step5: You can select the “Drives” on which you want the software to run and execute the recovery process. Next is to click on the “Scan” button.

Step6: Based on drive you select for scanning, the restore process begins. The whole process may take time depending on the volume of the selected drive and number of files. Once the process gets completed, a data explorer appears on the screen with preview of that data that is to be recovered. Select the files that you want to restore.

Step7. Next is to locate the location where you want to saver the recovered files.