What is Syrk ransomware? And how does it carry out its attack?
Syrk ransomware is a new data-encrypting threat discovered by Leo, a security researcher. It is designed to lock important files in a targeted computer using a sophisticated encryption algorithm and leave them with the “.syrk” extension after it encrypts them, making them unusable and inaccessible to users.
Once it infects a computer, it follows a predesigned behavioral pattern. It launches a combination of information gathering module and stealth protection module which are both used to obtain data about the infected computer and user as well as protect the malware from any security programs installed in the system. It scans the computer for any security software that might interfere with the execution of the crypto-malware. This process is done via signature scans that look for antivirus engines as well as virtual machine hosts and debug environments. After finding them, it terminates them and in some cases, deletes the security software altogether.
Moreover, once it finishes modifying the system, it encrypts important data in the system using the AES encryption algorithm. Following data encryption, it appends the “.syrk” extension to every affected file and then opens a program window that contains the following message:
“*Your personal files are being encrypted by Syrk Malware. Your photos, videos, documents, etc… the only way to recover it is to contact this email: ([email protected]) and submit your id.
After paying, you will be sent a password that will be used to decrypt your files
if you don’t do these actions before the timer expires your files will start to be deleted
at the first-timer, the files in the photo folder will be deleted
at the second timer, the files in the desktop folder will be deleted
at the third timer, the files in the document folder will be deleted
So hurry up, TIME FLOWS!!!!
To see your Id click on *Show My ID*”
In addition, Syrk ransomware also releases a text file named “Readme_now.txt” which contains another ransom note that states:
“Your personal files have been encrypted by Syrk Malware, send an email to [email protected] to recover them.”
How is the payload file of Syrk ransomware distributed online?
Syrk ransomware’s payload file may be disseminated using several methods. It could be distributed using fake updates, repacked and infected installers, exploit kits, botnets, and most especially, malicious spam emails which is why you must always practice precaution when you download any file online as it might be the malicious payload of Syrk ransomware. It would also be better if you keep both your computer system and antivirus programs updated.
Eliminate Syrk ransomware from your computer with the help of the removal instructions provided below.
Step_1: the first thing you have to do is eliminate the processes of Syrk ransomware by opening the Task Manager. Just tap Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to launch the Task Manager.
Step_2: Next, go to the Processes tab and look for the malicious process of Syrk ransomware named “SydneyFortniteHacks.exe” and “SyrkProject.exe”, and then right-click on it and select End Process or End Task.
Step_3: Close the Task Manager and open Control Panel by pressing the Windows key + R, then type in “appwiz.cpl” and then click OK or press Enter.
Step_4: Look for dubious programs that might be related to Syrk ransomware and then Uninstall it/them.
Step_5: Close Control Panel and then tap Win + E to launch File Explorer.
Step_6: After opening File Explorer, navigate to the following directories below and look for Syrk ransomware’s malicious components such as SyrkProject.exe, SydneyFortniteHacks.exe, Readme_now.txt, and [random].exe as well as other suspicious-looking files and then erase them all.
- %TEMP%
- %APPDATA%
- %DESKTOP%
- %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
- C:\ProgramData\local\
Step_7: Close the File Explorer.
Before you proceed to the next steps below, make sure that you are tech-savvy enough to the point where you know exactly how to use and navigate your computer’s Registry. Keep in mind that any changes you make will highly impact your computer. To save you trouble and time, you can just use Restoro, this system tool is proven to be safe and excellent enough that hackers won’t be able to hack into it. But if you can manage Windows Registry well, then by all means go on to the next steps.
Step_8: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in Regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.
Step_9: Navigate to the listed paths below and look for the registry keys and sub-keys created by Syrk ransomware.
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\
- HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop\
- 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
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\Background
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Personalization
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\ScreenSaveTimeOut
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
Step_10: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by Syrk ransomware.
Step_11: Close the Registry Editor.
Step_12: Empty your Recycle Bin.
Try to recover your encrypted files using their Shadow Volume copies
Restoring your encrypted files using Windows Previous Versions feature will only be effective if Syrk ransomware hasn’t deleted the shadow copies of your files. But still, this is one of the best and free methods there is, so it’s definitely worth a shot.
To restore the encrypted file, right-click on it and select Properties, a new window will pop up, then proceed to Previous Versions. It will load the file’s previous version before it was modified. After it loads, select any of the previous versions displayed on the list like the one in the illustration below. And then click the Restore button.
Congratulations, you have just removed Syrk Ransomware in Windows 10 all by yourself. If you would like to read more helpful articles and tips about various software and hardware visit fixmypcfree.com daily.
Now that’s how you remove Syrk Ransomware in Windows 10 on a computer. On the other hand, if your computer is going through some system-related issues that have to get fixed, there is a one-click solution known as Restoro you could check out to resolve them.
This program is a useful tool that could repair corrupted registries and optimize your PC’s overall performance. Aside from that, it also cleans out your computer for any junk or corrupted files that help you eliminate any unwanted files from your system. This is basically a solution that’s within your grasp with just a click. It’s easy to use as it is user-friendly. For a complete set of instructions in downloading and using it, refer to the steps below
Perform a full system scan using Restoro. To do so, follow the instructions below.
