What is 2k19cry ransomware? And how does it carry out its attack?
2k19cry ransomware is a new and dangerous file-encrypting virus designed to corrupt files in a computer. According to security experts, it is also a new variant of Paradise ransomware. It attaches a “.2k19cry” extension to each file it encrypts and uses the same encryption algorithm as other variants of Paradise ransomware.
Once it infiltrates a targeted machine, it will start to carry out a sequence of modifications in the system by downloading its malicious components from a remote server and places them on system folders in order to manipulate system processes. After that, it employs a data gathering module where it collects information from the system. It then uses the collected data for the next module called stealth protection. In this second module, 2k19cry ransomware scans the system for digital signatures of both security and antivirus programs. And once it finds them, it either disables them or removes them permanently from the system.
After the system modifications are completed, it starts encrypting its targeted files that are commonly user-generated. Following the encryption, it adds the “.2k19cry” suffix to every encrypted file and opens a program window that contains the following message:
“All your files are encrypted!
All your files have been encrypted due to a security problem with your PC. If you want to restore them, write us the e-mail [email protected] and: [email protected]
Your PC id: nJjMoz
You have to pay for decryption in Bitcoins. The price depends on how fast you write to us. After payment, we will send you the decryption tool that will decrypt all your files.
Free decryption as a guarantee
Before payment, you can send us 1-2 files for free decryption.
Please note that files must NOT contain valuable information.
The file size should not exceed 1MB.
How to obtain Bitcoins
The easiest way to buy bitcoins is the LocalBitcoins site. You have to register, click ‘Buy bitcoins’, and select the seller by payment method and price.
https://localbitcoins.net/buy_bitcoins
Also, you can find other places to buy Bitcoins and beginners guide here:
http://www.coindesk.com/information/how-can-i-buy-bitcoins/
Attention!
Do not rename encrypted files
Do not try to decrypt your data using third-party software, it may cause permanent data loss
You are guaranteed to get the decryptor after payment
Do not attempt to use the antivirus or uninstall the program
This will lead to your data loss and unrecoverable
Decoders of other users are not suitable to decrypt your files – encryption key is unique”
Aside from a program window, 2k19cry ransomware also opens a text file named “-=###_INFO_you_FILE_###=-.txt” which has the following content:
“All your files have been blocked for more information, please contact us by e-mail.
E-Mail: [email protected] and [email protected]
You PC id: nJjMoz
The faster you contact us the faster we can help you.”
How does 2k19cry ransomware spread online?
Spam emails are the go-to distribution method used not only by the developers of 2k19cry ransomware but also other ransomware developers in spreading crypto-malware. Usually, the email contains an infected attachment that may be a document disguised as invoices, bank statements, and receipts of orders, etc. – this is to trick users into thinking that the infected attachment is an important one that they need to download and open. You should know better than to open these kinds of files, especially if the email is full of grammatical errors. To avoid getting infected with ransomware threats again, delete any suspicious-looking emails from the moment you notice one in your inbox.
Terminate 2k19cry ransomware and its malicious processes from the infected computer with the help of the removal guide laid out below.
Step_1: You need to kill the malicious processes of 2k19cry ransomware first and you can do that via Task Manager. To open it, just tap the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard.
Step_2: After opening the Task Manager, go to the Processes tab and look for any suspicious-looking processes that take up most of your CPU’s resources and are most likely related to 2k19cry ransomware.
Step_3: After that, close the Task Manager.
Step_4: Tap Win + R, type in appwiz.cpl and click OK or tap Enter to open Programs and Features under Control Panel.
Step_5: Under the list of installed programs, look for 2k19cry ransomware or anything similar, and then uninstall it.
Step_6: Next, close the Control Panel and tap Win + E keys to launch File Explorer.
Step_7: Navigate to the following locations below and look for 2k19cry ransomware’s malicious components such as “-=###_INFO_you_FILE_###=-.txt”, “[random].exe” and other suspicious files, then delete all of them.
- %TEMP%
- %WINDIR%\System32\Tasks
- %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Templates\
- %USERPROFILE%\Downloads
- %USERPROFILE%\Desktop
Step_8: 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_9: Tap Win + R to open Run and then type in Regedit in the field and tap enter to pull up Windows Registry.
Step_10: Navigate to the following path:
- 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
Step_11: Delete the registry keys and sub-keys created by 2k19cry ransomware.
Step_12: Close the Registry Editor and empty the Recycle Bin.
Try to recover your encrypted files using the Shadow Volume copies
Restoring your encrypted files using Windows Previous Versions feature will only be effective if 2k19cry 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 and then click the Restore button.
Congratulations, you have just removed 2k19cry 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 2k19cry 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.
