Ekans Ransomware

Our researchers say that users who infect their systems with Ekans Ransomware might have no other choice but to reinstall Windows and start anew. Apparently, this malicious application can make a computer unbootable by encrypting all files located on it. Most hackers try to avoid this because if a user cannot boot his device, he will not be able to see ransom notes, and without viewing them, there is no chance to convince users to pay a ransom. Thus, such behavior suggests that the malware might still be in development. In which case, it is difficult to say how wide Ekans Ransomware could be spread or if it is even being distributed yet at all. For more information about the malware, we invite you to read our full article.

When discussing threats like Ekans Ransomware, we like to start by explaining where they might come from. The truth is that users often launch such malicious applications unknowingly. How can one run a harmful file without realizing it? The answer is simple - hackers know how to disguise malicious files to make them look harmless. Not to mention that they can pretend to be representatives of reputable organizations or a targeted company’s customers when emailing their targeted victims. This is why we always advise staying away from attachments that you get from unknown senders or under suspicious circumstances. Always pay close attention to what a message that is carrying a file says. If it looks like its sender is trying to scare you or rush you into opening the attached file, it is likely that something is wrong. To find out if a file is malicious or not for sure, you should scan it with a reliable antimalware tool.

The research revealed that Ekans Ransomware encrypts files with a robust encryption algorithm, which is why they become unreadable and can only be unlocked with special decryption tools. Also, during the encryption process, the malware should mark each encrypted file with a unique second extension made from five random characters, for example, picture.jpg.uth87, text.docx.3gtr1, and so on. As soon as all targeted files are encrypted, the malicious application should drop a ransom note called Fix-Your-Files.txt in the %HOMEDRIVE% and %USERPROFILE%\Desktop directories. Inside of this file, victims should find a message from the Ekans Ransomware’s creators. It begins with: “We breached your corporate network and encrypted the data on your computers.” This suggests that the threat could be targeted at devices belonging to various companies or businesses. Meaning, it might not be distributed among regular home users.

What’s more, the ransom note should also explain that hackers behind Ekans Ransomware have decryption tools that can unlock files affected by the malware. However, in exchange for such tools, hackers ask to contact them via email and then pay a ransom. We always advise against paying the ransom because no matter what cybercriminals may say or promise, there are no guarantees that they will hold on to their end of the bargain. Of course, in this case, it is likely that the malware’s victims will not be able to see Ekans Ransomware’s ransom note and do anything about the hacker’s offer because computers that receive this infection might become unbootable.

As a consequence, users who receive this malicious application may have nothing to do but to rewrite their devices’ operating systems. Afterward, we still recommend scanning your computer with a reliable antimalware tool to make sure that Ekans Ransomware gets eliminated. If you do not know where to start, you could check the instructions located at the end of this paragraph. Once your system is clean, you could transfer backup copies that you might keep on removable media devices or cloud storage so you could replace lost data with copies. Lastly, if you have any questions about Ekans Ransomware’s removal or its working manner, feel free to leave us a comment below.

Remove Ekans Ransomware

1. Rewrite Windows.
2. Install a reliable antimalware tool.
3. Scan your system to check if there are no malicious data left.
4. If the chosen tool identifies any threats, use its provided deletion button to erase them.