Our removal guide shows how users can recover from the Malki Virus, a ransomware that encrypts files and marks them with the .malki extension.
Manual Removal Guide
Recover Malki Virus Files
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How Does Malki Virus Infiltrate the System?
Malki Virus can be distributed using different strategies depending on the targets. The hacker operators can use a combination of the methods to achieve a maximum potential infection ratio.
Malki virus samples can easily be spread by utilizing social engineering tricks. They are most apparent in email spam messages, the targets receive messages that appear as being sent by legitimate companies or agencies. In fact they carry the Malki virus either as a file attachment or a hyperlink in the body contents.
The ransomware code can also be bundled in software installers or documents that serve as payload installers. The documents may be of different type (rich text documents, spreadsheets, databases) and usually include macros that needs to be activated by the victims. This action launches the Malki virus infection.
Software installers may be of two main types:
- Software installers that include the Malki as optional or recommended components. The users have the option to disallow the infection by unchecking a certain checkbox or an appropriate setting.
- Counterfeit installers. They are usually distributed on hacker-controlled download portals or P2P networks where pirate content is usually found.
Web redirects, ad networks and scripts can also be used to distribute the Malki virus across different sites and networks. Browser hijackers as malicious add-ons are usually made for the most popular applications: Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge and Opera. They aim to change the default settings of the browsers by manipulating their settings to point to a hacker-controlled default home page, new tabs page and search engine.
Direct hacker attacks are another source of potential intrusions and infections.
Related: Mikoyan Ransomware Removal Guide, .OXR File Virus Removal and Recovery Guide
Infection Flow of Malki Virus
Malki virus is a dangerous ransomware that has just been reported by security experts. The discovery was made after the samples have been detected in an attack wave. The Malki virus signatures were found to correspond to the Hidden Tear malware family. Malki virus is also known under the alias of AslaHora virus.
The discovered version was found to be an initial testing set that includes only a basic ransomware and lockscreen engine. Unlike other Hidden Tear variants no additional modules were identified. During the initial analysis it was revealed that the Malki Virus also sources some of its code from the Mikoyan ransomware.
It is very likely that the hacker or criminal collective behind it have sourced the programming code from underground black markets or communities. This leads to two main possibilities:
- The hacker does not have enough experience to craft a virus of their own and this is the reason why the code is taken from known ransomware. Slight modifications can lead to the creation of a new strain that can include a different infection flow and behavior patterns. In some cases this leads to a confusion in detection and some of the basic anti-virus products may fail to prevent infections.
- Experienced hacker collectives or individuals may also take some of the code and tweak it to create complex strains. Further updates may lead to the creation of a whole new malware family if the time investment is made.
We expect to see updated versions that can include additional modules and functionality both to the main virus engine and the ransomware part as well.
The list includes Trojans and Keyloggers that can be used to spy on the users. Computer criminals that rely on identity theft can extract the mouse movements and keyboard input to facilitate account credentials theft. Other serious security risks include arbitrary data stealing. Surveillance is also possible where the hackers can spy on the users activity in real time.
Ransomware such as the Malki Virus can be used to install additional malware on the compromised machines. Depending on the hacker configuration they may also reconfigure the computer to install a persistent environment – this effectively prevents victims from removing the virus infections using manual methods.
Before launching the ransomware engine several information harvesting attempts are done. The Malki Virus is able to extract sensitive data about the hardware components, user files, settings and language preferences. These values are used by the ransomware engine as variables in the key generation process.
Once this process is complete the Malki virus ransomware engine is started. Like other similar threats it uses a built-in list of target file type extensions. In the majority of cases the criminals seek to impact as many different types of data as possible: documents, videos. music, backups, photos, databases and etc. All affected files receive the .malki extension.
A lockscreen instance is then activated that prevents any ordinary computer interaction until the computer virus is completely removed. It displays a white text box on a blue background that reads the following:
ENTER UNLOCK CODE GIVEN BY MALKI!!!
During the security analysis the experts discovered that some of the Malki Virus samples include the unlock password built-in “MALKIMALKIMALKI”. Inputting the code may remove the lockscreen but that does not eliminate the ransomware infection.
As such we strongly recommend that victims of the Malki ransomware use a quality anti-spyware utility. It can effectively remove all infections and restore data using the professional-grade software listed in our instructions. Continue reading our guide below.
Remove Malki Virus and Restore Data
WARNING! Manual removal of Malki Virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
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Malki Virus – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps bellow are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Show Hidden Files
Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.
1. Open My Computer/This PC
2. Windows 7
- – Click on Organize button
– Select Folder and search options
– Select the View tab
– Go under Hidden files and folders and mark Show hidden files and folders option
3. Windows 8/ 10
- – Open View tab
– Mark Hidden items option
4. Click Apply and then OK button
Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes
1. Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2. Get over to Processes
3. When you find suspicious process right click on it and select Open File Location
4. Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose End Process
5. Next, you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
Malki Virus Files
WARNING! All files and objects associated with Malki Virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.
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1. Use present backups
2. Use professional data recovery software
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.
3. Using System Restore Point
- – Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
4. Restore your personal files using File History
- – Hit WIN Key
– Type restore your files in the search box
– Select Restore your files with File History
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
– Hit the “Restore” button
