What is U2k Ransomware?
U2k ransomware is a harmful malware infection that encrypts the files of the infected user and renders it inaccessible. Cybercriminals create it to take advantage of flaws in victims ’ computers and request ransom money in exchange for the recovery and decryption of the data they encrypt.
Since so many people have essential documents and files on their devices, those infected with U2k ransomware are compelled to pay the ransom requested by cyber criminals in exchange for their data.
The majority of the new forms of this file locker malware are impossible to decrypt on your own, and even professionals are having trouble recovering these encrypted files, which is why most individuals are choosing to pay the attackers for their files.
Being infected with a severe virus like the U2k ransomware can be extremely damaging to a computer system and its networked devices. It can also migrate from one computer to another via the Internet. If a device is infected and linked to a network, the virus can spread to other devices on the same network.
When a computer gets hacked, it's best to disconnect it from the network as quickly as possible, or at the very least boot it into safe mode with networking.
The Purpose of U2k Ransomware
A ransomware virus encrypts files on affected systems and demands a ransom payment to unlock them. The ransom is usually paid in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, and the ransomware operators typically claim that the files will not be released until the ransom is paid.
By encrypting vast numbers of files and demanding large ransom payments, the U2k ransomware perpetrators can make a lot of money. Because the files that are encrypted can be highly valuable in some situations, a hefty ransom can be asked.
After paying the ransom as suggested by the attackers, the victim is given a decryption key that can be used to restore their files.
The decryption key is a one-of-a-kind digital code that decrypts files encrypted by the ransomware virus.
However, in the case of a ransomware infection, a successful ransom transaction and decryption is not always the case. It's not just right to put your trust in the people who encrypted the data in the first place. Because doing so may have the reverse effect and cause extra damage to your computer, as well as the data being destroyed entirely.
How does U2k Ransomware spread?
Almost every other sort of computer virus enters a device in the same way. They do not work at first, but after the file is executed, they begin to do their destructive operations.
A person cannot normally receive a malicious file if they are cautious about what they are accessing, whether it is a website or an email.
It is the most extensively utilized and popular method. The intended recipient is tricked into downloading malicious software attached to the attackers' email. In the attachments, the files are either grouped or disguised as papers, movies, and voicemails.
Another method is through drive-by downloads, which occur when a user visits an infected website that has been infected with a malicious script that causes a random piece of malware to be downloaded. Once these weaknesses have been exploited, hackers can utilize them to gain unauthorized access to targets' systems.
Torrent files are also one of the most common ways to receive this infection, as they are utilized by millions of pirates around the world to download pirated movies and music, as well as cracked versions of premium software. Since then, cybercriminals have spread their malicious software through the torrent community.
Torrent files, especially.exe files, are usually contaminated. If you're downloading from a torrent site, double-check the file extension because it's common to find that a pirated movie or music in the .exe format is infected with a virus.
U2k Ransomware Removal Instructions
This procedure will assist you in removing U2k ransomware as well as any dangers related to the malware infection. You can rest assured that the information provided below has been tried and tested.
Step 1: Remove the Virus with Malwarebytes
When dealing with malware, it is much better to rely on an antivirus application because it is much easier to utilize, especially because not everyone on the internet is adept in technology.
One of the most powerful anti-malware tools available is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. They have some of the best threat detection tools, ensuring that any malicious malware on your computer is completely removed.
To download the application while in safe mode, you must have networking allowed to use the internet. Unless you have Malwarebytes installed on your computer already, please follow the instructions below:
1 Visit the official anti-malware website or click the button above to download the most up-to-date version of the software that best suits the requirements of your computer. You will also be getting a 14-day trial of the premium program as you download the application for the first time.
2 When prompted to choose between personal and organizational use, click the personal option unless you are downloading it within your company. From then on, follow the installation procedure given on your computer's setup screen.
3 After following the software setup instructions, wait for the application to finish installing.
4 Once the application is installed, run your first computer scan and wait for it to finish.
5 All discovered malware on the computer will be displayed on the screen, and you can eliminate them by pressing the "quarantine" button.
Once the process is complete, U2k Ransomware, as well as any other malicious threats found on the computer, should be removed. Activating Malwarebytes Real-Time Protection is also recommended, as it will secure your computer and detect potential threats as soon as they surface.
Step 2: Find a Decryption Tool
Finding a working decryption tool for U2k ransomware-infected data may be difficult, if not impossible. Because there may not be much information on a virus that appears to be new, it may take time to create a decryption.
However, you can check Emsisoft's Ransomware Decryption Tools page on their official website to see if a decryption program for the ransomware in question is available. In addition, you can also try Avast's Free Ransomware Decryption Tools to see if they offer one that works as well.
Note that these sites may not have one available at present, therefore you may also want to try the file recovery applications that are shown below.
File Recovery Programs to Try and Use:
Here are programs you may use to restore your files from a ransomware attack. Note that the tools mentioned below do not guarantee the decryption of .U2k files.
Shadow Explorer
ShadowExplorer is a file recovery program that allows you to recover prior versions of files that have been altered or overwritten. The application accesses the location in which the documents or files are located and retrieves them from there.
For your information, Windows saves a copy of the files you updated with its restore points, but you won't be able to access them until you have the feature turned on. Restoring your data with software like ShadowExplorer, on the other hand, can be a lifesaver especially when facing a ransomware virus.
In a matter of seconds, the application will display all of the recovered copies. Whatever sort of file you need to restore, ShadowExplorer will find the overwritten copies in any format. This application is extremely useful since it could simply pull up a backup copy of the infected data and get it back. It would be as if it wasn't infected at all, as long as there is a shadow copy of the files it could do just that.
PhotoRec
Photo Rec is primarily a photo recovery program. It allows you to recover photographs from a variety of digital devices, including laptops, video cameras, mobile phones, external drives, and more.
The tool can also recover corrupted photos, making it suitable for occasions such as ransomware attacks.
Since corrupted photos can be lost or unrecoverable. PhotoRec comes in handy here. The application is a digital picture recovery utility that allows you to recover photographs and images from a variety of devices, even if they have been corrupted by system or file damage.
The program is open-source and free. It recovers missing files from a system using text-based data recovery algorithms. However, do note that this application cannot ensure that your infected photos will be completely decrypted.
Step 3: Final Precautionary Measures (Optional)
Before returning to normal Windows mode, make sure the computing device is safe and malware-free. You don't want another ransomware attack to occur once you reboot.
Cybercriminals utilize a variety of methods to obtain access to their victims' devices; individuals who have recently been hacked should ensure that their device's security is tight to prevent hackers from gaining access again.
Here are a few things to do to keep the computer safe against another ransomware attack or any other dangerous threats.
Use the Controlled Folder Access Feature
Controlled folder access should be used if you're running Windows 10 or 11. It helps safeguard sensitive data from malicious threats, such as the U2k ransomware.
Turning it on will limit access to the specified folders to just those applications that have been permitted to open them. Please follow the procedures below to enable controlled folder access unless you already have it enabled.
1 Open the Windows Start Menu and search Windows Security then click the application.
2 Once the Windows Security application shows up, click on Virus & threat protection from one of the options shown.
3 Scroll down and find the Ransomware protection section, then click the Manage ransomware protection as shown.
4 Turn on the Controlled folder access by toggling it On.
5 From the Protected folders button, you can add the folders you want protected and only apps with permission are only allowed to access it.
Although not every file on the computer can be safeguarded, all valuable files should be retained and placed in a protected folder. Malware like U2k ransomware won't be able to infect and encrypt files within a protected folder thanks to the Controlled folder access functionality.
It's a very helpful feature to have, but you should be cautious about which apps you provide access to protected folders. There may be viruses disguised as genuine programs that could try and take advantage of this, therefore be cautious when permitting programs and double-check that they are valid.
Setup OneDrive for File Recovery
One of the most important precautions, according to many computer experts, is to periodically back up your files so that you have a copy in case of a ransomware attack. The damage would be lessened if files were backed up to a cloud or a USB stick, but many individuals do not make it a routine to back up their files.
After getting hit by ransomware, one would undoubtedly learn their lesson and perform regular backups. Cloud storage is one of the best ways to back up your files because it is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
Fortunately, OneDrive has a computer file backup feature, and you should back up your files now as a precaution in case of another attack. OneDrive is preinstalled for Windows 10 and later versions, so if you are using an older system, you have to download the application first (click here).
1 To access One Drive, open the Windows Start Menu and search OneDrive then click the application.
2 Once the OneDrive application/website opens up, fill in the required information needed to sign up if you haven't done it yet.
3 Backup the files that are in Desktop, Pictures, and Documents by making sure there is a check mark on the upper right of their icons. Click Continue to proceed with the next steps and finish the introduction.
4 As you can see, OneDrive is a folder and if you want to add more items to safeguard, simply copy and paste that item into this designated folder. Files that are backed up will have a checkmark beside them. Those with the cloud icon mean that they are only available when there is an internet connection.
Once your files are safe, it will greatly limit the chance of being damaged during another malware attack since you can just pull a backup from the OneDrive cloud.
Now you may use your computer once again and boot back to normal mode. In addition to that, you may read below some safety tips on how to browse the internet safely and prevent encountering malicious threats.
Some Internet Safety Tips
- Websites with distinctive domain extensions should be avoided. Domain extensions other than .com, .org, .net, and .edu should be avoided because most infected websites have very distinct TLDs, always check the last section of a domain to make sure you're on a safe site unless it's been reputable for a long time.
- Never download software or programs from unknown sources. This is one of the most popular ways for adware and other malware to infiltrate your computer. Download only from recognized and legal sources. To be secure, avoid torrent downloads and cracked software download sites, as the files will almost always contain viruses.
- One of the most reliable ways to be safe online is to use a firewall. It protects users from potentially hazardous websites by acting as a first line of protection. It keeps intruders out of the user's network and device. In today's world, a firewall will protect a user from the risks that lurk on the huge internet.
- Anti-virus software must be kept up to date. These programs should always be updated on a computer since hundreds of new malware threats are produced every day that aim to infect the machine's weaknesses. Antivirus updates contain the most recent files needed to combat new threats and protect your computer.
- Visit only websites with a secure connection. Since HTTP connections do not encrypt the data they receive, they are not considered secure. Entering personal information like email addresses, phone numbers, and passwords on a website that uses an HTTP connection is hazardous since your information could be stolen. Websites that use HTTPS connections, on the other hand, are more secure because data is encrypted and attackers are less likely to obtain access to information shared within the site.
