How to remove Mekwyk Ransomware

What is Mekwyk Ransomware

Mekwyk Ransomware ransomware is a truly dangerous infection as it’ll encrypt files. Ransomware is classified as highly harmful malicious software because of how severely it could affect your files. When the ransomware launches, it searches for specific files to encrypt. Ransomware makes the files regarded as the most valued the targets. You won’t be able to open files so easily, you’ll need to unlock them using a special key, which is in the possession of the crooks behind this ransomware. Occasionally, malware analysts can crack the ransomware and release a free decryption application. We cannot be sure a decryptor will be created but that is your best option if you haven’t made copies of your files.

Soon after file encryption, you will notice a ransom note placed either in folders holding encrypted files or the desktop. The note will clarify what happened to your files and how you might get them back. It ought to not shock you but it’s not suggested to pay cyber criminals anything. It’s possible for hackers to just take the money and not help you. Moreover, that payment will probably go towards supporting other malware projects. We would suggest you buy backup with some of that money. If backup is a possibility for you, just terminate Mekwyk Ransomware and restore files.

If you remember opening a weird email attachment or downloading some kind of update, that’s how you could have contaminated your computer. Such methods are favored by cyber crooks because superior ability is not crucial to use them.

Download Removal Toolto remove Mekwyk Ransomware

How is Mekwyk Ransomware distributed

Even though your computer might get infected in many ways, the most likely way you obtained it was through spam email or fake update. Since malicious spam campaigns are pretty common, you have to familiarize yourself with what malicious spam look like. When dealing with senders you aren’t familiar with, you have to carefully check the email before opening the file attached. You ought to also know that crooks frequently pretend to be from known companies in order to make users feel safe. For example, the sender could say to be Amazon and that they’re emailing you with concerns about recent purchases. If the sender is actually who they say they are, checking that shouldn’t be difficult. Look at the sender’s email address, and whether it appears legitimate or not check that it really is used by the company they say to represent. In addition, email attachments should be scanned with credible scanners before you open them.

Malicious application updates are another way to get the infection. Notifications that promote bogus program updates are typically encountered when you visit questionable sites. In certain cases, you could run into those update offers in advert or banner form and it might see pretty convincing. However, for those who knows that real updates are never offered this way, such bogus notifications will be obvious. Unless you want to put your computer in jeopardy, you should remember to never download anything from suspicious sources, which include advertisements. If you have automatic updates turned on, updates will happen automatically, but if you have to manually update something, you’ll be notified through the program itself.

How does ransomware behave

It is likely rather apparent that your files have been encrypted. File encrypting probably happened without you noticing, right after the contaminated file was opened. You ought to see that a file extension has been added to all affected files. Complex encryption algorithms were used to encrypt your files, so do not bother trying to open them. Information about what you have to do to restore your files can be found on the ransom note. Ransom notes generally follow a certain pattern, threaten with forever lost files and explain how to recover them by paying the ransom. It is not impossible that criminals behind this ransomware have the sole decryptor but even if that is true, it isn’t advised to pay the ransom. Realistically, how likely is it that the people who encrypted your files in the first place, will feel obligated to recover your files, even after a payment is made. The same cyber crooks may target you particularly next time because they may believe if you gave into the requests once, you may do it again.

It might be the case that you have uploaded some of your files somewhere, so check storage devices you have and various social media accounts. Alternatively you could backup files that have been encrypted and hope this is one of those cases when malware specialists are able to make free decryptors. You will need to delete Mekwyk Ransomware whichever choice you pick.

Whatever decision you have made, you need to start backing up your files on a frequent basis. There is always a possibility that you might lose your files, so having backup is necessary. Backup prices vary depending in which form of backup you choose, but the purchase is definitely worth it if you have files you don’t wish to lose.

Mekwyk Ransomware Removal

If you’re not knowledgeable about computers, we can’t suggest you attempt manual elimination. Download malware removal program to get rid of the threat, because otherwise you’re risking doing additional damage to your computer. If you cannot launch the software, reboot your computer in Safe Mode and try again. The malicious software removal program ought to be working fine in Safe Mode, so you should not run into issues when you delete Mekwyk Ransomware. Anti-malware program won’t help you with file decryption, however.

Download Removal Toolto remove Mekwyk Ransomware

Learn how to remove Mekwyk Ransomware from your computer

• Step 1. Remove Mekwyk Ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.
• Step 2. Remove Mekwyk Ransomware using System Restore
• Step 3. Recover your data

Step 1. Remove Mekwyk Ransomware using Safe Mode with Networking.

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.
• b) Step 2. Remove Mekwyk Ransomware.

a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking.

For Windows 7/Vista/XP

1. Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options appears.
3. Choose Safe Mode with Networking

For Windows 8/10 users

1. Press the power button that appears at the Windows login screen. Press and hold Shift. Click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

b) Step 2. Remove Mekwyk Ransomware.

You will now need to open your browser and download some kind of anti-malware software. Choose a trustworthy one, install it and have it scan your computer for malicious threats. When the ransomware is found, remove it. If, for some reason, you can't access Safe Mode with Networking, go with another option.

Step 2. Remove Mekwyk Ransomware using System Restore

• a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
• b) Step 2. Restore files and settings.

a) Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

For Windows 7/Vista/XP

1. Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
2. Press and keep pressing F8 until Advanced Boot Options appears.
3. Select Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

For Windows 8/10 users

1. Press the power button that appears at the Windows login screen. Press and hold Shift. Click Restart.
2. Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
3. Choose Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

b) Step 2. Restore files and settings.

1. You will need to type in cd restore in the window that appears. Press Enter.
2. Type in rstrui.exe and again, press Enter.
3. A window will pop-up and you should press Next. Choose a restore point and press Next again.
4. Press Yes.

While this should have taken care of the ransomware, you might want to download anti-malware just to be sure no other threats are lurking.  

Step 3. Recover your data

• a) Using Data Recovery Pro to recover encrypted files.
• b) Restore files through Windows Previous Versions
• c) Using Shadow Explorer to recover files

While backup is essential, there is still quite a few users who do not have it. If you are one of them, you can try the below provided methods and you just might be able to recover files.

a) Using Data Recovery Pro to recover encrypted files.

1. Download Data Recovery Pro, preferably from a trustworthy website.
2. Scan your device for recoverable files.
3. Recover them.

b) Restore files through Windows Previous Versions

If you had System Restore enabled, you can recover files through Windows Previous Versions.

1. Find a file you want to recover.
2. Right-click on it.
3. Select Properties and then Previous versions.
4. Pick the version of the file you want to recover and press Restore.

c) Using Shadow Explorer to recover files

If you are lucky, the ransomware did not delete your shadow copies. They are made by your system automatically for when system crashes.

1. Go to the official website (shadowexplorer.com) and acquire the Shadow Explorer application.
2. Set up and open it.
3. Press on the drop down menu and pick the disk you want.
4. If folders are recoverable, they will appear there. Press on the folder and then Export.

* SpyHunter scanner, published on this site, is intended to be used only as a detection tool. More info on SpyHunter. To use the removal functionality, you will need to purchase the full version of SpyHunter. If you wish to uninstall SpyHunter, click here.