Remk Ransomware

The Remk Ransomware is a file-locking Trojan that comes from the STOP Ransomware family, a Ransomware-as-a-Service. Once on your computer, the Trojan will try to lock files by encrypting their data and ransoms the unlocking utility through its messages to the victim. Users may remove the Remk Ransomware with proper anti-malware tools safely but also should save backups regularly for recovering anything encrypted.

Temporary Files Delivering Permanent Problems

Since the early days of the STOP Ransomware's family and campaigns, a la first Djvu Ransomware, Rumba Ransomware, Promos Ransomware, and '.drume File Extension' Ransomware, up to the present-day Alka Ransomware, the family always represents a credible danger to users without backups. A new variant is maintaining the same hazards with particularly-unpredictable filenames for hiding itself: the Remk Ransomware. This Trojan is using semi-random names for stealth while pretending that it's a negligible, 'temporary' file, but with long-term consequences on the user's digital media.

Samples of the Remk Ransomware that are available to malware researchers are using names including '1c20,' 'C802,' '82EF,' and '5275,' always, with additional 'tmp' extensions disguising the installer's executable or EXE format. While the user overlooks the supposedly harmless, temporary file, the Remk Ransomware launches attacks as per the norm for the STOP Ransomware RaaS. Aftereffects include:

• The inability to open files that the Remk Ransomware encrypts, including documents, music and other media.

• New extensions (referencing the Remk Ransomware's name) may appear on the aforementioned blocked files.

• Your PC being unable to open websites that the Remk Ransomware blocks by changing the Hosts file's settings.

• Deleted the Restore Points.

• Fake Windows update prompts.

Less visibly, the Remk Ransomware infections also may collect passwords with the help of third-party spyware, which criminals can sell or use for compromising other accounts and network-available devices.

Long-Lasting Solutions to Ephemeral Infections

Although the Remk Ransomware may  be removable by reputable anti-malware services, the file damage that it causes is, typically, irreversible without the threat actor's help. Users can protect their work by backing it up to traditionally-secure devices, such as a cloud server or detached USB. Malware experts also point out that security standards such as patching and proper password selection will inhibit the Trojan's infection and traversal changes significantly.

Users also can render themselves less vulnerable individually with certain precautions. Torrents and other, fake or illicit download sources are hotspots for the STOP Ransomware variants. Scanning these files before launching them, paying attention to unusual requests for permissions (such as admin privileges), and monitoring names for suspicious extension inclusions or omissions are all helpful. Browsing the Web also can be rendered less risky by blocking some forms of content, such as Flash, Java, and JavaScript.

The Remk Ransomware's temporary shroud is a readily forgettable one. With a payload that takes only minutes till completion, everyone with data to save should take good care of it, unless they want to find a temporary lapse in oversight spiraling into a permanent injury.