Unikey Ransomware Removal Guide

Do you know what Unikey Ransomware is?

Unikey Ransomware is yet another infection that appears to be unfinished. Whether this threat is still being developed or it was built as a test not intended for real attacks is unknown, which makes this infection extremely suspicious. Our duty is to warn you about all infections, even those that might be not actively infecting operating systems at this particular moment. Hopefully, this ransomware does not join the hundreds of highly malicious threats that can encrypt files and demand for ransom fees, but in case that happens, it is high time we talked about the things we can do to prevent this threat from slithering in. Now, if this malware has invaded your operating system, there are things to discuss as well. Read this report, and you will know how to remove Unikey Ransomware, as well as how to protect your operating system against the invasion of such malware.

Our research team reports that Unikey Ransomware belongs to the Hidden Tear family. All threats that belong to it were built using the same source code, which is why they all work in similar ways. Some other Hidden Tear infections include SucyLocker Ransomware, Mordor Ransomware, and GhostCrypt Ransomware. The distributors of these infections usually employ misleading spam emails to spread their installers. If the targeted user is tricked by the message, they are likely to open the corrupted file, which is all that the infection needs. Right after that, the encryption begins without the user’s knowledge. According to our analysts, the “.locked” extension is added to the names of the files that are encrypted by the threat. Unfortunately, a strong encryption key is used for the encryption, and recovering files manually is most likely impossible. That is the main reason users often delay deleting Unikey Ransomware.Unikey Ransomware Removal GuideUnikey Ransomware screenshot
Scroll down for full removal instructions

The malicious Unikey Ransomware creates a ransom note file called “READ_IT.txt”. This file is placed in the %USERPROFILE%\Desktop\test folder, and it is safe to open. The message within this file is very strange, and there are no real instructions, which is what has led us to believe that this threat might be in development still. Unsurprisingly, the message informs that Bitcoins must be sent for the decryption of the files; however, no details regarding the payment are disclosed, and so paying the ransom is simply impossible. Of course, if Unikey Ransomware is unleashed in the wild, the ransom note is likely to be changed. In most cases, such ransom notes include ransom sums, Bitcoin addresses, emails, information regarding payments, etc. Obviously, following the instructions designed by cyber crooks is never a good idea because, at the end, you will be the one losing things (e.g., your files or ransom money).

If you face malicious infections, anti-malware software is the best instrument for you. Of course, victims of ransomware threats are often tricked into thinking that their files would be removed if they tried to eliminate malware. On top of that, many choose to pay the ransom first, which is something we cannot recommend doing. If you do, cyber criminals will escape with your money, and you will be facing the same situation. The good thing about most ransomware threats is that their removal is not complicated. As you can see in the guide below, you should be able to delete Unikey Ransomware using a few simple steps. And what about the things you can do to prevent malware from slithering in and corrupting files? First and foremost, you MUST install security software. Second, you have to be cautious because malware usually hides in strange spam emails, unreliable installers, etc. Finally, set up a reliable backup system to ensure that your files are safe even in the event of malware attacks.

Remove Unikey Ransomware

  1. Identify the malicious {random name}.exe file.
  2. Right-click it and choose Delete.
  3. Launch Windows Explorer by tapping Win+E.
  4. Enter %USERPROFILE%\Desktop\test into the bar at the top.
  5. Right-click and Delete the file named READ_IT.txt.
  6. Empty Recycle Bin.
  7. Instatall a trusted malware scanner to examine your operating system.

In non-techie terms:

Although Unikey Ransomware is not an active infection at this time, we cannot reassure you that it will not be unleashed in the near future. This malicious ransomware infection has the potential to encrypt your files and demand a ransom in return of their decryption. Beware of the promises that cyber criminals make because, in most cases, they cannot be fulfilled. In fact, not a single reputable security expert will advise paying the ransom because the risk of losing money for no reason at all is too big. You can remove Unikey Ransomware manually or automatically (install an anti-malware program). Afterward, it is necessary to install trusted security software, as well as to set up a file backup system.