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What is Syrk?
Discovered by Leo, Syrk is ransomware that encrypts data, creates a text file named "Readme_now.txt", and displays a pop-up window containing a ransom message. This ransomware renames encrypted files by adding the ".Syrk" extension to the filenames.
For example, "1.jpg" becomes "1.jpg.Syrk". It also disables Task Manager, thereby preventing users from stopping its malicious process.
As stated in the ransom message (pop-up window), Syrk encrypts photos, videos, documents, and other files. The only way to recover them is to contact cyber criminals using the panda831@protonmail.com email address and send the assigned ID number.
This ID can be viewed by clicking the "Show My ID" button at the bottom of the pop-up window. When contacted, cyber criminals should send further instructions about how to make a payment (purchase a decryption key).
Victims are encouraged to purchase the key immediately, since Syrk will start deleting various files (in the Photos folder, placed on the Desktop, in the Documents folder, and so on). According to the ransom message, files are deleted when the displayed timer expires.
Research shows that these cyber criminals are serious about these threats - Syrk really does start to delete files that are placed in the aforementioned folders. The cost of a decryption key is unknown, however, we do not recommend that you trust Syrk developers or pay them for any key.
In many cases, people pay cyber criminals and are scammed (they receive no decryption tools or keys). In this case, the only free and reliable way to recover files is to restore them from a backup.
Most ransomware-type programs perform encryptions that are impossible to 'crack' or decrypt without the correct tools (in this case, decryption keys) held only by the cyber criminals who designed the ransomware.
Screenshot of a message encouraging users to pay a ransom to decrypt their compromised data:
There are many different ransomware-type programs (including, for example, Mogranos, Nqix, and .infected), however, most prevent people from accessing their files (by encryption) and create or display ransom messages. Common differences are cost of decryption/encryption algorithm (symmetric or asymmetric) that is used to block access to files.
Note that it is virtually impossible to decrypt files without the involvement of the developers (cyber criminals). In some cases, this can be avoided, but only if the program is not fully developed, has bugs/flaws, etc. Typically, people can avoid data and financial loss if they have their data backed up.
Therefore, maintain regular backups and store them on remote servers or unplugged storage devices.
How did ransomware infect my computer?
Typically, cyber criminals spread malware by using the following methods: spam campaigns, untrustworthy software (or file) download channels, trojans, fake software updating or activation tools. They use spam campaigns to spread ransomware or other malware through files that they attach to emails.
The main goal is to trick recipients into opening these attachments (or clicking links that lead to them). Some examples of files that they send are Microsoft Office documents, executable files (such as .exe), archive files (RAR, ZIP, and others), PDF documents, JavaScript files, and so on.
Untrustworthy software download channels such as Peer-to-Peer networks, freeware download or free file hosting websites, third party downloaders (or installers) and other sources of this type are often used to spread malware. Malware developers disguise malicious files as legitimate, and hope that people will download and execute (open) them.
They then cause installation of malware. Trojans are malicious programs that, if installed, cause chain infections. I.e., they download and install other malicious programs.
Fake software updaters infect systems by exploiting outdated software bugs/flaws, or by downloading and then installing malicious software rather than updates, fixes, etc. Software cracking tools cause damage in a very similar way. Rather than activating paid software or operating systems, they download and install malware.
| Name | Syrk virus |
| Threat Type | Ransomware, Crypto Virus, Files locker |
| Encrypted Files Extension | .Syrk |
| Ransom Demanding Message | Readme_now.txt |
| Cyber Criminal Contact | panda831@protonmail.com |
| Detection Names | Avast (Win32:Trojan-gen), AVG (Win32:Trojan-gen), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of MSIL/Agent.SW), Kaspersky (Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Gen.sdl), Full List Of Detections (VirusTotal) |
| Symptoms | Cannot open files stored on your computer, previously functional files now have a different extension (for example, my.docx.locked). A ransom demand message is displayed on your desktop. Cyber criminals demand payment of a ransom (usually in bitcoins) to unlock your files. |
| Additional Information | This ransomware deletes some files when the timer expires. It also disables Task Manager to prevent victims from stopping its process. |
| Distribution methods | Infected email attachments (macros), torrent websites, malicious ads, unofficial software updating or activation tools, third party downloaders. |
| Damage | All files are encrypted and cannot be opened without paying a ransom. Additional password-stealing trojans and malware infections can be installed together with a ransomware infection. |
| Malware Removal (Windows) |
To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your computer with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. Download Combo CleanerTo use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. 7 days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by RCS LT, the parent company of PCRisk.com. |
How to protect yourself from ransomware infections?
Be careful with attachments or website links that are presented in emails sent from unknown, suspicious email addresses. If you suspect that a received email is irrelevant, do not open the included attachment or click the presented link. Download software using direct links and trustworthy, official sources.
Avoid third party downloaders, installers, unofficial websites, or other untrustworthy, dubious tools. These sources are used to promote/distribute rogue applications that are capable of causing computer infections or other problems. Update installed software (or operating systems) using tools or implemented functions that are provided by official software developers.
Software cracking tools are illegal and should not be used. They often install malicious programs rather than the expected software updates. Have a reputable anti-virus or anti-spyware suite installed and keep it enabled at all times. These tools detect computer infections before they can damage the system.
If your computer is already infected with Syrk, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for Windows to automatically eliminate this ransomware.
Text presented in Syrk ransomware pop-up window:
*Your personal files are being encrypted by Syrk Malware. Your photos, videos, documents, etc... the only way to recover it is to contact this email: (panda831@protonmail.com) and submit your id.
After paying, you will be sent a password that will be used to decrypt your files
if you don't do these actions before the timer expires your files will start to be deleted
at the first timer the files in the photo folder will be deleted
at the second timer the files in the desktop folder will be deleted
at the third timer the files in the document folder will be deletedSo hurry up, TIME FLOWS!!!!
To see your Id click on *Show My ID*
Screenshot of the Syrk pop-up window after clicking the "Show My ID" button:
Screenshot of Syrk text file ("Readme_now"):
Text in the txt file:
Your personal files have been encrypted by Syrk Malware, send an email to panda831@protonmail.com to recover them.
Screenshot of files encrypted by Syrk (".Syrk" extension):
Update August 22, 2019 - After extensive analysis performed by various malware researchers, there are a number of conclusions:
- Cyber criminals are distributing Syrk ransomware by disguising it as a hacking tool for Fortnite PC game. The tool supposedly provides aimbot functionality and reveals enemies' positions. The Fortnite PC game is very popular and has over 250 million active players. Therefore, disguising malware as a hacking tool is very effective, as many players are dishonest and use various illegal/third party tools to ease the gameplay and improve their score. One of the known malicious executables is named "SydneyFortniteHacks.exe".
- This ransomware is designed to disable User Account Control (UAC) and Windows Defender by modifying Windows Registry.
- Syrk is based on other high-risk ransomware called Hidden-Cry.
- Syrk is open-source ransomware.
- This malware is designed to inject itself into existing USB drives (to achieve this, Syrk employs the LimeUSB_Csharp.exe tool).
- Syrk ransomware targets the following file formats:
.avi, .bmp, .doc, .docx, .gif, .ico, .jpg, .mov, .mp3, .mp4, .pdf, .php, .png, .ppt, .pptx, .psd, .rar, .sln, .txt, .wav, .xls, .xlsx, .zip
- Syrk ransomware deletes files only from the following folders (in the listed order):
- %userprofile%\Pictures
- %userprofile%\Desktop
- %userprofile%\Documents
- This ransomware is decryptable! Syrk stores the decryption key locally in the infected machine. Therefore, users can easily access it and restore everything without paying. The necessary files are listed below (note that these files are generated only after clicking the "Show My ID" button in the pop-up window - they are hidden and, therefore, you must enable the hidden file view setting):
- \Users\Default\AppData\Local\Microsoft\-i+.txt (file containing victim's ID)
- \Users\Default\AppData\Local\Microsoft\-pw+.txt (file containing the decryption key a.k.a. password)
- \Users\Default\AppData\Local\Microsoft\+dp-.txt (file containing both ID and password, which is sent to the developer's email address)
- This ransomware is designed to perform a "cleanup" operation once a decryption key is entered. After infiltrating the system, Syrk generates the "Delete.exe" file and executes it once the password is entered. This executable deletes the following files:
- \Users\Public\Documents\dh35s3h8d69s3b1k.exe
- \Users\Public\Documents\cgo46ea565sdfse7.exe
- \Users\Public\Documents\startSF.exe
- \Users\Default\AppData\Local\Microsoft\+dp-.txt
- \Users\Default\AppData\Local\Microsoft\-i+.txt
- \Users\Default\AppData\Local\Microsoft\-pw+.txt
Update August 27, 2019 - The Emsisoft cyber security company has recently released a decryption tool capable of restoring Syrk ransomware's files free of charge (download link):
Syrk ransomware removal:
Instant automatic malware removal:
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Removal and file recovery procedure
If your files are encrypted with a new extension and a ransom note has appeared, you've been hit by ransomware. Don't pay. The procedure below works in order: contain the infection, identify the variant, remove the ransomware itself (so anything you restore doesn't get re-encrypted), and try to recover files using free decryption tools, Windows Volume Shadow Copies, or backups. Run a full system scan with Combo Cleaner to remove the infection - then move on to file recovery.
Common ransomware behaviors
VisibleEncrypts your files and renames them
The ransomware reads each file, encrypts the contents with the attacker's public key, and writes the encrypted bytes back to disk. Most variants also rename the file by appending a new extension - .net, .locked, .crypt, .lockbit, .djvu, etc. Without the matching private key, the encrypted files cannot be opened normally. Recovery depends on a free decryption tool, a recoverable Volume Shadow Copy, or a clean backup.
VisibleDrops a ransom note in every encrypted folder
A text or HTML file (usually named HOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt, README.txt, _readme.txt, or similar) is placed in every folder that contains encrypted files. The note explains the situation, lists a payment amount in cryptocurrency, gives a deadline, and provides a contact email or .onion site. Save the note - don't delete it. Its exact wording, the email address, and the bitcoin wallet are how you identify the variant in the next phase.
VisibleReplaces the desktop wallpaper
Many ransomware variants change the Windows wallpaper to a black or red image with the ransom message and instructions. The wallpaper is just a visual scare tactic - it doesn't add any actual capability and reverts to normal once the ransomware is removed. Photograph it before removal in case the contact details are useful for variant identification or for reporting to authorities.
HiddenDeletes Volume Shadow Copies
One of the first things modern ransomware does after launching is run vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet to wipe Windows' built-in Volume Shadow Copies - the snapshots that Previous Versions and System Restore rely on. Some ransomware doesn't fully succeed (especially on systems where the user lacks full admin rights), leaving partial shadow copies recoverable. Phase 4 step 11 covers how to check what survived.
HiddenDisables Windows Defender and other security tools
Before encrypting, the ransomware tries to silence anything that could alert you or block it - Windows Defender real-time protection, third-party antivirus services, backup agents (Veeam, Acronis), and sometimes the Windows Event Log service. It often modifies Group Policy or registry keys to keep these off after reboot. Phase 3 step 9 explicitly turns Tamper Protection back on so the next ransomware attempt can't repeat the trick.
HiddenSpreads laterally to other PCs on the network
Network-aware ransomware (LockBit, Conti, BlackCat, Akira families) doesn't stop at the first machine. It scans for SMB shares, mapped drives, and other PCs on the same network, then encrypts whatever it can reach. On Windows domains, a single compromised user with admin rights can lead to all-domain encryption. This is why Phase 1 step 2 disconnects the network as the very first action - it stops the spread immediately.
HiddenSteals data before encrypting (double extortion)
Modern ransomware (LockBit, BlackCat / ALPHV, Akira, Cl0p, Royal) almost always exfiltrates data before encrypting. The attacker then runs a "double extortion" play: pay the ransom for decryption, plus pay again to prevent the stolen data from being leaked on the group's leak site. Paying the first ransom does not get the leaked data back - assume that anything the ransomware could read was uploaded. This is one more reason not to pay: the data is already out.
Don't pay the ransom
Paying the ransom does not guarantee you'll get your files back. Major ransomware response studies consistently show that a meaningful percentage of paying victims either receive a non-working decryptor, only partial decryption, or no decryptor at all. Beyond that:
- Paying confirms you as a willing target - re-attack rates within 12 months are high
- Several ransomware groups have been sanctioned (US OFAC, UK OFSI). Paying these groups may be illegal under sanctions law in your country
- The ransom funds the next attack - on you or someone else
- Modern ransomware almost always exfiltrates data first, so paying doesn't get the leaked data back. Assume anything the malware could read was uploaded
- Decryptors, even when they work, often leave files corrupted because the encryption itself was buggy or rushed
The path below tries every legal, free recovery option first. Pay only as an absolute last resort, after consulting a lawyer and your country's cyber crime authority.
Disconnect from the network and log out of cloud storage
Pull the Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi on the affected PC. If multiple computers share the network, do the same on every machine you suspect could be affected, including any servers and NAS units.
Then sign out of cloud storage clients (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud) from their app settings. If you can, pause the sync. Some ransomware uses the running sync client to push encrypted versions over your clean cloud copies.
Modern ransomware spreads laterally across SMB shares, mapped drives, RDP, and reachable network neighbors. Disconnecting stops the spread the moment you do it. Logging out of cloud sync clients prevents the ransomware from encrypting the cloud copies of your files via the sync API.
Unplug external drives and USB storage
Safely eject any external drives, USB sticks, SD cards, and network-attached storage shares - then unplug them. If a drive was connected when the ransomware ran, the files on it may already be encrypted, but unplugging stops further damage.
Critically: don't reconnect any drive (including your most recent backup) to this PC until the ransomware is removed in Phase 3. Reconnecting an external backup to an actively-infected PC is the most common way that backup gets encrypted too.
Save the ransom note and a sample encrypted file
Copy the ransom note and one small encrypted file (under 1 MB) to a USB stick, or photograph the note with your phone. You'll need both for the variant identification step.
The ransom note is usually one of:
- A
.txtfile in every encrypted folder (typicallyHOW_TO_DECRYPT.txt,README.txt, or_readme.txt) - An
.htmlfile with the same purpose - A changed desktop wallpaper - photograph it
- A lock-screen interrupt that runs at startup - rarer
Don't delete the note. Variant identification depends on its exact wording, the contact email, and the bitcoin wallet address. The note is also evidence if you report to authorities.
Identify the variant with ID Ransomware
From a clean device (your phone is fine, or another PC that wasn't on the affected network), visit id-ransomware.malwarehunterteam.com. Upload the ransom note and the sample encrypted file. The site identifies the variant family and tells you whether a free decryptor exists.
ID Ransomware is run by the Malware Hunter Team. Files you upload are kept private - they're used for analysis, not published. If you're concerned about uploading data anyway, you can paste the contact email and bitcoin wallet from the note - those are often enough for identification.
The ransomware itself must be removed before any file recovery. If it's still active, anything you restore in Phase 4 gets re-encrypted within minutes.
Boot to Safe Mode with Networking and download the scanners
Safe Mode loads only the minimal Windows drivers, which prevents most ransomware from auto-running while you set up the scanners.
Windows 11: open , click Restart now next to Advanced startup. After the restart, click , then press 5 or F5.
Windows 10: click the Windows logo, hold Shift, click the Power icon and choose Restart. From the Choose-an-option screen, click , then press F5.
Once Safe Mode has loaded, turn Wi-Fi back on and download Combo Cleaner (used in step 8) and Microsoft Safety Scanner (used in step 9). Save both installers to your Desktop, then disconnect Wi-Fi again before scanning.
Run Microsoft Defender Offline
Reboot to normal Windows. Open . Select Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now. The PC restarts into a stripped-down environment and scans the disk before Windows fully loads.
Some ransomware variants drop bootkit components or kernel hooks that hide from any scanner running on the same Windows session that's already infected. A pre-boot offline scan sees the disk before the malware can load itself.
VB100 certified. Includes anti-trojan, registry/persistence scanning, and anti-spyware in one pass. The 7-day free trial is available.
Download Combo CleanerRun a full Combo Cleaner scan
Run the installer you downloaded in step 6 and start a full system scan (not the quick scan). Let it complete, review what it detected, and apply the recommended actions. Combo Cleaner quarantines the ransomware executable and the registry / scheduled-task entries that re-launch it on reboot.
Run Microsoft Safety Scanner and re-enable Defender
Run Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT.exe) as a second-opinion full scan. The binary expires every 10 days so the copy you downloaded has the latest signatures.
Once it finishes, open and confirm Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are all on. Many ransomware variants disable Defender during the attack - this is where you switch it back on so the next attempt can't repeat the trick.
Different scanning engines catch different threats. Running an additional Microsoft scan after Combo Cleaner is the most underused verification step in malware removal - and free.
Try the steps in order. The first decryptor that works ends the recovery process - no need to do all four.
Check the No More Ransom Project for a free decryptor
Visit nomoreransom.org and search the Decryption Tools list for the variant name returned by ID Ransomware. The project is run by Europol, the Dutch Police, and security vendors - everything listed is legitimate and free.
If a decryptor exists, download it onto a clean PC, copy it across, and follow its instructions exactly. Decryptors usually want you to point them at a sample encrypted file plus its known unencrypted version (sometimes any image you previously had a backup of works).
Free decryptors exist for parts of the STOP/Djvu, GandCrab, REvil, Avaddon, Conti and Hive families, among others. Most modern variants don't have public decryptors - if yours isn't listed, that's expected; move to the next step.
Try Windows Volume Shadow Copies
Windows automatically creates Volume Shadow Copies of files when System Restore points are made or scheduled backups run. Most ransomware tries to wipe these (vssadmin delete shadows /all /quiet), but the deletion sometimes fails partially - especially if the running user doesn't have full admin rights. When it does fail, snapshots survive that contain pre-encryption versions of your files.
First, check what's there. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
vssadmin list shadows
If you see entries listed, shadow copies survived. To restore from them:
- Built-in: right-click any folder → Properties → Previous Versions tab. Pick a snapshot dated before the infection and restore.
- Better tool for browsing: install Shadow Explorer (free). It shows all snapshots as a normal file tree and lets you copy out only the files you want.
Shadow Copies recover the original files exactly, with no risk of decryption errors. If they survived, this is faster and cleaner than running a decryptor on the encrypted set.
Restore from cloud or external backup
If you have a backup that pre-dates the infection, this is the cleanest recovery available. Important precautions:
- Don't reconnect a backup drive until Phase 3 is complete. If the ransomware is still active, plugging in the backup encrypts it too.
- For cloud backups (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud), use the Version History feature to roll individual files back to pre-encryption versions.
- OneDrive specifically has a "Restore your OneDrive" feature: if it detected mass file changes, you can roll back the entire account up to 30 days. Sign in at OneDrive on the web, click the Settings gear, and choose Restore your OneDrive. Microsoft 365 subscribers also get ransomware detection alerts; non-subscribers get one free recovery.
- Verify the restored files open correctly before you delete the encrypted set. Test a few documents, photos, and any database / project files.
Try Recuva as a last-resort recovery
Recuva is a long shot, not a primary recovery tool. Most modern ransomware encrypts files in place - it reads the original, encrypts the data, and writes the encrypted bytes back to the same disk location. In that case, the original isn't deleted, just rewritten - and Recuva has nothing to find.
But for older or simpler variants that deleted originals before creating encrypted copies (rather than encrypting in place), Recuva can sometimes pull the originals from unallocated disk space. Worth trying as a last resort, especially before you use the disk much further.
If you try it:
- Stop using the disk as much as possible - every disk write reduces recovery odds
- Run Recuva from a USB stick, not from the affected disk
- Use Deep Scan mode (slower but the only mode worth running for this scenario)
Don't skip the steps above expecting Recuva to bail you out. It works in maybe 5-20% of cases, depending on the variant and how soon you try.
Report the attack to authorities
Even if your files aren't recovered, your report helps authorities track variants, attribute groups, and warn future victims. In some jurisdictions (especially the US and UK) early reporting can sometimes help recall a wired ransom payment via banking partners.
Save the report number - banks, insurers, and credit bureaus will ask for it. If you operate a business, you may also have legal disclosure obligations (GDPR in the EU, state breach laws in the US) that run on a 72-hour clock.
Plan 3-2-1 backups going forward
The single best defense against ransomware is a tested backup. Use the 3-2-1 rule:
- 3 copies of your data
- 2 different storage media (e.g., internal drive + external drive)
- 1 offline / air-gapped copy (an external drive that isn't always connected)
Recommended cadence:
- Daily: cloud sync (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive) - convenient, but vulnerable if the ransomware reaches the sync folder. The Version History feature is what saves you
- Weekly: external drive that you connect briefly, then disconnect - the air-gap is what protects against ransomware
- Monthly: a second external drive stored off-site (different physical location) - protects against fire, theft, flood
Test the backup at least once. Open a few files from it, check sizes match, restore one to a different folder. An untested backup isn't a backup - it's a hope.
Patch the entry point and monitor for 30 days
Most reinfections happen via the same vector that worked the first time. Until you've patched the entry point, watch for:
- Unusual disk activity, unexpected file modifications, or unfamiliar processes in Task Manager
- Unexpected reboots or new accounts you didn't create
- Defender or your antivirus turning itself off again
Common entry vectors and what to do about each:
- Phishing email with a malicious attachment - review email filters and train yourself / staff to recognise the patterns - see pcrisk's Phishing/Scam reference
- Exposed RDP with weak passwords - disable Remote Desktop from if you don't need it. If you do, put it behind a VPN and require a long password plus MFA
- Unpatched VPN appliances or public-facing apps - check the vendor's advisories page and apply the latest firmware
- Cracked / pirated software - was the most common vector for STOP/Djvu in particular. Don't run software from torrent sites
Run a Combo Cleaner scan weekly for the first month. Update Windows, browsers, and applications aggressively.
Important: Removing a ransomware infection requires a full system scan, not a manual file delete. If you're not confident with the manual procedure, run an automated scan with Combo Cleaner and Windows Defender and stop there - that combination removes the vast majority of consumer ransomware variants. Then move to Phase 4 for file recovery, or to Phase 5 if your files are unrecoverable and you need to start fresh from a clean Windows install.
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Tomas Meskauskas
Expert security researcher, professional malware analyst
I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats.
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