Akira is a new family of ransomware that was first discovered in March 2023. It is a modular ransomware, meaning that it is made up of different components that can be customized by the attackers. This makes it difficult to detect and analyze.
Akira targets both Windows and Linux systems. Once it infects a system, it encrypts all of the files on the system and appends the “.akira” extension to the encrypted files. The ransomware also creates a ransom note that demands a ransom payment in Bitcoin.
The Akira ransomware is still under development, but it has already been used to attack several organizations. The attackers have been targeting organizations in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
There is no known way to decrypt files that have been encrypted by Akira. However, there are some steps that you can take to protect your computer from Akira ransomware:
- Keep your operating system and software up to date. This will help to protect your computer from vulnerabilities that can be exploited by ransomware.
- Use a strong password manager. This will help you to keep your passwords safe and secure.
- Be careful about what links you click on and what attachments you open. Ransomware often spreads through malicious emails and attachments.
- Back up your important files regularly. This will help you to recover your files if they are encrypted by ransomware.
If you think that your computer has been infected with Akira ransomware, you should not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee that the attackers will provide you with the decryption key even if you pay the ransom. Instead, you should contact the authorities and report the attack.
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