Architek Ransomware

The Architek Ransomware is a new ransomware strain designed to encrypt the files of PC users who become infected by it. If successful, an Architek infection will append the “.architek” suffix to every encrypted file, rendering the latter useless until you pay a demanded ransom.

The encryption process comes to a successful end if you see a ransom note named “How to decrypt files.txt” on your desktop. Copies of the note show up in each folder that contains encrypted files, as well. Like any other ransomware hackers, the crooks behind Architek use this crypto-virus to extort money from their victims no matter what. Failure to pay the required ransom amount is likely to result in total data loss, as cybercriminals have no incentive to undo the damage out of sympathy. You may be out of luck if you rely on such a scenario.

Researchers have yet to learn more about the hackers in charge of the Architek Ransomware. The latter can only be reached via the Tor network, and no infected parties have reported whether they've made many attempts to establish contact. Researchers can make an educated guess regarding how Architek may be reaching its targets. The ransomware may be sneaking through torrent sites, malware-laden URLs or spam emails.

At present, there’s no decryptor at hand. Even if you pay the ransom, there’s a chance the crooks will deceive you without providing the tool you paid for. Moreover, such a tool may never even exist in the first place. That is why we highly recommend against any payment in the event of ransomware attacks, and Architek makes no exception whatsoever.   

To prevent an Architek infection from landing on your PC, make sure to steer clear from suspicious-looking websites, enticing pop-up advertisements, and spam emails regardless of how good they may seem at first glance.