AKM Virus

What is AKM?

The AKM message blocks computer users' screens with the text, "Ihr Computer ist gesperrt", demanding payment of 100 Euro fines in order to unblock them. This is a scam, a ransomware infection developed by cyber criminals. Fake messages such as this are used to scare unsuspecting PC users into paying bogus fines using pre-paid cards such as PaySafeCard or MoneyPak.

This malicious message blocks users' desktops and is derived from a ransomware family called Gimemo, which targets PC users from Austria. Cyber criminals responsible for releasing this scam exploit the name of AKM (a legitimate organization related to music copyright services in Austria).

When this scam infiltrates the user's computer, it disallows all operating system functions and attempts to force payment of the fine using the aforementioned pre-paid card services. The message used by AKM ransomware is false - no organizations or authorities use these methods to collect fines for copyright or any other law violations.

Note that AKM is not the only organization whose name is exploited in an attempt to scare unsuspecting PC users into paying fake fines. Cyber criminals also exploit the names of Buma Stemra, Sacem, Luxorr and many others.

AKM is a legitimate organization and it is no way related to this message. Paying the 100 Euro fine as demanded by this message will result in your money being sent to Cyber criminals. This rogue screen locker often infiltrates users' PCs using Trojans, malicious downloads, or infected email messages.

The best way to protect systems from a ransomware infection such as this is by using legitimate antivirus and anti-spyware programs.

Note that, whilst this ransomware uses the name of a copyright-related organization, there are other screen locker variants that exploit the names of Austrian authorities. For example, LPD. If you see a message from AKM blocking your computer desktop, do not pay the fine. Use the removal guide provided to eliminate this scam from your system.

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Quick menu:

• What is AKM?
• STEP 1. "AKM" virus removal using safe mode with networking.
• STEP 2. "AKM" ransomware removal using System Restore.

AKM virus removal:

Step 1

Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":

Step 2

Log in to the account infected with the AKM virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.

If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a system restore.

Video showing how to remove ransomware virus using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":

1. During your computer starting process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.

2. When Command Prompt Mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.

3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.

4. In the opened window click "Next".

5. Select one of the available restore points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the ransomware infiltrating your PC).

6. In the opened window click "Yes".

7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remnants of the AKM virus.

Other tools known to remove the AKM virus:

• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware

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