Strike Ransomware

Strike ransomware is a dangerous file-encrypting threat that locks your personal and business data, then demands payment for a decryption key. It’s part of the MedusaLocker ransomware family, a group known for targeting both individuals and small-to-medium businesses.

If your files suddenly have a new extension like .strike7 and won’t open, your system has likely been compromised.

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Strike Ransomware Overview

Threat Type	Ransomware, Crypto Virus, File Locker
Encrypted File Extension	.strike7 (number may vary)
Ransom Note Filename	READ_NOTE.html
Email Contact	stevensfalls@outlook.com, richardfeuell@outlook.com
Detection Names	Win64/Filecoder.MedusaLocker, Ransom:Win64/MedusaLocker, Win64:MalwareX-gen
Symptoms	Files renamed and inaccessible, ransom note displayed, wallpaper changed
Damage + Distribution Methods	Encrypts files using strong encryption; spreads via phishing emails, cracked software, malicious downloads, fake updates
Danger Level	Very High
Removal Tool	SpyHunter

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How Did I Get Infected With Strike Ransomware?

Strike ransomware spreads using common but highly effective infection techniques.

Most victims get infected through:

• Malicious email attachments disguised as invoices, reports, or delivery documents
• Pirated software, cracks, and keygens bundled with malware
• Fake software updates or misleading pop-up ads
• Compromised websites and drive-by downloads

Once executed, the ransomware runs silently in the background, encrypts data, and appends the .strike7 extension to affected files.

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What Strike Ransomware Does to Your Files

After it infiltrates your system, Strike ransomware immediately begins encrypting files using a combination of AES and RSA cryptographic algorithms. This makes brute-force recovery virtually impossible without the attackers’ private key.

Here’s what typically happens:

• Documents, photos, databases, and archives become inaccessible
• Filenames are modified with the .strike7 extension
• The desktop wallpaper may change to signal the attack
• A ransom note named READ_NOTE.html appears

The encryption process can take minutes or hours depending on system performance and the amount of data stored on the machine.

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Should You Be Worried About Strike Ransomware?

Yes. Strike ransomware is a serious threat.

Beyond encryption, variants of the MedusaLocker family have been known to steal sensitive information before locking files. Attackers may threaten to publish stolen data if the ransom isn’t paid — a tactic known as double extortion.

Paying the ransom is risky for several reasons:

• There is no guarantee you’ll receive a working decryption tool
• Attackers may demand additional payments
• You’re funding criminal operations

If you have secure offline backups, you can recover your files after removing the ransomware from your system.

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Ransom Note Dropped by Strike Ransomware

Strike ransomware drops a file called READ_NOTE.html. The message typically claims that:

• Your files are encrypted using strong cryptography
• You must contact the attackers via the listed email addresses
• The ransom amount will increase if you delay
• Attempting third-party decryption will permanently damage files

These warnings are designed to pressure victims into quick payment. They are intimidation tactics.

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Manual Ransomware Removal Guide

Warning: Manual removal is complex and risky. If not done correctly, it can lead to data loss or incomplete removal of ransomware. Only follow this method if you are an advanced user. If unsure, proceed with Method 2 (SpyHunter Removal Guide).

Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

1. Unplug your Ethernet cable or disconnect Wi-Fi immediately to prevent further communication with the ransomware’s command and control (C2) servers.

Step 2: Boot into Safe Mode

For Windows Users:

1. For Windows 10, 11:
   • Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
   • Go to the Boot tab.
   • Check Safe boot and select Network.
   • Click Apply and OK, then restart your PC.
2. For Windows 7, 8:
   • Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows loads.
   • Select Safe Mode with Networking and press Enter.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and immediately press and hold the Shift key.
2. Release the key once you see the Apple logo.
3. Your Mac will start in Safe Mode.

Step 3: Locate and Terminate Malicious Processes

For Windows Users:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Look for suspicious processes (e.g., unknown names, high CPU usage, or random letters).
3. Right-click on the process and select End Task.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Activity Monitor (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor).
2. Look for unusual processes.
3. Select the process and click Force Quit.

Step 4: Delete Malicious Files

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
2. Delete all files in the Temp folder.
3. Navigate to:
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming
   • C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local
   • C:\Windows\System32
4. Look for suspicious files related to the ransomware (random file names, recently modified) and delete them.

For Mac Users:

1. Open Finder and go to Go > Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Application Support and delete suspicious folders.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/LaunchAgents and remove unknown .plist files.

Step 5: Remove Ransomware from Registry or System Settings

For Windows Users:

Warning: Incorrect changes in the Registry Editor can damage your system. Proceed with caution.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software
3. Look for unfamiliar folders with random characters or ransomware-related names.
4. Right-click and select Delete.

For Mac Users:

1. Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Click on Login Items and remove any suspicious startup items.
3. Navigate to ~/Library/Preferences and remove malicious .plist files.

Step 6: Restore System Using System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac)

For Windows Users:

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
2. Click Next, choose a restore point before the infection, and follow the prompts to restore your system.

For Mac Users:

1. Restart your Mac and hold Command + R to enter macOS Utilities.
2. Select Restore from Time Machine Backup.
3. Choose a backup prior to the ransomware infection and restore your system.

Step 7: Use a Decryption Tool (If Available)

• Visit No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) and check if a decryption tool is available for your ransomware variant.

Step 8: Recover Files Using Backup

• If you have backups on an external drive or cloud storage, restore your files.

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Automatic Ransomware Removal Using SpyHunter

If manual removal seems too risky or complicated, using a reliable anti-malware tool like SpyHunter is the best alternative.

Step 1: Download SpyHunter

Download SpyHunter from the official link: Download SpyHunter

Or follow the official installation instructions here:
SpyHunter Download Instructions

Step 2: Install SpyHunter

1. Open the downloaded file (SpyHunter-Installer.exe).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to install the program.
3. Once installed, launch SpyHunter.

Step 3: Perform a Full System Scan

1. Click on Start Scan Now.
2. SpyHunter will scan for ransomware and other malware.
3. Wait for the scan to complete.

Step 4: Remove Detected Threats

1. After the scan, SpyHunter will list all detected threats.
2. Click Fix Threats to remove the ransomware.

Step 5: Use SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk (If Needed)

If you are dealing with a stubborn ransomware variant, SpyHunter’s Malware HelpDesk provides custom fixes to remove advanced threats.

Step 6: Restore Your Files

If your files are encrypted:

• Try No More Ransom (www.nomoreransom.org) for decryption tools.
• Restore from cloud storage or external backups.

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Preventing Future Ransomware Attacks

• Keep backups on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
• Use SpyHunter to detect threats before they infect your system.
• Enable Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus program.
• Avoid suspicious emails, attachments, and links.
• Update Windows, macOS & software regularly.

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Conclusion

Strike ransomware is a high-risk file-encrypting malware that locks your data and pressures you into paying a ransom. If your files have the .strike7 extension, act quickly:

• Disconnect from the network
• Remove the malware
• Restore from backups
• Strengthen your security practices

Regular offline backups and cautious online behavior remain your best defense against ransomware attacks like Strike.