KRider ransomware / virus (Easy Removal Guide) - Decryption Methods Included
KRider virus Removal Guide
What is KRider ransomware virus?
Don’t mess around with KRider because it will mess up your computer!
We would not be surprised if you haven’t heard about KRider virus yet since it is a brand new ransomware [1] still in the early stages of development. Nevertheless, experts already know a bunch of things about this nasty malware. We feel it is important to share this knowledge in order to expose the parasite and make sure as many users as possible learn about its existence and potential dangers. Unfortunately, there is virtually no way of stopping the hackers from continuing their work on this virus. So, we can only hope that some indestructible virus version will not put up for an extensive global distribution. If it does, though, you should be prepared to remove KRider from the infected device. For some useful virus elimination tips go to the end of the article or simply use anti-malware utilities such as FortectIntego to carry out the removal automatically.
So what exactly do we know about KRider? First of all, it is undoubtedly a crypto-ransomware [2] type of virus which means that it locks computer files using a complex encryption algorithm, rendering the containing data unreadable. In particular, the virus uses AES encryption [3]. So, after it is implemented, the files not only become inaccessible but cannot be decrypted without a special key. To make matters worse, this key is stored on a remote server controlled by hackers and can only be obtained by paying a ransom. Interestingly enough, though, this virus does not create a ransom note or any instructions on data recovery. We can only presume the extortionists will add these in some later stages. Nonetheless, even without the ransom note, the virus successfully proclaims its individuality. It replaces file names with random ones and appends unique .kr3 extensions to each of the encrypted files. We should point out that currently, the whole encryption process is run by a malicious executable Ransomware.exe [4], but it is likely that the name of this file will change as the ransomware gets updated. As for now, while the virus is undecryptable and there is no way to contact the criminals for a decryption key, you are left with one option — KRider removal. To make the already stressful experience less aggravating, we recommend checking our expert recommendations below the article.
Possible ransomware distribution strategies and prevention
As we have already mentioned, KRider is not an active ransomware, so it is not distributed on the same level as ransomware giants such as Cerber or Osiris are. Nevertheless, it is likely that the hackers behind KRider will go for a few test runs before focusing on the distribution of their final product. They may use download links on unreputable software sharing websites to spread the test virus to the public. Later on, some more serious strategies may be employed, including spam campaigns, exploit kits and Trojans [5]. Antivirus software may help prevent some of the attacks, but the best way to really protect your data is by saving backups of your important files in external drives, USBs or other storage platforms. This way, you will be able to recover your data easily after KRider attack or system malfunction.
What are the KRider removal options?
To tell you the truth, there is only one guaranteed method to remove KRider virus, and that is automatic elimination. Since the malware is still under development, it may be bugged, so trying to remove it from your computer manually may mess up the computer beyond repair. Thus, KRider removal must always be performed with a specialized, sophisticated software which is updated to the latest version. After the elimination is done, you may then proceed with data recovery and either restore files from backup or follow alternative recovery steps at the end of the page.
Getting rid of KRider virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Though KRider is under development, it is still malicious and can prevent you from removing it from your PC. In such situation, you should boot the computer in Safe Mode and run system scan with antivirus utility again.
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove KRider using System Restore
Another method to diminish KRider’s functionalities on your PC is explained below:
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
-
Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
-
Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
-
Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
-
When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of KRider. After doing that, click Next.
-
Now click Yes to start system restore.
-
Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove KRider from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If your files are encrypted by KRider, you can use several methods to restore them:
Decrypt files encrypted by KRider using Data Recovery Pro
When you encounter a ransomware, the last thing you want to do is try to recover files while in panic. Data Recovery Pro is going to help you go through this process in the most laid-back way possible. The recovery process will be carried out automatically and you will not have to worry about accidentally losing some of your important data.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by KRider ransomware;
- Restore them.
Learn how to use Windows Previous Versions feature and recover your files
Windows Previous Versions feature is one of the best bets when it comes to recovering your files. This in-built feature will help you recreate files from a chosen point in time all that is necessary is that the System Restore function is enabled before virus infiltration.
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
What are the benefits of ShadowExplorer?
The most obvious benefit of using ShadowExplorer is the fact that this program will locate Volume Shadow Copies of the encrypted files and use these files to roll back the changes.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
Decrypt files encrypted by KRider for free
Unfortunately, currently there is no free KRider decryptor available.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from KRider and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like Private Internet Access can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files. More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, Data Recovery Pro can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Definition of ransomware. Techtarget. The Tech Dictionary and IT Encyclopedia.
- ^ Anatomy of crypto-ransomware attack. Sophos. Centralize Your Network Security with Sophos.
- ^ A stick figure guide to the advanced encryption standard (AES). Moserware. Jeff Moser blog.
- ^ Ransomware file analysis. Virustotal. Free Online Virus, Malware and URL Scanner.
- ^ Exploit Kits explained. F-secure. Cyber Security Solutions for your Home and Business blog.