How to remove KoRyA ransomware

KoRyA ransomware demands victims pay 0.06 BTC in return for the decryption of their files

KoRyA is a particularly nasty strain of ransomware recently brought to the attention of cyber security experts. This type of Xorist ransomware family malware encrypts data on affected computers and then asks for a ransom payment in exchange for decryption keys.^[1] In KoRyA's case, its typical demand amounts up to 0.06 BTC or around $17,000 at current market value.

While searching through the samples submitted to VirusTotal,^[2] malware researchers uncovered KoRyA; an encryption virus not only encodes data but also adds a “.KoRyA” extension to filenames, alters desktop wallpaper, and generates a text document named “HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt.” It also displays an error message containing instructions for settling the ransom.

The ransom note

The text file HOW TO DECRYPT FILES.txt that KoRyA ransomware generates reads as follows:

ATTENTION!

All your files have been encrypted
And their decryption will cost you 0.06 bitcoin.

To start the decryption process follow the steps below

Step 1) Make sure you send 0.06 bitcoin to this wallet:
bc1q73lm30rgv6h9wy42y88t0r8prjh9l9pzpvvm9c

Step 2) Contact me at this email address: korya@tuta.io
With this Subject: –

After the payment has been confirmed,
you will receive the decryptor and the keys for decryption!

Other information:

If you don't own bitcoin, you can buy it here very easily
www.coinmama.com
www.bitpanda.com
www.localbitcoins.com
www.paxful.com

You can find a larger list here:
hxxps://bitcoin.org/en/exchanges

If the payment is not made in 2 days, I will consider that you do not want to decrypt your files,
and therefore the keys generated for your PC will be permanently.deleted.

The ransom note instructs victims to send the required amount of Bitcoin to the provided wallet and then email korya@tuta.io to receive the decryption tools. It also specifies that victims have only two days to pay the ransom of 0.06 Bitcoins before the decryption keys will be deleted. This means that, unless the victim has a data backup or access to a third-party decryption tool, they are effectively forced to pay the ransom in order to regain access to their encrypted data.

While paying the ransom demand from malicious attackers may seem like an easy solution, it is highly discouraged. This is primarily due to the fact that these online criminals cannot guarantee successful decryption after payment has been made – often leaving victims with no other option but helplessness when they fail to follow through on their word.

Distribution methods

The most common ways that ransomware is spread are through websites that host illegally obtained or cracked software,^[3] emails that contain harmful links or attachments, Trojan horses, phony software updaters, peer-to-peer networks, third-party downloaders, and free file hosting websites.

Cybercriminals frequently con unwary users into downloading malicious software or opening harmful email attachments by misleading them into thinking they are downloading genuine software or opening a safe email attachment. It's critical to adhere to cybersecurity best practices if you want to safeguard yourself from ransomware infections like KoRyA.

This entails only obtaining software from reputable retailers and official sources, avoiding downloads from dodgy websites and third-party downloaders, and exercising caution when opening files or clicking links in emails from shady or ambiguous senders. Additionally, you should regularly scan your computer for dangers and maintain all software, including your operating system, up to date.

Disconnect your device from the local network

One of the most concerning aspects of ransomware like KoRyA, is the fact that it can spread quickly within a local network. While active, the malware can encrypt additional files and infect other computers that are connected to the same network. This means that, if just one device within a local network is infected with KoRyA, it could potentially spread to other devices and cause widespread damage.

Eliminate ransomware

The critical thing to do is disconnect the affected machine from the local network. For home users, disconnecting the ethernet cable should do the job. If this happened at your workplace, doing that might be complicated, so we have instructions for corporate environments at the bottom of this post.

If you try to recover your data first, it can result in permanent loss. It can also encrypt your files the second time. It will not stop until you remove the malicious files causing it first. You should not attempt removing the malicious program yourself unless you have experience.

Use anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to scan your system. This security software should find all the related files and entries and remove them automatically for you. In some cases, malware is not letting you use antivirus in normal mode, so you need to access Safe Mode and perform a full system scan from there:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. When your computer becomes active, start pressing the 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.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
   
2. Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
3. On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
4. Now scroll down to find the Advanced Startup section.
5. Click Restart now.
6. Select Troubleshoot.
7. Go to Advanced options.
8. Select Startup Settings.
9. Click Restart.
10. Press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.

Fix Windows system issues

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a complete Windows reinstall is required, are expected after a malware infection. These types of infections can alter the Windows registry database, damage vital bootup, and other sections, delete or corrupt DLL files, etc. Once a system file is damaged by malware, antivirus software is not able to repair it. 

This is why FortectIntego was developed. It can fix a lot of the damage caused by an infection like this. Blue Screen errors,^[4] freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc., can make your computer completely unusable. By using this maintenance tool, you could avoid Windows reinstallation.

• Download the application by clicking on the link above
• Click on the ReimageRepair.exe
  
• If User Account Control (UAC) shows up, select Yes
• Press Install and wait till the program finishes the installation process
• The analysis of your machine will begin immediately
• Once complete, check the results – they will be listed in the Summary
• You can now click on each of the issues and fix them manually
• If you see many problems that you find difficult to fix, we recommend you purchase the license and fix them automatically.

File recovery options

Many people think that they can fix their files with anti-malware tools, but that is not what they are designed for. All the security tools can do is detect suspicious processes in your system and eliminate malicious files. The truth is, the files can be restored only with a decryption key or software that only cybercriminals have.

If you did not back up your data previously, you possibly lost your files forever. You can try using data recovery software, but third-party programs cannot always decrypt the files. We suggest at least trying this method. Before proceeding, you have to copy the corrupted files and place them in a USB flash drive or another storage. And remember – only do this if you have already removed the KoRyA ransomware.

Before you begin, several pointers are essential while dealing with this situation:

• Since the encrypted data on your computer might permanently be damaged by security or data recovery software, you should first make backups of it – use a USB flash drive or another storage.
• Only attempt to recover your files using this method after you perform a scan with anti-malware software.

Install data recovery software

1. Download Data Recovery Pro.
2. Double-click the installer to launch it.
3. Follow on-screen instructions to install the software.
4. As soon as you press Finish, you can use the app.
5. Select Everything or pick individual folders where you want the files to be recovered from.
6. Press Next.
7. At the bottom, enable Deep scan and pick which Disks you want to be scanned.
8. Press Scan and wait till it is complete.
9. You can now pick which folders/files to recover – don't forget you also have the option to search by the file name!
10. Press Recover to retrieve your files.