How to remove KingOuroboros ransomware

KingOuroboros ransomware – a dangerous virus that holds your files hostage

KingOuroboros is a crypto-virus that uses AES cipher to encrypt files and modifies their name by adding .king_ouroboros string. This ransomware-type^[1] virus hails from CryptoWire family and, demands victims to pay $30, $50 or $80 in Bitcoins in order to retrieve access to locked data. However, it is still unknown if virus developers can decrypt modified files for the victim. We do NOT recommend sending the money for those who are hiding behind King Ouroboros ransomware because you can be scammed just like hundreds of other people.^[2] If you can find its name next to original name of your files, you should remove the threat right away and then try recovering your files from backup. 

After the encryption is successfully done, ransomware places ransom message as a note text file. In this case, the virus displays “exe”^[3] window with details on your ransomware attack and data encryption. Although there is no ransom note, the message displayed on this window has all the important details. Ransomware virus developers are cybercriminals and communication with them is very dangerous. So you should not contact them by the emails they suggested.

The price for the alleged decryption key is $30, $50 or $80 by Bitcoin. This amount increases after 72 hours. Usually, ransomware developers ask around 1-10 BTC or other cryptocurrencies, so this amount is not that huge. Still, we advise you to stay away from these people. 

KingOuroboros ransomware removal needs to be done as soon as you see this notification on your screen. Ransomware is spread without your knowledge so it may contain other additional tools or programs which works behind your back. This is not the case when you do a manual virus removal.

To remove KingOuroboros ransomware you should use something reliable like anti-malware tools. We can recommend FortectIntego and a few more below, but feel free to use other tools or programs you can trust. The professional program is required because only this option ensures you are cleaning your system properly. 

Ioys.gr^[4] researchers note that ransomware is dangerous so you need to eliminate this malware completely from your system and only then focus on file decryption. Even when the safe to use decryption tool is not available, we have a few suggestions for file recovery below. 

Remember if you plug in an external drive with backups to insecure PC, King Ouroboros ransomware encrypts all the remaining files and you lose your data for good. So think before you do anything.

KingOuroboros developers expressed their dissatisfaction about security sites calling them out for tricking people

As we already mentioned, we do not recommend contacting cybercriminals who are behind ransomware attacks. These people can not be trusted, as they screw innocent users over and illegally demand to pay money. It is a criminal activity and is punishable by law. Unfortunately, due to hackers being sophisticated, they are usually excellent at hiding their tracks, and catching them becomes a complicated task.

Authors of KingOuroboros ransomware surprised everybody with this post on Twitter, which was directed to malware researchers:

Greetings, We’d like to express ourselves concerning the “scam” accusations being made against us by multiple sites <…>. First of all, you should know all of these sites use templates when posting a new ransomware threat, therefore those “scam” accusations are already there, without them even trying to contact us to prove what they’re saying.

It is shocking how KingOuroboros devs are offended by security experts calling them out on something that is, in fact, a criminal offense. No person should have to pay for something that is illegally inflicted, whether it is a ransom for an abducted individual or computer files. Bad actors added:

From the beginning, we’ve already helped loads of people solving any of their issues regarding the decryption of their files, as well as spending time to code a standalone decryption tool for those who have deleted the original one. We do also provide discounts to those who are able to prove any kind of financial problems they may have. 

And now we are presented with a statement, that they are actually very nice guys who help people. We are baffled, as this Twitter post makes us wonder if developers are actually that oblivious or are merely trying to make a joke. Regardless of the reason, do not contact criminals, as there is no guarantee you will get the decryption tool. 

Criminals tend to use big names to become more trustful 

The most common way for the ransomware spreading is spam email attachments with insecure additional pieces. But often people do not understand what differs malicious spam emails from regular commercial content. You need to pay attention to details: 

• general, not personalized greeting at the beginning;
• the big company name that you do not have any relation with;
• letter content and address make no sense;
• email contains little information in comparison with advertisement content.

Often these emails seem legitimate because they have Word or Exel file attachments. These come with macro viruses and spread ransomware the minute you download any of those. Be aware of this virus activity and delete spam emails without opening them. You should do that occasionally. 

KingOuroboros ransomware removal is a must if you want to avoid further encryption of your files

To remove King Ouroboros ransomware from your computer, you should rely on certified anti-malware tools. This is important because using questionable provider can put you up to a high risk of getting additional infections. It might be the reason you got ransomware in the first place. 

FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner and MalwarebytesMalwarebytes are the ones we highly recommend. KingOuroboros ransomware removal needs to be done before you proceed with anything relating to file recovery. The insecure computer system can attract other malware and the vicious circle of infection after infection begins. You can avoid the repetition if you pay attention to your behavior online and have enough information about possible threats.