How to remove Kropun ransomware

Kropun ransomware is another variant of the devastating STOP ransomware virus

Kropun is a ransomware-type virus that was first spotted in the wild by Michael Gillespie in mid-March 2019.^[1] It belongs to STOP virus family, more precisely, to Promos ransomware subgroup which uses such extensions as .blower, .kroput, .klope and now .kropun. Unfortunately, unlike most of its predecessors, Kropun virus cannot be decrypted, meaning that file recovery is only available via backups or alternative methods. As soon as the encryption procedure is completed, malware drops a ransom note _readme.txt, which explains users that all the personal pictures, documents, videos, spreadsheets, databases, and other important files are held hostage, and allegedly, the only way to retrieve them is by paying cybercriminals $980 in Bitcoin and then writing an email to blower@india.com or blower@firemail.cc. As usual, this course of action is highly discouraged by security experts.^[2] Instead, victims should remove Kropun ransomware and should wait for the new decryptor to become available.

Only a very few samples of Kropun virus infections were caught in the wild, so it is unclear what distribution methods cybercriminals are using. However, it is highly likely that they employ spam email attachments or links, exploit kits, brute-force attacks,^[3] malicious executables hosted on hacked sites, torrents, etc.

Once Kropun payload is downloaded on the machine, it first performs multiple changes to the operating system, such as Windows registry modification, removal of Shadow Volume Snapshots, the addition of scheduled tasks, elimination of certain processes, spawning of new ones, etc. The virus performs these adjustments in order to complete the encryption process quickly without any disturbances. Also, these modifications might prevent an easy Kropun ransomware removal for the victim.

As soon as Kropun ransomware establishes itself, it drops a ransom note _readme.txt which states the following:

———————————————- ALL YOUR FILES ARE ENCRYPTED ———————————————–

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files documents, photos, databases and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees do we give to you?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information
Don’t try to use third-party decrypt tools because it will destroy your files.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours.

To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
blower@india.com

Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
blower@firemail.cc

Your personal ID:

Please do not contact cybercriminals, even if you are desperate to recover your locked files. Security researchers are continually working on decryptors for such threats like Kropun ransomware, so it is most likely just a matter of time before it will be created. On the other hand, you can also try alternative recovery methods – we provide the instructions below.

If you decide to contact Kropun ransomware authors after all, be aware that you are risking of losing all your money, as they might not send you the decryptor back. Additionally, you will prove that the ransomware scheme works, and the crooks will continue its malicious deeds in the future, infecting more innocent users worldwide.

Thus, delete Kropun ransomware virus without contacting malicious actors. Finally, scan your device with FortectIntego to make sure it runs smoothly, and virus damage is ultimately terminated.

Be vigilant when you browse the internet and use protection measures to stop viruses before they can enter

Unfortunately, but users are quite careless when it comes to cybersecurity. By now, most of the regular users know that downloading pirated software, visiting dodgy sites, ignoring software updates and not owning a security application drastically improves the risk of the infection. Nevertheless, they do not believe that they will fall victims.

Once the file encryption is completed (which usually takes just a few seconds, so stopping the procedure is almost impossible), the chances of restoring data are slim. This is the time when victims regret not protecting their systems from such unpleasant and straight out devastating consequences.

Thus, make sure you take some precautionary measures:

• Backup your files on a remote server or an external drive;
• Employ reputable security software;
• Patch your system as soon as security updates are released;
• Beware of fake Flash, Windows, and similar updates – tick an automatic option so you would not have to worry about it;
• Use ad-blocker, although do not forget to add exclusions to sites you want to support;
• Avoid high-risk websites: porn, torrent, gambling, etc.;
• Be careful when you install new software from the internet – always pick Advanced/Custom options to avoid all the bloatware which can consequently compromise the security of your device.

Terminate Kropun ransomware virus with the help of reliable security programs

Kropun ransomware removal should not be a complicated task, as long as you follow our instructions below and choose a reputable anti-malware application to deal with the infection. Due to an intense system modification, it is highly advised you enter Safe Mode with Networking, where the operation of Kropun virus can be temporarily disabled.

Once you remove Kropun ransomware from your PC, proceed with the file recovery. Be aware that, if you attempt to retrieve your files before you terminate the virus, all the data will be encrypted repeatedly, even if it is from backups. Thus, make sure you do this in the correct order.

While the decryptor for the threat is not yet available, you can try to recover at least some of your data with methods listed below.