How to remove Kiratos ransomware

Kiratos ransomware is file locking malware created by cybercriminals who seek to obtain $980 from the infected victims

Kiratos ransomware is a cryptovirus that was first spotted in late April 2019. Belonging to the STOP/Djvu virus family, it uses AES and RSA-1024 encryption algorithms to encode all pictures, music, videos, databases, documents and other personal data located on the PC. Files that are modified in such way are marked with .kiratos appendix.

To free the files, users are asked to contact cybercriminals behind Kiratos ransomware via the email (vengisto@india.com, or vengisto@firemail.cc) or a Telegram account @datarestore. The latter was also used in all the other recent STOP variants, such as Verasto, Moresa, and Norvas.

According to the ransom note _readme.txt, victims should pay $980 in Bitcoin for the decryption tool that is only accessible for the attackers and is stored on a remote server. While they are also offering a 50% discount if the payment is made within the first 72 hours, users are not recommended contacting the malicious actors and instead focus on Kiratos ransomware removal.

It is true that Kiratos file virus is not decryptable currently, although some victims might try the STOPDecrypter: if the file locking process was performed when the malware failed to connect to its Command and Control^[2] server, it is possible to decrypt data for free.

There are multiple different ways Kiratos ransomware can be installed on your device. For example, crooks can use brute-force attacks,^[3] exploit kits, spam emails, fake updates, cracked software, and other distribution methods.

After the Kiratos file virus completes all the processes it is programmed to do, victims receive a message from hackers that states:

ATTENTION!
 
Don't worry my friend, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents 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 you have?
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.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
hxxps://we.tl/t-oEUEuysYiZ
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that's price for you is $490.
Please note that you'll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don't get answer more than 6 hours.
 
To get this software you need write on our e-mail:
vengisto@firemail.cc
 
Reserve e-mail address to contact us:
vengisto@india.com
 
Support Telegram account:
@datarestore

If you are considering paying due to the offered discount or because you think the threat actors can be trusted, you should think twice before doing so. Often hackers fail to deliver the promised decryption tool, even if the demanded sum in Bitcoin is transferred. Furthermore, the action will serve as an indication that you are susceptible to paying, so they might specifically target you in the future.

Therefore, do not trust Kiratos ransomware authors and instead focus on malware removal. You can also try alternative methods for that, including third-party recovery tools or Windows Previous Versions feature. Finally, experts^[4] recommend scanning the device with FortectIntego to recover from the infection completely, as some system files might have been affected by the ransomware.

Once inside, the virus performs a variety of system changes before it starts the encryption process, during which it displays a fake Windows Update pop-up window. Due to that reason, users might struggle when trying to remove Kiratos ransomware. These system changes include:

• altering Windows registry keys or adding new;
• adding programs;
• disabling functions;
• installing malicious files;
• damaging data.

Since Kiratos ransomware disables some AV engines, removing the threat manually becomes even more difficult. You can still choose the anti-malware program and scan the machine to get rid of this virus completely. For this process, entering Safe Mode with Networking helps. This Windows feature usually solves the problem with disabled security functions or programs, and we explain how to do that below.

There is a huge issue with such malware like cryptovirus – encrypted data. However, any data recovery process can lead to permanently damaged files if you are not performing Kiratos ransomware removal first. Clean the machine and check if the computer is finally virus-free with additional anti-malware program scan. Then employ data backups from external devices or cloud services, or any other file restoring method to get your important documents and photos back.  

Ransomware infiltration involves phishing messages and other malware

Keeping your machine malware-free is not so difficult if you pay more attention to processes happening on the system and files you may automatically install without even knowing. A payload dropper that initiates malicious macros and launches ransomware scripts can be included as a file attachment on the legitimate-looking email.

This way ransomware is being spread around the internet. Once the user opens that insecure email and downloads the attached file on the PC, malicious macros get triggered by clicking on the suggestion to enable content. This pop-up that asks to allow macros may appear on PDFs, word or excel documents and even be included as hyperlinks on the email itself.

You can easily avoid this malware infiltration and keep your device malware-free by keeping the antivirus program running on the system all the time. This way the tool can block possible intruders and other malicious material before it affects the performance of your machine. Also, delete emails that you weren't expecting to get before even opening them.

Make sure to clear the system from Kiratos ransomware virus with professional tools

Any similar crypto malware like Kiratos ransomware virus itself needs to be terminated as soon as possible because it makes alterations of the affected machine and can lead to permanently damaged device or even delete files if you don't pay in time. However, paying the demanded sum is not recommended or considered to be the best solution. 

Automatic Kiratos ransomware removal is more advisable by various cybersecurity experts because professional anti-malware tools like FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner, or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes can clean the system entirely and change additional alterations. Make sure to get the reputable tool from the official source when selecting different programs than we recommend.

Remove Kiratos ransomware fully from the machine with the help of anti-malware programs and remove additional programs or files from your system. Then you can try recovering affected files with file backups or data recovery software.