How to remove Koxic ransomware

Koxic ransomware is a severe threat to people who do not have  their files backed up

Ransomware is one of the most devastating virus infections there is. That's because it makes users' personal files impossible to open or view and changes their icons to blank pages. So those who have not backed up their files potentially lost them forever. Koxic data locking malware was detected by 34 security vendors^[1] and classified as malicious.

This particular malicious program encrypts the files and appends them with the .KOXIC_PLCAW extension. If the file was previously named picture.jpg, after encryption, it would look like picure.jpg.KOXIC_PLCAW. The virus encrypts files almost immediately after it infiltrates the system. Shortly after that, a ransom note is generated by the name WANNA_RECOVER_KOXIC_FILEZ_PLCAW.txt which informs victims of what the attackers want them to do.

The purpose of locking people's files is to later ask for a ransom in exchange for a decryption key. Usually, ransomware developers ask to be paid in cryptocurrencies. It is not known how much exactly these particular threat actors want as they do not specify that in the note. Besides locking photos, videos, documents, and other personal. files, ransomware is known to sometimes also engage in cryptojacking^[2] because of high CPU usage.

How file locking viruses are spread?

There are many ways you could have been infected with this malicious program. One of the most common is by email. Cybercriminals send phishing emails with infected attachments that people open or download. Other methods include fake software updaters, “cracked” software, and malicious links.

Threat actors could use your friend list to appear like an email is sent from someone you know. If you were not expecting to receive an attachment, double-check with that person through another platform just to be sure. Also, you should never trust random websites or prompts that say that your software is out-of-date and you cannot reach some type of content. One of the most popular examples of this scheme is Flash Player updates. Users should note that Flash Player is no longer used since 2020 and was replaced by HTML5^[3] because of many vulnerabilities.

Websites that distribute “cracked” software are known to be full of malicious software bundled together into the installers.^[4] These sites are rarely regulated, so the owners generate revenue by including potentially unwanted programs and malware. You should avoid these shady websites and use official sources for your software, although we know it might get costly.

The ransom note

This is the full message in the WANNA_RECOVER_KOXIC_FILEZ_PLCAW.txt file:

Hello, all your important files are encrypted and sensitive data leaked.

To decrypt your files and avoid other unpleasant things you need to buy special decryption tool.
Contact us via koxic@cock.li or koxic@protonmail.com and tell your UserID.
This is the only way to decrypt your files and avoid publi? disclosure of data .
Do not try to use third party software (it may corrupt your files).
We respect black market rules. We can confirm the ability to decrypt your files (and of course the evidence of the leak ),
Send us several unimportant files (do not try to deceive us).

Your UserID (send it to us for decryption):
–

You can see, in the note cybercriminals provide their contact details and give instructions. We advise against contacting them, as many ransomware victims have shared their experiences. Many say that they never heard back from threat actors after sending them the money, so you not only lose your data but run the risk of losing your money too.

Developers also try to use scare tactics to prevent victims from searching for other solutions. They want people to act without thinking and contact them as soon as possible. They also try to gain trust by saying that they can prove that they have software that is capable of decrypting affected files.

Start the removal process

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. 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. Automatic removal is the best option because there is less risk of leaving some of the traces behind.

Malware could prevent you from using antivirus software by turning it off. In that case, you should proceed with accessing Safe Mode first:

Windows 7 / Vista / XP

1. Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
2. 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.
3. Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.

Windows 10 / Windows 8

1. Right-click on 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 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.

File recovery using third-party software

Only hackers hold the decryption key, which can unlock your files, so if you did not back them up 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 Koxic ransomware.

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.

Fix the damaged OS

Performance, stability, and usability issues, to the point where a full Windows reinstall is required, are expected after 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, 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.

How to protect yourself from ransomware attacks?

There are a lot of different ways you could improve your routine to improve your security. These measures are not difficult to take and need some getting used to:

• Do not disclose your personal information if you receive a call, text message, or email from an unknown source. If you have any doubt about the legitimacy, you should contact the sender in another way directly.
• Download files only from known and trusted sources. You can use the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, depending on your device, to get a lot of different applications.
• Use VPN services to hide your IP address and mask your location, especially while using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
• Be wary of email attachments because they can be infected, and opening them could run a malicious macro. If you were not expecting files on email from anyone you know, double-check with them through another source.
• Update your operating system and software regularly. Developers release security patches for vulnerabilities known or unknown to hackers, so it is less likely they will exploit the system.