How to remove Kekpop ransomware

Kekpop ransomware is the virus that demands payments from the victim once it affects the machine

Kekpop ransomware renames files and uses the .kekpop extension to mark the redacted files right after the encryption. It renames those files by changing the original name with a random character string and the appendix indicating the name of this virus. All files become useless and unopenable after the original code changes.

The infection is created with the money demand function, so the developers of this Kekpop ransomware virus ask for $500 in the form of Bitcoin in exchange for the alleged decryption tool. The ransom should be transferred to the wallet that belongs to the criminals focused on financial gains alone.

These cryptocurrency extortion threats are not only dangerous because of the money demands. The threat can easily install other programs and malware to keep the Kekpop ransomware virus persistent. The infection is listing various information on the ransom note to encourage people to pay up and contact criminals.

This is never a good idea because criminals can spread other threats around or rely on additional extortion methods, and scam people in further campaigns. Payments are never considered to be a good idea or solution because threat actors focus on affecting machines and getting money. These decryption promises often are false.

Details about the money demanding ransomware

Kekpop ransomware is using a mix of the AES and RSA algorithms^[1] and locks data to have a reason for the ransom demands. This threat emerged in May 2022 and has no particular associations with other families, so can be considered a newly developed infection.

The known versions

The virus is aimed at English-speaking users and their files, so payments can be transferred as soon as possible. The fact that it is a newly developed threat can be promising because often new threats have some vulnerabilities or flaws. It is believed that this is the alias of Kekware ransomware that has been seen by researchers before.

This threat already has a version of the same virus because days after the initial Kekpop ransomware virus release, other samples got detected. Those new versions haven't been altered that much and have the particular .cyn extension as the first Kekware virus sample.

That version also renames locked files and demands a ransom. The other.txt ransom note informs that Kekware and Kekpop were the first steps. It is believed that other versions can emerge sooner than later. Another ransom note variant is YcynNote.txt, and all of the versions demand the same $500 in Bitcoin.

ReaMe.html message:

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Your files are encrypted by kekpop.

You can get them back by paying $500 to this btc address Ox9NHVG8NVFGHG4HHHKBV.

If you dont pay this fee your files will be lost forever.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Removing the infection

Kekpop ransomware removal can seem difficult for the person that never had issues with cyber threat removal. It is difficult, but possible because detection rates^[2] with AV tools and these known samples show the success in elimination of the malware. You need to rely on a proper tool that is trustworthy and powerful.

Experts^[3] note that there are various dangerous tools advertised as the AV programs. We can ensure that there are no possible solutions better than the removal of this virus and file recovery with backups or copies of those files. You can remove Kekpop ransomware with anti-malware and security tools like MalwarebytesMalwarebytes or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. 

File virus removal is not the same as decryption or file repair. These anti-malware programs find associated files, viruses, and the ransomware payload to stop the active malware and end these processes that lead to issues with the machine further. You need to remove the virus if you want to use the machine again after this.

Repair affected system data

Kekpop file virus can affect machines further than the file locking. For example, an infection 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 capable of doing anything about it, leaving it just the way it is. 

Therefore, we highly recommend using a one-of-a-kind, patented technology of FortectIntego repair. Not only can it fix virus damage after the infection, but it is also capable of removing malware that has already broken into the system thanks to several engines used by the program. Besides, the application is also capable of fixing various Windows-related issues that are not caused by malware infections, for example, Blue Screen errors, freezes, registry errors, damaged DLLs, etc.

• 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.

Check for new decryption tools

Kekpop ransomware is not decryptable as of right now. The official tool for the particular virus can be developed, but it takes a lot of time. Unless the version of the ransomware is faulty and new. This is the new virus but has been advanced and modified already, so there are no decryption tools that could be quickly released.

File encryption is a process that is similar to applying a password to a particular file or folder. However, from a technical point of view, encryption is fundamentally different due to its complexity. By using encryption, threat actors use a unique set of alphanumeric characters as a password that can not easily be deciphered if the process is performed correctly.

There are several algorithms that can be used to lock data (whether for good or bad reasons); for example, AES uses the symmetric method of encryption, meaning that the key used to lock and unlock files is the same. Unfortunately, it is only accessible to the attackers who hold it on a remote server – they ask for a payment in exchange for it. This simple principle is what allows ransomware authors to prosper in this illegal business.

While many high-profile ransomware strains such as Djvu or Dharma use immaculate encryption methods, there are plenty of failures that can be observed within the code of some novice malware developers. For example, the keys could be stored locally, which would allow users to regain access to their files without paying. In some cases, ransomware does not even encrypt files due to bugs, although victims might believe the opposite due to the ransom note that shows up right after the infection and data encryption is completed.

Therefore, regardless of which crypto-malware affects your files, you should try to find the relevant decryptor if such exists. Security researchers are in a constant battle against cybercriminals. In some cases, they manage to create a working decryption tool that would allow victims to recover files for free.

Once you have identified which ransomware you are affected by, you should check the following links for a decryptor:

• No More Ransom Project
• Free Ransomware Decryptors by Kaspersky
• Free Ransomware Decryption Tools from Emsisoft
• Avast decryptors

If you can't find a decryptor that works for you, you should try the alternative methods we list below. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that it sometimes takes years for a working decryption tool to be developed, so there are always hopes for the future.

The best tools for virus removal are anti-malware tools like SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. This way all trojans, malware, and worms related to Kekpop ransomware or not get terminated. Some of the systems features helping with the file recovery or system repair can be disabled, so repair those altered files using FortectIntego. This can ensure that virus damage is taken care of too.