AngryKite ransomware virus. How to remove? (Uninstall guide)
Tech support scammers push AngryKite ransomware to victims
Questions about AngryKite ransomware virus
AngryKite virus seems to be yet another unoriginal ransomware[1], this time based on KRider ransomware virus. The main executable of this virus is angryKite_v3.exe.bin. Once in the computer system, AngryKite ransomware encrypts files found on the system (excluding some system files in order to keep the computer running). During the data encoding process, virus replaces the original filename with a random set of characters also adds .NumberDot extension at the end of it. As a result, the victim is left out with a bunch of encrypted files[2] that cannot be opened or manipulated in any way, besides, there is no way to understand which file is which, since the virus entirely corrupts their filenames.
Select 'Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Networking'
Select 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Select 'Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt'
Enter 'cd restore' without quotes and press 'Enter'
Enter 'rstrui.exe' without quotes and press 'Enter'
When 'System Restore' window shows up, select 'Next'
Select your restore point and click 'Next'
Click 'Yes' and start system restore
What is interesting about AngryKite virus is that it is a tech-support-scam[3] type of virus. We have noticed that tech support scammers have employed ransomware-type viruses to attack victims and force them to communicate with scammers directly[4]. Actors behind AngryKite ransomware project might expect victims to buy some useless malware removal programs or pay for services “required to fix the computer.” It is very likely to happen because the virus is programmed to launch a “Warning” window on the computer screen right after encrypting data stored on the computer. The suspicious warning says that “System may have found anonymous encryption on your computer. You would not be able to access the files on your computer.” The warning also states that “Your system has encryption ransomware which may permanently encrypt your data.” Seeing such message on the screen can make anyone freak out, however, there’s also some hope to improve the situation – the message suggests calling a provided number “to avoid further damage.” The number associated with this ransomware is 1-855-545-6800.
Our researcher called this number and was greeted with an auto-message “Your call is very important to us. Please stay on the line, and you will be transferred to the next available agent.” Surprisingly, the line was very busy, and we weren’t able to get more information on what scammers say to the victims. However, if your computer was infected with AngryKite ransomware, you should remove AngryKite virus right away. Do not listen to scammers who are trying to swindle money from you after illegally installing malware on your computer. For AngryKite removal, we strongly suggest using software like Reimage or Malwarebytes Malwarebytes. Before you start, reboot your PC according to instructions provided below the article.
How did I get this virus?
There are many ways how criminals distribute ransomware viruses, for example, they prepare a malicious code and inject it into a Word or JavaScript file[5], and then deliver this file to thousands of targets via email. In other words, scammers use malspam technique. However, there are more ways to get infected with ransomware. Some criminals employ more sophisticated ransomware distribution techniques that rely on exploit kits, malware-laden ads and the like. In order to protect yourself from such attacks, one needs to set up a good anti-malware software system on the computer, update all programs to their latest versions (continuously!) and stay away from hazardous Internet websites while browsing the world wide web.
How can I get rid of this ransomware virus?
Researchers say that this ransomware virus might be decryptable, so do not lose your hopes yet. If these expectations appear to be true, victims will successfully decrypt their files for free. However, we need to have some patience and wait for more information from malware researchers. Until then, we strongly advise you to remove AngryKite virus. You can successfully get rid of the virus with the help of AngryKite removal instructions provided down below.
To remove AngryKite virus, follow these steps:
Remove AngryKite using Safe Mode with Networking
Reboot your PC according to these instructions before you run your anti-malware or anti-spyware program.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Networking
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Networking in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Remove AngryKite
Log in to your infected account and start the browser. Download Reimage or other legitimate anti-spyware program. Update it before a full system scan and remove malicious files that belong to your ransomware and complete AngryKite removal.
If your ransomware is blocking Safe Mode with Networking, try further method.
Remove AngryKite using System Restore
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of AngryKite. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove AngryKite from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.Researchers say that files corrupted by AngryKite ransomware can be recoverable. However, no more details were provided, so all that we can suggest is to stay patient. Sooner or later, researchers might come up with AngryKite decrypter. Until then, follow these instructions.
If your files are encrypted by AngryKite, you can use several methods to restore them:
Data Recovery Method 1
It might be possible to restore your files with Data Recovery Pro, which is a reliable data recovery software. However, remember that even the strongest data recovery tools can fail to restore files affected by ransomware.
- Download Data Recovery Pro (https://www.2-spyware.com/download/data-recovery-pro-setup.exe);
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by AngryKite ransomware;
- Restore them.
AngryKite ransomware decryptor is not available yet
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from AngryKite and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as Reimage, Malwarebytes Malwarebytes or Plumbytes Anti-MalwareNorton Internet Security
About the author
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References
- ^ Danny Palmer. Ransomware: Now cybercriminals are stealing code from each other, say researchers. ZDNet. Technology News, Analysis, Comments and Product Reviews.
- ^ Cassius Puodzius. How encryption molded crypto-ransomware. WeLiveSecurity. An IT Security Site Covering the Latest News, Research, Cyber Threats and Malware Discoveries, with Insights from ESET Experts.
- ^ Steve Zurier. 4 Ways To Sniff Out A Tech Support Scam. Dark Reading. Cyber Security's Comprehensive News Site.
- ^ Ryan Whitwam. New tech support scam borrows ransomware tricks. ExtremeTech. News and Analysis of Emerging Science and Technology Trends.
- ^ Ransomware in your inbox: the rise of malicious JavaScript attachments. Naked Security. Computer Security News, Advice and Research from Sophos Experts.