Kangaroo ransomware / virus (Removal Instructions) - Jan 2020 update

What is Kangaroo ransomware virus?

Kangaroo ransomware is malware that shows up as the Windows Explorer process

Kangaroo ransomware - malware that urges contacting the criminals via email address

Kangaroo ransomware is a notorious malware strain released by the same developer who created Apocalypse ransomware, Esmeralda, and Fabiansomware. By using symmetric or asymmetric encryption, this malware locks up all files and documents found on the Windows computer system. Afterward, the .missing appendix is added to each filename of the encrypted components. Discovered by a cybersecurity researcher named S!Ri,^[1] this ransomware virus displays the (filename).Contact_Data_Recovery.txt ransom message that holds the dataforward@bk.ru email address where the victims are supposed to write in order to discuss all the terms and conditions of data recovery.

Kangaroo virus shows up as the Windows Explorer process in the Task Manager. This file has been spotted by 43 AV programs out of the total 71. According to VirusTotal,^[2] the malware has been detected as Gen:Variant.Mikey.75690, Win32:Malware-gen, Trojan.TR/Crypt.XPACK.Gen2, TR/Crypt.XPACK.Gen2, Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Kangar.a, etc.

Kangaroo ransomware does not provide any particular information on the demanded ransom price in the ransom note as all of the further details should be given after contacting the developers via email. However, the ransom price can vary anywhere from fifty dollars to thousands. Take a look at the entire ransom note in order to be able to recognize it:

All your data has been encrypted.

Contact by Email for data recovery.
————————————-

Email : dataforward@bk.ru
Your ID : SD8AB642DUS

————————————-

WARNING: If you don't contact in 72 hours, contact from a different email provider

————————————-

However, Kangaroo ransomware is likely to ask for a ransom transfer in Bitcoin and the malicious actors might provide you with a Bitcoin wallet address via email. Cryptocurrency payments are very popular between developers as they allow the entire process to remain secret and anonymous.

Continuously, Kangaroo ransomware can modify the Windows Registry and Task Manager sections after successful infiltration into the computer system. The malware might be able to execute itself whenever the Windows machine is booted. Also, it can insert a function that allows scanning the entire system for encryptable files in certain time periods.

Kangaroo virus - ransomware that gets delivered via hacked RDP or phishing email messages and their malicious attachments

In addition, Kangaroo ransomware can delete the Shadow Volume Copies of encrypted files by running specific PowerShell commands. This way the malware developers decrease the victims' chances of recovering locked data by employing other software. However, you still should not rush to pay the demanded ransom price as there is a big risk of getting scammed.

Kangaroo ransomware virus might not come alone to your computer system. You should be aware that such infections make the infected machine vulnerable to other parasites. As a result, you can end up with a Trojan virus on your computer that can result in the loss of valuable data, monetary thefts, damage to software and computer system.

Kangaroo ransomware removal should help you to solve the problem related to the risk of additional malware infections. The sooner you remove the virus, the better it will be for your computer system. For this process, you should employ only reliable antimalware software, otherwise, the task might be very hard to handle.

When you remove Kangaroo ransomware from your Windows computer, you should search for possible damage. If you find any corrupted areas, try repairing them with software such as FortectIntego. Continuously, go to the end of this article where you will find data recovery methods some of which might appear to be helpful for you.

Kangaroo ransomware is a dangerous malware form that comes as the WIndows Explorer process which has been detected as malicious by 43 AV engines

The first Kangaroo ransomware version includes an advanced operation module

This virtual parasite aims to have a bit more complex module than others of its kind. Once the malware accesses the operating system via hacked RDP and appears on the machine, it displays a lock screen that prevents numerous users from using their computers until they transfer the demanded price or eliminate the cyber threat.^[3] Kangaroo ransomware virus is able to complete such a task by disabling Explorer processes and deactivating the Windows Task Manager.

Kangaroo ransomware virus mimics a legal notice and displays it as a ransom note before the infected users aim to log in to their computer systems. This way the cybercriminals are assured that the victims will spot the message before taking any further actions. In order to succeed in this process, the malware adds the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon “LegalNoticeText” registry key. Afterward, the ransomware virus initiates the encryption process by using the AES key to lock up all files and documents that are found on the infected device.

Kangaroo virus adds the .crypted_file appendix to each filename of the encrypted components. Afterward, the malware displays the ransom note named (filename).Instructions_Data_Recovery.txt. Continuously, the parasite adds a lock screen that displays a fake warning about a critical system problem and data encryption where the kangarooencryption@mail.ru cybercriminals' contact email is added as a way to perform communication between the crooks and the victims.

Kangaroo ransomware virus has an older version that used to create a lock screen and display the ransom note before the user could take any further actions

Ransomware infections are distributed via hacked RDPs and email spam

According to NoVirus.uk specialists,^[4] a lot of ransomware versions are downloaded directly to your computer via Remote Desktop applications. Once cybercriminals hack the system, they locate your IP identification and encryption codes. Likewise, they infiltrate the system. Later on, the malware initiates the encryption process.

Mostly, the hackers search for RDPs that include weak protection or none at all. So, it is very important that you secure your RDP with a strong and complex password that includes letters, numbers, and symbols. This way you decrease the chances of getting your RDP hacked by malicious actors.

Continuously, another popular method through which ransomware infections are delivered is known to be email spam. By using this technique, the cybercriminals drop legitimate-looking email messages to random users and attach the infectious payload to the email message itself in the form of an executable, PDF or word document.

The crooks often pretend to be from some reliable companies, healthcare, banking, shipping firms. If you ever receive an email message that you were not waiting for, you should not rush to open it as there might be malicious content planted inside it (in a form of a hyperlink) or attached to it. Scan all the attached files with an antimalware product before opening them just to make sure that they are not infected with malware.

Efficient Kangaroo elimination guide

To remove Kangaroo from the system, you have to employ strong and professional anti-malware software. If your computer is protected with free or weak antivirus software, it would not be able to wipe out the malware. Ransomware viruses are more complex cyber threats that might drop malicious components all over the computer system and fill locations such as the Task Manager and Windows Registry with malware-laden tasks and entries that also need to be deleted.

Note that if you are having a hard time with the Kangaroo removal process, you should boot up the computer in Safe Mode with Networking or use System Restore as shown in the instructions below. When you access one of these settings, you can continue with the elimination process properly. However, keep in mind that if you are interested in engaging with the malware removal manually, this type of technique might not work as you might skip crucial malicious components.

Keep in mind that any antivirus program cannot recover encrypted files. When you uninstall Kangaroo ransomware from your Windows computer system, you can restore your files from backups or use additional data recovery methods that are presented below. Also, if you want to search for possible system damage, employ products such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes. Then, use another repair tool such as FortectIntego to fix any corrupted objects on your computer system.