Kangaroo ransomware: what it is and how to remove it
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.
Facts checked October 6, 2026. Removal steps tested on Windows 11 (26H2) and checked against Microsoft's and the browser makers' current documentation. Sections marked as our earlier report are the original text: they describe the threat as it was then and have not been reviewed since. The 2026 status, the removal steps and the questions are current.
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Kangaroo ransomware: summary
| Name | Kangaroo ransomware |
|---|---|
| Category | Ransomware/malware |
| Related to | Apocalypse ransomware, Esmeralda, and Fabiansomware |
| Danger level | Very high. This cyber threat encrypts all files and documents that are found on the infected Windows computer and disables users from properly accessing these components. Also, the ransomware increases the risk of additional malware infections |
| Extension | Once all the files are locked with a symmetric or asymmetric key, the .missing appendix is added to each filename |
| Ransom note | The ransomware displays the (filename).Contact_Data_Recover.txt ransom message that urges making contact via the dataforward@bk.ru email address |
| Removal | Scan the PC with security software to find and remove the malware and anything installed with it. Fortect scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. Remove it nowTo use the full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Fortect. The scan is free. |
Show 19 more facts
| Discoverer | A cybersecurity researcher named S!Ri was the first one who announced about the appearance of this ransomware virus |
|---|---|
| Process | Kangaroo virus appears as the Windows Explorer process in the Task Manager section. This file has been detected as malicious by 43 AV engines |
| Older version | The older variant of Kangaroo ransomware used to add the .crypted_file appendix to each file name, display the (filename.)Instructions_Data_Recovery.txt ransom note and create a lock screen on the Windows computer system |
| Spreading | Ransomware viruses are known to be spread via unsecured RDP configuration that is easily hackable by malicious actors. Also, the cybercriminals drop their malicious payload via email spam and their malicious attachments |
| Removal tip | If you have been dealing with any version of this ransomware virus, you should get rid of it as soon as possible. If the malware is preventing you from accessing your Windows computer system, go to the end of this page and learn how to boot the machine in Safe Mode with Networking. Afterward, employ a reliable antimalware program that is capable of getting rid of such cyber threat |
| Detection names | No Microsoft detection name is known |
| Contact | dataforward@bk.ru, kangarooencryption@mail.ru |
| Encrypted file extension | .missing |
| Decryptor | No free decryptor is known for this variant; check No More Ransom (nomoreransom.org) for updates |
| Distribution | Not recorded in the old report |
| Damage | Not recorded in the old report |
| Type | File-encrypting ransomware |
| Symptoms | Files renamed with a new extension and a ransom note left in folders |
| Evidence | 5 write-ups by security sites; no sample analysed yet |
| Encrypted files | .missing |
| Attacker contacts | dataforward@bk.ru |
| Free decryptor | No free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026) |
| First seen | 13 January 2020 |
| Facts checked | 6 October 2026 |
- File extension:
.missing - Note file:
Contact_Data_Recovery.txt - Contact:
dataforward@bk.ru
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
More from our earlier report on Kangaroo ransomware
- If you have scanned your system with a reliable tool and the program has found some damage on it, you can try fixing the corrupted areas and objects with software such as
How Kangaroo ransomware behaves
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
Kangaroo ransomware is malware that shows up as the Windows Explorer process
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, 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, 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:
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.
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 . 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.
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
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. 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.
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
Ransomware infections are distributed via hacked RDPs and email spam
According to NoVirus.uk specialists, 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.
The Kangaroo ransomware note
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
-------------------------------------
How to remove Kangaroo ransomware
Tools you'll need
All of these are free except where noted. Download them on a clean device if the infected PC is offline.
- A USB stick: to keep the ransom note, two or three encrypted files and screenshots off the infected PC.
- Microsoft Defender Offline: built into Windows 11 and Windows 10; scans before Windows starts, so running malware cannot hide.
- Microsoft Safety Scanner: a second, portable scanner with current signatures; each download works for 10 days.
- ID Ransomware: identifies the family from the note and one encrypted file and says whether a decryptor exists.
- No More Ransom: the free decryptors from police and security companies; check it again every few months.
- Fortect (optional): scans Windows for malware and repairs the system files and settings it damaged. The free scan is in the box above.
How to remove Kangaroo ransomware and get your files back
Work in this order.
Disconnecting comes first, removal comes before any restore, and nothing here asks you to contact the attackers.
Step 1: Disconnect the PC and unplug backup drives
Unplug the network cable or turn off Wi-Fi, and disconnect USB drives, external disks and network shares, so Kangaroo ransomware cannot reach more files. Pause OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox sync, because synced folders upload the encrypted copies over the good ones.
Leave the PC on but offline while you read the next steps, since a restart can let the ransomware run again. This applies to Windows 11 and Windows 10 alike.
Windows 11: turn off Wi-Fi to take the PC offline. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 2: Save the ransom note and confirm the family
Your files now end in
.missingand the instructions are inContact_Data_Recovery.txt. Save both to a USB stick, a copy of the note and two small encrypted files, before anything else.On another device, check them with ID Ransomware or Crypto Sheriff: the family name decides which decryptor, if any, can help. Keep the note's ID and contact line for your report.
Windows 11: the ransom note and encrypted files to copy for identification. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 3: Check for a free decryptor
Our last check found that for Kangaroo ransomware, no free decryptor is known (checked 6 October 2026). Look again yourself in the No More Ransom list and the free decryptor pages of Emsisoft, Avast and Kaspersky, which add new families every year.
A decryptor needs the ransomware gone first, or it encrypts the files again. Keep at least one copy of the encrypted files on an external drive, even if no tool works yet.
Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 4: Remove the ransomware before you restore or decrypt
Removing Kangaroo ransomware does not bring the files back, but it has to come first. Start with Defender's Full scan, then the offline scan from the same Scan options page, which checks the disk before Windows loads.
If the scan cannot start, use Safe Mode with Networking. Delete the ransom notes only after you have saved a copy, because removal tools sometimes leave them behind on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Windows 11: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options. Full procedure with screenshots: Run a Microsoft Defender Offline scan
Step 5: Look for shadow copies of the files
Windows keeps shadow copies for restore points and backups, and some ransomware fails to delete them.
vssadmin list shadowsin an administrator Command Prompt tells you at once whether any exist.If they do, right-click the folder that held your files, open Properties > Previous Versions, select a version from before the attack, and click Open to check it before you Restore or copy the files out. Windows 11 and Windows 10 both have the tab.
Windows 11: vssadmin list shadows shows whether shadow copies exist. Full procedure with screenshots: Ransomware: first steps, finding a decryptor and recovering files
Step 6: Restore the files from a backup or recover deleted originals
A backup made before the attack is the surest way back. Connect it only once the PC is clean, then restore from File History, Windows Backup, OneDrive's Restore your OneDrive or your own external copies.
Without a backup, try file recovery: the originals that Kangaroo ransomware deleted may still be on the disk until something overwrites them. Install nothing new on the drive you want to recover from on the Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC.
Full procedure with screenshots: Recover deleted files (Recycle Bin, backups, OneDrive) On uGetFix
Instructions for each browser and system
The detailed steps for every browser and system this guide covers. Open the one you use.
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- 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.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
From our report of Jan 2020 · not reviewed since
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.
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 and .
[GI=method-1]Activate Safe Mode with Networking on your Windows computer to diminish all malicious changes that were brought by the ransomware virus. If you need some help with this method, try the following guidelines.
[GI=method-2]Sometimes, you might have trouble with the ransomware removal process due to the malicious tasks that have been planted on your Windows system. To disable the infection properly, use the below-provided instructing steps and boot your machine via System Restore.
It might not restore all of your files, but some of them will be rescued which is definitely better than losing all of them.
Try recovering files by using Windows Previous Versions feature.
If you had enabled the System Restore function before Kangaroo virus attacked your PC, you can use this data recovery method. If this function has not been enabled on your computer, this technique would not work for you.
Try rescuing some of your files by using ShadowExplorer.
If the malware has not permanently damaged or deleted your files' Shadow Volume Copies, you can definitely give this tool a try as you might have a chance of recovering some of your data.
Currently, there is no official decryptor available for Kangaroo ransomware.
Report it and recover your files
Report it
Report the attack even if you do not expect the files back: insurers and banks ask for the report number, and police use the contacts in the note to link cases.
- United States
- FBI IC3 · FTC ReportFraud
- United Kingdom
- Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) · NCSC
- Australia
- ReportCyber (ASD)
- EU countries
- Europol: national reporting sites
Give the victim ID, the note and the date the files were encrypted. A business that holds personal data may also have to notify its data protection authority, in the EU within 72 hours.
Protect the files you restore
Restore only after the scans are clean and the PC no longer shows files that end in .missing and no longer open; otherwise the restored copies can be damaged again.
Then build a backup that survives the next infection:
- one copy in the cloud with version history
- one on an external drive that is disconnected between backups
- the working copy on the PC
Version history matters because a backup that syncs damaged files overwrites the good ones.
How to do this with the tools built into Windows: the 3-2-1 backup rule on Windows.
Access your website securely from any location
When you work on the domain, site, blog, or different project that requires constant management, content creation, or coding, you may need to connect to the server and content management service more often. The best solution for creating a tighter network could be a dedicated/fixed IP address.
If you make your IP address static and set to your device, you can connect to the CMS from any location and do not create any additional issues for the server or network manager that needs to monitor connections and activities. VPN software providers like can help you with such settings and offer the option to control the online reputation and manage projects easily from any part of the world.
Recover files after data-affecting malware attacks
While much of the data can be accidentally deleted due to various reasons, malware is one of the main culprits that can cause loss of pictures, documents, videos, and other important files.
More serious malware infections lead to significant data loss when your documents, system files, and images get encrypted. In particular, ransomware is is a type of malware that focuses on such functions, so your files become useless without an ability to access them.
Even though there is little to no possibility to recover after file-locking threats, some applications have features for data recovery in the system. In some cases, can also help to recover at least some portion of your data after data-locking virus infection or general cyber infection.
Questions about Kangaroo ransomware
How do I open .missing files?
You cannot open them by renaming or with another program, because the content of files ending in .missing has been encrypted. The only ways back are a working decryptor for the family, or clean copies from elsewhere:
- OneDrive versions
- File History
- an offline backup drive
- Previous Versions if the ransomware did not delete them
Identify the family first by uploading the ransom note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware or No More Ransom. Avoid websites and programs that promise to open any encrypted file; they do not work and some are scams.
Should I open Contact_Data_Recovery.txt?
Reading it is fine if you open it in Notepad. A plain text Contact_Data_Recovery.txt cannot harm the PC. Be careful with notes in HTA or HTML format: double-clicking those runs them in a window that can contain scripts, so right-click and choose Open with > Notepad instead.
The note tells you the contact addresses, the claimed amount and the deadline. Do not visit links or write to the addresses from this PC. Use the note to identify the family and check for a free decryptor first.
Should I pay the ransom in Contact_Data_Recovery.txt?
Not before you have tried everything else. Identify the family from Contact_Data_Recovery.txt and one encrypted file, check No More Ransom for a free decryptor, and look for clean copies in OneDrive, backups and Previous Versions.
Paying funds further attacks, may be illegal if the group is sanctioned, and is no promise of a working key: many victims get partial or broken decryption. If you consider paying for business-critical data, involve the police and a professional incident responder first, and never pay through intermediaries who promise their own decryption.
Is there a free Kangaroo ransomware decryptor?
We last checked on 6 October 2026, and for Kangaroo ransomware no free decryptor is known. We check No More Ransom, which collects free tools from police and security companies, and the decryptor pages of the major antivirus vendors. A working decryptor exists only when the encryption has a flaw or the keys were leaked or seized.
Ignore sites and videos that offer a "Kangaroo ransomware decryptor" for download or for a fee: these are usually scams or malware. Real decryptors are free and come from known security companies or law enforcement. Keep the encrypted files in case a tool appears later.
How did Kangaroo ransomware get on my computer?
The way Kangaroo ransomware spreads has not been documented yet, so look at your own recent activity. On home PCs, ransomware most often comes with cracked programs, game cheats, key generators and fake updates, or with an e-mail attachment that was opened. On business networks, attackers usually log in through Remote Desktop with a stolen or guessed password.
Think back to what was downloaded or installed in the days before files that end in .missing and no longer open, and check the Downloads folder and Installed apps sorted by date. Keep anything suspicious for your report, but do not run it again.
Did Kangaroo ransomware steal my files or passwords?
We do not know yet. Nothing published so far shows data theft by Kangaroo ransomware, but the only confirmed sign is files that end in .missing and no longer open, which says nothing about what happened before. Many current ransomware attacks copy files or run a password stealer first, so it is wise to act as if they did.
From a clean device, change the passwords that were saved in the browsers on this PC, starting with e-mail and banking, sign out of all sessions and turn on two-step verification. Watch bank statements and account activity for the next few weeks.
Is Kangaroo ransomware the same as other ransomware with a similar name?
Not necessarily. Ransomware names come from the file extension, the note or a word in the code, so unrelated families often end up with similar names, and one family can appear under several names. The difference matters: a decryptor or advice for one family does not fit another and can damage files.
Compare the ending added to your files and the exact name of the note with the summary table at the top of this guide, then upload the note and one encrypted file to ID Ransomware from a clean device. If the result names another family, follow the guide for that family instead.
Should I reinstall Windows after the .missing attack?
Reinstalling removes the ransomware but not the encryption: your files ending in .missing stay encrypted afterwards. So first copy the encrypted files and the ransom note to a separate drive, in case a decryptor appears later. Then decide:
- a clean-up with an offline scan is often enough for home PCs
- while a full reset is safer if remote access was involved
- scans keep finding new items
Restore your backups only after the PC is clean, and change passwords from another device.
Will removing Kangaroo ransomware unlock my .missing files?
No. Removing Kangaroo ransomware stops it from encrypting more files and from starting again, but it does not decrypt the files that already end in .missing. The scanner does not have the attackers' key.
Files come back only from a backup, from copies the ransomware did not reach, such as OneDrive version history, Previous Versions, e-mail attachments or a phone, or with a working decryptor if one exists.
Remove the ransomware first anyway: if you restore files while it is still active, it can encrypt them again. Keep the encrypted files; a decryptor may be published later.
Will Fortect remove Kangaroo ransomware?
Fortect scans Windows for malware and unwanted programs and repairs the system files and settings they change, and its free scan shows what it finds on your PC before you decide anything.
For Kangaroo ransomware, follow the plan above as well: the browser steps take back permissions and settings that no scanner treats as a threat, and uninstalling the program that brought it removes the source.
Run Microsoft Defender's full scan and, if anything was found, its offline scan as a second opinion. If the symptoms are gone after the plan and both scans are clean, there is nothing more to do.
Sources
- Twitter: .missing #Kangaroo #Ransomware (read October 6, 2026)
- Virus Total: 43 engines detected this file (read October 6, 2026)
- CISA: StopRansomware (read October 6, 2026)
- No More Ransom (read October 6, 2026)
- FTC: How to recognize, remove and avoid malware (read October 6, 2026)