Karl ransomware (Free Guide) - Decryption Methods Included

What is Karl ransomware?

Karl ransomware – a cryptovirus that is focusing on locking all common files on the victims' computer so attackers can demand a ransom payment

Karl ransomware is the threat developed by criminals that will not wait for the payment and can disappear with your money and don't even recover your data. Karl ransomware is a cyber threat that encodes various formats of data like documents, spreadsheets, databases, drawings, and photos. Once that is done, and your files receive .karl file marker, your data and device become locked until the payment of $980/$490 is transferred. However, that is not the only solution for ransomware-type virus attack. Paying, in most cases, does nothing, so you need to get rid of the virus and proceed with file recovery instead.

This is the notorious cryptovirus family DJVU, that releases a new version every week right now. Karl ransomware virus is one of 165, so some features of the variants don't change, for example, the ransom note is still the same and placed in a _readme.txt file. Also, this message contains the contact information of virus creators, gorentos@bitmessage.ch, gerentoshelp@firemail.cc email addresses remain the same for at least a few last months.

What other distinct features this ransomware family has: during the encryption process, a fake program window appears stating about Windows Update; malware creates scheduled task named Time Trigger task, and this way encrypts files newly added on the machine; this threat is known for loading additional scripts of malware like AZORult. Karl cryptovirus focuses on getting your money, so there is no reason to contact criminals or pay up, your machine might get damaged or you lose your files and money permanently.^[1]

Speaking of decryption options for Karl ransomware, there is no help from the previously useful STOP virus decryption tool. As many researchers reported, virus developers have changed their encryption method and now using a proper asymmetric algorithm^[2] to encode photos, documents, databases and other common files on the infected system. So offline keys, cannot be used to decrypt files with the before-mentioned tool.

However, you can store those files marked with .karl appendix and wait for another Karl ransomware decryption option. Also, the following sites can be the source where you find the updated or newly released decryptor:

• https://www.nomoreransom.org/en/decryption-tools.html
• https://www.emsisoft.com/ransomware-decryption-tools/
• https://noransom.kaspersky.com/
• https://www.avast.com/ransomware-decryption-tools
• https://www.quickheal.com/free-ransomware-decryption-tool/
• https://www.mcafee.com/enterprise/en-us/downloads/free-tools/ransomware-decryption.html
• https://success.trendmicro.com/solution/1114221-downloading-and-using-the-trend-micro-ransomware-file-decryptor

Although there is no particular file recovery option right now, you should remove Karl ransomware and clean the system to avoid permanent, un-repairable damage on the machine. When you cleaned the system entirely, you can rely on file backups and possibly replace encrypted data with copies of those documents, photos, and videos.

Your computer has a few features like System Restore or Windows Previous Versions already, that can help with data recovery when you don't have file backups too. All those tips and tricks are listed below the article, after the Karl ransomware removal guide. Karl ransomware is the particular type of cyber threat that focuses on damaging the data on victims' device. Once the file gets marked using .karl appendix, data becomes useless and unopenable.

Ransomware functionality

Karl ransomware virus is the encryption-based malware that comes on the machine and cannot be spotted until files get encoded. This process can happen immediately after the infiltration or a few moments later. It depends on additional scripts that get included in the initial payload of malware.

Karl ransomware hides behind the Windows Updates process window and alters files in the background. Once that is done, data gets marked and ransom note loaded on the desktop, placed in various folders with encrypted files. _readme.txt file contains the following message:

ATTENTION!

Don’t worry, you can return all your files!
All your files like photos, databases, documents and other important are encrypted with strongest encryption and unique key.
The only method of recovering files is to purchase decrypt tool and unique key for you.
This software will decrypt all your encrypted files.
What guarantees you have?
You can send one of your encrypted file from your PC and we decrypt it for free.
But we can decrypt only 1 file for free. File must not contain valuable information.
You can get and look video overview decrypt tool:
https://we.tl/t-sTWdbjk1AY
Price of private key and decrypt software is $980.
Discount 50% available if you contact us first 72 hours, that’s price for you is $490.
Please note that you’ll never restore your data without payment.
Check your e-mail “Spam” or “Junk” folder if you don’t get answer more than 6 hours.

Experts^[3] note that you cannot trust those people and shouldn't contact them in any way. Even though the ransom demand seem small and they offer a discount, Karl ransomware is developed by cybercriminals. There is no need to keep them linked with your email address or device. There is a possibility that after the payment your files remain encrypted and device permanently damaged.

Get the anti-malware tool and scan the machine to remove Karl ransomware virus completely. To ensure that Windows does not crash and functions well after the infection, use FortectIntego. This particular virus also leaves a modified hosts file placed in C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\, so make sure to delete it, or virus may renew itself. Karl ransomware virus is a malware developed by criminals and cryptocurrency-extortionists. The ransom note _readme.txt shows this demanding message.

Hacking tools and deceptive techniques help to distribute ransomware over the internet

The most common ransomware spreading technique used by this family is software cracks and fake update tools when people try to obtain cheats, serial numbers or video games from torrent sites, other sharing services. This method involves malicious files that get loaded on the machine during the installation and download. EXE or DLL file disguised as some part of the game or crack launches ransomware payload and the machine immediately get infected without your knowledge.

Also, such malicious script may get included as a file attachment on spam email notifications stating about DHL, eBay, FedEx, and other services. The financial details themed emails ensure that users open the email without thinking twice, and malicious macros get triggered by opening the document downloaded on the system.

You need to avoid getting anything from shady sources, torrent pages, free download websites. You have no idea what you can get added to the program or file you initially wanted. Also, delete spam email section and email box in general, once you receive a suspicious email.

Get rid of Karl ransomware using antivirus tools

This Karl ransomware virus is a complex malware that makes various changes on the machine, so it can interfere with the elimination process and disable or even delete programs running on the machine. This ransomware adds neede programs to affect the performance and keep you from terminating all core files.

You need to remove Karl ransomware as soon as possible because some of those changes can corrupt your device permanently. It disrupts the system, especially security functions to affect system files and encrypt those personal documents and photos.

The best Karl ransomware removal option is automatic method with anti-malware tools. Manual termination is more suitable for experienced users and is not recommended by experts. Since you are dealing with a well-known threat, get anti-malware software and scan the machine.

Check Karl ransomware removal guide on YouTube

STOP/Djvu ransomware viruses are constantly being tweaked and code updated with more advanced features. Previously, some of the variants were delivering an additional payload to the host machine (such as banking Trojan ARORult). Karl ransomware, being one of the newest versions of this malware family, can incorporate features not previously seen before.

Thus, Karl ransomware might be difficult to remove, especially for users who never had to deal with serious computer infections. We compiled a virtual guide which explains everything in detail, as simply scanning the computer with anti-malware might not be enough.

Please check the following Karl ransomware removal instructions – the video also includes steps on how to reach Safe Mode with Networking in order to prevent the virus from affecting anti-malware software: