How to remove Kazkavkovkiz ransomware

Kazkavkovkiz ransomware is file locking malware that uses AES encryption method to lock pictures, videos, and other personal files on the target Windows system

Kazkavkovkiz ransomware is yet another crypto-malware that that does not belong to any previously known parasites of the same kind. While it may not have any connections to formerly known ransomware families, its goal remains the same – lock all personal files located on the machine and connected networks, and then demand ransom to be paid in cryptocurrency for the tool that can decipher the inaccessible data. Kazkavkovkiz ransomware was spotted attacking corporations, although it does not prevent it from being spread to regular users as well.

Kazkavkovkiz ransomware performs the encryption using the AES encryption algorithm^[1] and appends a random extension that consists of numbers (so far, only four-digit markers were spotted in the wild, for example, .1401, .1503). Users can then view a ransom note that claims data recovery is not possible unless they contact crooks at kazkavkovkiz@cock.lli or Hariliuios@tutanota.com. Most likely, cybercriminals will demand to pay a ransom in Bitcoin or other digital currency in order for victims to recover the key that can unlock Kazkavkovkiz-locked files.

There is still not much known about the Kazkavkovkiz virus so far, as researchers still did not manage to get their hands on malware sample to analyze it. However, just like any other ransomware, it poses significant dangers to victims, as it can result in permanent data loss. Nevertheless, the dropper, Encrypted.zip, was recently posted on Virus Total and was marked as “clean” by all security vendors, which is an extremely alarming situation.^[2]

While it is true that no decryption tool designed for this strain, users can resort to other methods that may be able to recover at least some files – see instructions below. But before that, you need to make sure that Kazkavkovkiz removal is performed, or the recovery process will be useless.

Kazkavkovkiz ransomware most likely spreads with the help of typical malware distribution means, such as:

• Spam email attachments and malicious hyperlinks
• Exploit kits and software vulnerabilities^[3]
• Pirated software installers, as well as cracks/keygens
• Fake updates that download a malicious executable
• Unprotected RDP connections that rely on the default TCP port, etc.

Once inside the system, Kazkavkovkiz ransomware will perform the necessary system changes (such as Windows registry modification and deletion of Shadow Volume Copies) and then scan the computer and the connected devices/networks for data to encrypt. The virus will target most commonly used files, such as .pdf, .zip, .doc, .mp4, .jpg, ,mdf, .pptx, and many others, to cause maximum damage. Once encrypted, a file turns into something like “filename.xls.1401” and is no longer accessible.

The ransom note, a name of which is yet unknown, is dropped for victims to see the relevant information. Kazkavkovkiz ransomware developers say the following:

Hi!
Your files are encrypted.
All encrypted files for this computer has extension: .1401
—
If for some reason you read this text before the encryption ended,
this can be understood by the fact that the computer slows down,
and your heart rate has increased due to the ability to turn it off,
then we recommend that you move away from the computer and accept that you have been compromised,
rebooting/shutdown will cause you to lose files without the possibility of recovery and even god will not be able to help you,
it could be files on the network belonging to other users, sure you want to take that responsibility?
—
Our encryption algorithms are very strong and your files are very well protected, you can't hope to recover them without our help.
The only way to get your files back is to cooperate with us and get the decrypter program.
Do not try to recover your files without a decrypt program, you may damage them and then they will be impossible to recover.

We advise you to contact us as soon as possible, otherwise there is a possibility that your files will never be returned.
For us this is just business and to prove to you our seriousness, we will decrypt you some files for free,
but we will not wait for your letter for a long time, mail can be abused, we are moving on, hurry up with the decision.

Сontact us:
1.kazkavkovkiz@cock.li
2.Hariliuios@tutanota.com

Don't forget to include your code in the email: 

While paying cybercriminals is one of the options when trying to recover files encrypted by Kazkavkovkiz virus, security experts^[4] highly discourage it, as hackers may simply never provide a decryptor, or it might not work in the first place. There are alternative solutions that you can try when trying to restore data – if you had backups, you would be able to recover from malware infection with no problems.

However, before that, you need to remove Kazkavkovkiz ransomware from your computer – you should employ anti-malware software for that, such as FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. Once you delete the malware and all its components, only then you can connect your backup devices; otherwise, all the restored data would be encrypted once again.

Don't get tricked by crybercriminals and avoid ransomware infections 

Malware developers are usually sophisticated individuals, constantly implementing more effective ways of infecting as many hosts as possible. For that, they employ various tactics, and while some may be more advanced than the others, most of them make use of some sort of social engineering. Conclusively, users install malware themselves, usually because of a lack of experience in the IT field or negligence.

Therefore, it is important to know what kind of situations are better to avoid when dealing with with online content. The early malware mainly relied on spam emails and contaminated external storage devices to propagate, and, while the former is still very relevant, hackers moved on to much more effective methods.

You should make sure that your computer is adequately protected with anti-malware software that scans the incoming traffic and would able to stop any malicious executables from being launched. However, security tools are no longer enough, and you should also remember to do the following:

• Make sure you Windows OS is patched with the latest security updates
• Employ additional tools for protection, such as Firewall and ad-block
• Avoid high-risk websites such as torrents, porn, gambling, etc.
• Never download software cracks or illegal programs from unknown sites
• Use strong passwords for all your accounts, and pay close attention to RDP if you are using it – do not use the default TCP port 3389
• Never allow an email attachment to run macro commands
• Scan unknown files with tools like Virus Total.

Take your time to remove Kazkavkovkiz ransomware before you proceed with data recovery

Kazkavkovkiz virus is a relatively new threat, so it is yet unknown which security applications would be able to recognize it. However, most of the anti-malware tools are equipped with behavioral analysis functions that are capable of catching malware, which was previously not seen in the wild. Therefore, you might need to try several programs before you succeed with Kazkavkovkiz ransomware removal – we suggest using FortectIntego or SpyHunterCombo Cleaner. 

In some cases, you might have to enter Safe Mode in order to remove Kazkavkovkiz ransomware, as it may tamper with your anti-malware software (parasites often include functions that may disable or impair security applications installed on the host machine). Once in the security environment, perform a full system scan to eliminate all the malicious components of malware.

As for file recovery, check the solutions below. If they do not help, and you have no backups, you will have to wait till security experts discover vulnerabilities within Kazkavkovkiz ransomware and manage to develop a working decryptor.