How to remove KCTF Locker ransomware

KCTF Locker ransomware is yet another cyber threat that poses as an educational ransomware

KCTF Locker ransomware is a file-encrypting virus that was supposedly invented for educational purposes. However, no educational organization or service is linked to this threat, and the only ones who should be blamed are hackers. The main targets of this ransomware^[1] are Japanese-speaking users as the ransom note it displays is written in this language, and the sample of the virus was uploaded from East Asia IP address. KCTF Locker modifies the victim's data by using the XOR encryption method, and, after the process, marks locked files with .DWG file extension. After the encryption, files become useless. The ransom note, which was called as KCTF LOCKER, typically states that files have been encrypted and that the victim needs to pay 10 BTC to the provided wallet to get them restored.

KCTF Locker ransomware is a cryptovirus that modifies various data on the infected system. For the encryption, it chooses anything from photos, videos to documents or even archives. The virus typically changes the code of the data by using the predetermined encryption algorithm to make it useless. You can identify encrypted files because ransomware is appending .DWG file extension to the locked data.

After the encryption is done using XOR encryption method, virus generates a ransom note and places it as a program window on the screen. The message called KCTF LOCKER displays the following text:

Your data has been encrypted.
If you want to restore, please pay 10 BTC below
3AmD4gsD9kUe7GEvNra6gNm2ALBF9KrLzv

KCTF Locker ransomware demands to 10 BTC for the locked files, but we do not recommend paying this fee or even contacting these cybercriminals in any way. Any communication between the victim and hackers can lead you to the permanent data or money loss. 

You need to remove KCTF Locker ransomware as soon as possible, so you can clean your device and restore locked data. Since the threat can block your antivirus, you should reboot the device in Safe Mode with Networking and then run a scan. You can find alternative removal methods down below as well as the ransomware tends to block its victims and prevent its removal.

After the proper KCTF Locker removal, you need to fix the damage this threat caused. You can use reputable anti-malware like FortectIntego for the job. This tool scans your system thoroughly and detects various system vulnerabilities and other possible threats. If you are planning to do a data recovery using a backup, you can only do that after the device is fully cleaned. Ransomware can encrypt newly added data too. 

Spam emails have been used to spread direct malware script

Malicious actors have been widely using email campaigns to distribute their viruses. They have been luring people to open safe-looking emails and download file attachments with macro-virus^[2] or direct malware script. Typically, these malicious emails look legitimate because virus developers tend to hide their products under well-known company names and logos. 

You should be aware of these techniques and, every time you get an email you are not expecting, delete these messages without opening. If you downloaded the file from the email that was affected by ransomware, the minute you open it malware installs direct script to your device and your system gets infected. 

You can avoid this if you scan every file with an antivirus before opening it on the device. Also, you can look for red flags on these emails. For example, if the email contains various ads or other commercial content you should be concerned. Researchers^[3] note that typos, grammar mistakes or lots of hyperlinks can indicate that this email is spam and has no important information.

Eliminate KCTF Locker ransomware related problems 

To remove KCTF Locker ransomware properly and get rid of the damage, you need to be very cautious. Since this is a silent intruder, it may work in the background and change various settings on the device. Use our guide to block the virus and then scan the system using FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes to clean the system thoroughly and fix the damage caused by the threat.  

Manual KCTF Locker ransomware removal is not recommended as there are numerous files and components to look after. Then, don't forget to clean up all the damage after the virus termination and restore your encrypted files. To recover this data, you can also rely on methods provided by our experts.