Kee ransomware / virus (Virus Removal Guide) - Quick Decryption Solution
Kee virus Removal Guide
What is Kee ransomware virus?
The author of Kee ransomware virus doesn’t know how to decrypt files
Kee ransomware is a new file-encrypting virus that uses AES[1] cryptography to encrypt files on the affected computer. Malware aims at video, audio, video, text and other widely used file types. Following data encryption, it drops a ransom-demanding message in “Hello There! Fellow @kee User!.txt” file and runs a program window that states “All files on your computer have been encrypted. The author of Kee doesn’t seem interested in a traditional swap – victim’s Bitcoins for decryption software. In the ransom message, it is stated that people cannot get back their files. Moreover, once the timer provided in the pop-up window comes to zero, all encrypted files will be deleted. Hacker tries to be honest and tells that there might be a chance to decrypt data; however, he or she doesn’t know how to do it. Thus, there’s not much you can do after the attack. Just remove Kee from the device and look up for data recovery solution!
It seems that developer of the ransomware is disappointed in whole ransomware business. In the message, hacker talks about other cyber criminals asking for Bitcoins and never providing a decryption software. Thus, this piece of malware is just a destructive program that does not even profit its owner. Maybe, the creator of Kee virus became a victim of crypto-malware and lost his or her money. As a result, the hacker decided to spread the anger and cause damage to other computer users. We believe that creating ransomware virus in order to teach people about risks with paying the ransom is not a nice motive. However, if you ever encounter this uncommon file-encrypting virus, all you have to do is to get rid of it. Kee removal is performed using malware removal program, such as FortectIntego. If you cannot install or access security tool, please scroll down to the end of the article. There you will find detailed instructions how to deal with these obstacles. What is more, data recovery solutions are also presented down below.
Distribution methods of the ransomware
Kee might be spreading using complex techniques. The most popular of them is undoubtedly malicious email attachments.[2] Malicious payload might be attached to a regular email and look like as innocent Word or PDF document. Usually, such letters inform about a necessity to open the invoice, flight tickets or check other important information provided in the attachment. However, once a person clicks on obfuscated file, the malicious payload is dropped and executed on the system. Kee hijack might also occur after clicking on a malware-laden advertisement. Malicious ads might be placed not only on high-risk websites but also on your favorite news portal. Bear in mind malvertising is growing rapidly and infected ads might barely differ from legitimate ones. Lastly, you can encounter Kee when downloading software and updates from unknown online sources. Besides, you should not forget to update all programs installed on the device. Ransomware can also use exploit kits and take advantage of outdated programs to infiltrate the computer.
Automatic Kee removal method
If you see a worrying window on the screen that informs about deleting your files in a couple of hours, you should not waste your time. Install reputable malware removal program and remove Kee from the device. It helps to protect your files from the deletion if ransomware is actually capable of doing that. We recommend performing automatic virus removal using FortectIntego, Malwarebytes or SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner. These programs are capable of locating and deleting all malicious files and processes running on the system. However, you should not forget to update your chosen malware removal tool first! Sadly, Kee removal won’t help to recover your files. For that, you will need to use backups or try alternative ways to restore your data.
Getting rid of Kee virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
Restart your computer to the Safe Mode with Networking in order to delete virus automatically.
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.
Remove Kee using System Restore
Follow the steps below to reboot the computer to the System Restore mode. It helps to disable the virus and remove it with the help of security software.
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Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
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Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
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Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
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Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
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Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
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When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Kee. After doing that, click Next.
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Now click Yes to start system restore.
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Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
Bonus: Recover your data
Guide which is presented above is supposed to help you remove Kee from your computer. To recover your encrypted files, we recommend using a detailed guide prepared by 2-spyware.com security experts.If you do not have data backups, there’s not much what you can do. Chances to restore your files are low. However, you should not give up. Our team is willing to help you and offers to try these three alternative recovery methods.
If your files are encrypted by Kee, you can use several methods to restore them:
Give Data Recovery Pro a try
Data Recovery Pro is a professional software that helps to restore corrupted, deleted and some of the encrypted files. It’s the only possible option to recover files automatically.
- Download Data Recovery Pro;
- Follow the steps of Data Recovery Setup and install the program on your computer;
- Launch it and scan your computer for files encrypted by Kee ransomware;
- Restore them.
Use Windows Previous Versions feature
If System Restore method has been activated before Kee ransomware attack, you can travel back in computer’s time and access previously saved versions of the files.
- Find an encrypted file you need to restore and right-click on it;
- Select “Properties” and go to “Previous versions” tab;
- Here, check each of available copies of the file in “Folder versions”. You should select the version you want to recover and click “Restore”.
ShadowExplorer might be helpful in data recovery as well
It’s unknown whether malware can delete Shadow Volume Copies of the targeted files or not. If such copies are left, you could use ShadowExplorer and restore your files.
- Download Shadow Explorer (http://shadowexplorer.com/);
- Follow a Shadow Explorer Setup Wizard and install this application on your computer;
- Launch the program and go through the drop down menu on the top left corner to select the disk of your encrypted data. Check what folders are there;
- Right-click on the folder you want to restore and select “Export”. You can also select where you want it to be stored.
Kee decryptor is not available yet
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Kee and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting ransomware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
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- ^ Margaret Rouse. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). TechTarget. Includes tips, webcasts, and other advice in a variety of focused enterprise technology channels.
- ^ David Swan. Malicious emails at five-year high. The Australian. Latest Australian National and Live Business News.